Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday Happy Hour: Rob Roy

We once heard someone describe scotch as "a grumpy old bachelor, seldom to be found in a marrying mood." They were describing the fact that there aren't many cocktails made with scotch, not necessarily describing the kind of people who enjoy scotch (although it kind of speaks for itself). One of the most popular of the cocktails made with scotch is the Rob Roy:


Pretty easy to make -- they simply call for a 2:1 ratio of scotch and sweet vermouth. Here's a similar recipe, yet with a little different take:

The "Scotch Manhattan" indeed. For those of you out there who may not like scotch, this drink may be an opportunity to ease into it and end up liking it! Regardless, this drink is perfect for these winter nights that don't seem to be leaving any time soon.
Cheers!

Today's Friday Happy Hour is sponsored by ...


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wednesday's Food Section: Tropicana Kabobs

You might think that you'd have to ship something this good directly from Hawaii -- but you can make them in your own home! Imagine how delighted your friends and family will be when you serve these at your next theme party! Here's how:

Bon appetit!

February 23 in Chicago history

The first Rotary Club was founded in Chicago in 1905.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Friday, February 18, 2011

Friday Happy Hour: Something Unspeakable

This looks delicious! We'll have one of those!! What's it called?

Honestly, we can handle a "Slippery Nipple" or a "Flaming Orgasm" but this drink is going one step too far. Do you mean to tell us that our precious guardian angel has a .... we can't say it! But, the visual presentation of this drink -- the "optics" -- clearly show where the drink gets its name. We should point out that this drink is exceedingly sweet -- think of something along the lines of hummingbird nectar. Something slightly less sweet is the "Angel's Tip":

Maybe if you added the cherry to this one, you'd end up with a kind of Bavarian chocolate drink.
Cheers!

Today's Friday Happy Hour is sponsored by ...


Monday, February 14, 2011

Saturday, February 12, 2011

February 12 in Illinois history

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday Happy Hour: Alexander

An Alexander is another of those guilty drinks we love so much here at Rogers Park Retro. It's creamy, light, and indulgent. There are a few fundamentals we need to establish, though. First: this drink isn't mixed in a blender. Second: this drink isn't mixed in a blender. Third: even though a lot of old watering holes do it, this drink isn't mixed in a blender. Having established that, let's have fun! Here are some recipes from Oscar Haimo:

There are two popular versions for the Alexander -- one with gin and the other with brandy. Usually, the gin version is the "Alexander" and the brandy version is a "Brandy Alexander." But, with either of these, the formula is pretty easy (and easy going down): cream, creme de cacao, and gin or brandy. Here, as you can see, he calls for twice as much spirit as the liqueur, and only a dab of cream. The proportions are slightly different here:

Our formula at Rogers Park Retro is the 2:1:1 proportions they have here. To make it slightly less boozy, you can do a 1:1:1 ratio, as they do here:

And, we do need to add that the traditional garnish for this drink (gin or brandy) is a dash of grated nutmeg on the top. Aromatic, refreshing, and beautiful. Here is a little lore about the Alexander from "Famous New Orleans Drinks (and how to mix 'em)":

Well, after reading that, we feel like we've just be regaled by a Kentucky Colonel cum New Orleans bartender. Note that they include an egg white, which is a different twist, but worth experimenting with. But, "simply de-lovely" indeed!
Cheers!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Wednesday's Food Section: cooking with condensed soups

We've already featured some delicious dishes from this vintage recipe book, but we wanted to take this chance to introduce you to the book in greater detail -- and especially to introduce you to Anne Marshall, who was "semi-homemade" before "semi-homemade" was cool! Here's a message from her to you:

We do want to visit her kitchen at Campbell's in Camden 1, New Jersey! And we love her even more for not being afraid of extra heavy cream in her soup! Now, on to today's tempting recipes. Here's a concept of how they'll be served:

Perfect from a nice dinner for the in-laws, the ladies bridge club, or a church potluck! Here are the easy to follow recipes:
That's a meal right there! But, wait, there's more ....

Now, that's a party on the go! And, don't forget the puff:

And, it's so versatile, you can make this with beef or tuna! Bon appetit!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

February 6 in Illinois history

Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, IL in 1911, 100 years ago today.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday Happy Hour: After Dinner Get Together

In another installment of our continuing series of party ideas from the good people at Wolfschmidt, here is a concept for an "after dinner get together." Of course, we're not sure if the idea is to have dinner separately, and then invite the folks over for drinks and nibbles after dinner? Or if we're having dinner out somewhere and inviting them back for a nightcap? Well, work that out for yourself, but here we go:
Well, the hors d'oevres sound delicious! Particularly that rum cake -- just don't let it turn into a soggy mess! And, here are the drink specials:
Kind of a vodka stinger!

Sounds great -- and it kind of sounds like a vodka version of a Ward 8!
Cheers!

February 4 in Illinois history

Betty Friedan was born in Peoria, IL in 1921.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

February 3 in Illinois history

The Illinois Territory was established in 1809.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Wednesday's Food Section: eat your breakfast!

Take Mom's advice -- eat your breakfast! You know it's the most important meal of the day. From our friends at the Quaker Oats Company, we have a delicious suggestion for a breakfast of champions:

Oatmeal and fruit -- together! Tangy! Different! And you can pick from peaches (as shown), strawberries, and pineapple! Triple yum!
Bon appetit!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

February 1 in Illinois history

Illinois ratifies the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, in 1865.