Rogers Park Retro

Friday Happy Hour: Sun Down Barmate, Encore!

2011-09-02T10:10:00.009-05:00

Welcome to Labor Day weekend! Alas, we have to bid an official goodbye to summer (although we'll have several more weeks of good weather). Here's our farewell kiss from Southern Comfort . . .

The end of the day, the end of a season -- the sweetest part!

And, we have a new fall season to look forward to -- along with all of our favorite drinks!

And the togetherness won't be ending -- simply some new opportunities for activities!

Let's do it again next summer!

Cheers!

Wednesday's Food Section: Paradise Meringues

2011-08-31T07:44:00.003-05:00

How about a trip to paradise? Well, we're on our way! Thanks, Quaker Oats!

Bon appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-08-29T05:31:00.002-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Sun Down Barmate

2011-08-26T10:00:00.002-05:00

In these dog days of summer, this looks like a great way to cool down (or heat things up!). Let's see what our friends at Southern Comfort have for us:

What goes better with smiles than Southern Comfort?

Well, it looks like they've got the science behind them on this! And, if that doesn't convince you, how about this proof:

Okay, we're convinced, Southern Comfort is the drink for us!

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by . . .

2011-08-26T09:45:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Icy Salmon Mold

2011-08-24T07:19:00.004-05:00

The experts at Bordo have come up with an ideal dish to serve at your next luncheon! Not only is the presentation perfect, but this is a dish you'd pick even in a blind taste test!

Bon appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-08-22T05:29:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Ronrico Rum

2011-08-19T10:00:00.006-05:00

Could we talk you into sharing some more rum drinks with us? We thought so! And, we have some easy recipes to make refreshing cocktails from fresh ingredients:

Don't forget to notice the inset with the measurements, which come in handy when making these classic rum concoctions (and some that are perhaps improved with rum):

And, for a big finish, one word: Coconga!

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by . . .

2011-08-19T09:48:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Apple Cheese Dumplings

2011-08-17T07:14:00.003-05:00

This dessert will steal the show when you serve it at your next dinner party! It might take some practice (see the black and white photos, above), but the finished product (in living color, above) will produce gasps! Here's how to do it:

Bon appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-08-15T05:28:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Rum Carioca

2011-08-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

Summer is the ideal time for tropical, refreshing rum drinks! And, as promised, your drinks will sing! Here are recipes for something tropical and a twist on a classic:

And, here are two classics, but with rum:

And, if you'd like more choices, take your pick:

Perfect!

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by . . .

2011-08-12T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: meatloaf and peaches!

2011-08-10T07:37:00.003-05:00

Here's how to satisfy your family for dinner! The folks at Quaker Oats have all the good ideas. Here's how:

Bon appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-08-08T05:27:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Beachcombers Barguide, encore!

2011-08-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

We're returning to the best of 1971 with Southern Comfort and their fashions and cocktails for the beach and on the water! We don't need to tell you that the drinks aren't the only thing mixing! As we see here, you can wear your favorite spirit brand as a toga:

Who's smooth in that picture, the drink or him?

Running in the surf! Dancing in the sand!

As they say, relax ....

Talk about enjoying your summer!

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by . . .

2011-08-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Crescent Cheeseburgers

2011-08-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

Well, this certainly proves the truth in the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. What words would you choose? We'd start with "yum!" Sure, this isn't what you'd serve to the Queen of England if she happened to come by for dinner, but, let's be honest, don't they look good for a nosh with some TV with the family? Admit it! Here's how to make this magic happen:

Thanks, Mrs. Edwin Swisshelm! Bon appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-08-01T06:25:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Beachcombers Barguide

2011-07-29T10:05:00.000-05:00

It's been the rainiest July in history here in Rogers Park, and we're ready for some fun in the sun for a change!

It's a good thing that our friends from Southern Comfort have such great ideas and suggestions!

Look how they're mixing!

Some tall, cool ones there! Cheers!

Wednesday's Food Section: some summer fun from Bordo

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Our good friends at Bordo have given us a not-to-be-missed taste treat of shish kebabs and apple pie! American, yet foreign! Familiar, yet exotic! Here's the formula:

Bon appetit!

Friday Happy Hour: Daiquiri

2011-07-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

Hot summer days = cool refreshing rum, lime, and sugar. Enough said! Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-07-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: spoon bread, muffins, and doughnuts

2011-07-13T11:13:00.009-05:00

Just in time for the state fair, how about whipping up some baked goods to enter for a blue ribbon prize?

There's a trio of winners! Here's the spoon bread recipe:

Savory and delicious -- and it will feed a family! Here's the muffin recipe:

Hmm .... different from what you were probably expecting! In a good way! Try these doughnuts, too:

That's going to take home the top prize, for sure! Bon appetit!

Wednesday's Food Section: Pineapple Chiffon Pie

2011-07-06T09:51:00.003-05:00

"Another piece?"

"Oh, I couldn't .... well, if you insist!"

With this retro recipe from our friends at Quaker Oats, expect to have clean plates! Here's how:

Perfect for your summer family reunions or just a casual evening with friends! Bon appetit!

Flags of America: Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

4th of July picnic!

2011-07-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ready for a 4th of July cook out and some fireworks tonight?

It's our country's 235th birthday! What better way to celebrate than with a get together and some good food.

"Sassy"? Sounds about right!

Obviously, something for all tastes! Happy 4th!

Flags of America: Betsy Ross Flag

2011-07-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Flags of America: Star Spangled Banner

2011-07-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Margarita

2011-07-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July weekend -- Margaritas for everyone! The Margarita is a versatile drink that can be made a lot of ways, but here's a straight-forward recipe to start with:

Here's a little history and commentary on this popular drink:

Of course, a Margarita evokes feelings of the west and south of the border:

We've heard that tequila is unique among spirits in that it's actually an "upper" whereas all other spirits are "downers." Make of that what you will. But, don't people drinking Margaritas usually seem pretty happy?

Looks good! Happy Independence Day and cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-07-01T09:43:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: on the Moon

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Flags of America: Iwo Jima

2011-06-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Peary Flag

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Commodore Perry

2011-06-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Guilford Courthouse

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Cowpens

2011-06-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Sarapis

2011-06-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Flags of America: Fort Moultrie

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Gadsden Flag

2011-06-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Baked Tuna Ring

2011-06-22T10:37:00.003-05:00

Your mouth is already watering, amirite? This not-to-be-made -- uh, we mean not-to-be-missed -- recipe comes from our Quaker Oats friends:

Guaranteed leftovers! Bon appetit!

Flags of America: Grand Union

2011-06-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Flags of America: Rattlesnake Flag

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: The Green Mountains

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Flags of America: Washington's Cruisers

2011-06-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

Flags of America: Bunker Hill Flag

2011-06-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Cuba Libre

2011-06-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

Of course, you remember the Andrews Sisters' hit "Rum and Coca-Cola" -- it's part of the eternal soundtrack of care-free island life, even though it is really about a mother-daughter prostitution ring. But, that's another story. In keeping with the theme of care-free island life, however, we turn to this week's cocktail special, the Cuba Libre. As the authors noted above, it's hard to distinguish the Cuba Libre from a Rum & Coke -- further confirmed by our friends at Ronrico, below:

They agree on the amount of amount of rum (1.5 oz), but differ on the kind of rum and the amount of lime. Chalk it up to personal style and personal preference. Here's an almost identical recipe, which they're calling "Rum 'n Cola":

As they suggest -- and is often done -- cola mixes with a lot of other things besides rum. But, there's no song about "Southern Comfort and Coca-Cola." And, for a final demonstration of how interchangeable these drinks are, here's the same recipe, but for a Cuba Libre:

So, is it a Cuba Libre or a Rum & Coke? Both. Either. Whatever. Drink up. Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-06-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Taunton

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Flags of America: Sons of Liberty

2011-06-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Peppy Cheese Quick Bread

2011-06-15T08:52:00.003-05:00

This week we're spotlighting a second prize winner from Pillsbury! This spicy -- or, um, "peppy" -- bread won't win you $1,000, but it will win you applause from your friends and family! Here's how to do it:

Bon appetit!

Flags of America: Bennington

2011-06-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Flag Day!

2011-06-14T07:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Flag Day! As our readers are aware, we are avid estate sale and yard sale attendees. Recently at an estate sale, we can across a booklet from the American Bicentennial spotlighting historic American flags. So, leading up to Independence Day this year, Rogers Park Retro will be celebrating the 235th anniversary of the independence of the United States by featuring a historic American flag. Tune in each day for a snapshot from American history!

Here's to the spirit of '76!

Friday Happy Hour: "Weekend Brunch" Happy Hour

2011-06-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Sure, it's nice to have friends over for an evening -- but why not have the same friends over for a brunch instead? Good idea! (and, by the way -- a show of hands, please -- who has ever had a "whiskey sour breakfast"?) Here's how your convivial brunch will probably look:

And it looks like it's Comfort Sours all around! Here are some other specials you can offer to your guests:

Jump on the boozy brunch bandwagon! We'll be looking for your invitation sometime soon! Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-06-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Party Salads!

2011-06-08T07:52:00.007-05:00

As always, our friends at Campbell Soup have us hooked up for what to serve at our next luncheon party! Have a look:

You'll practically have to hold your guests back as they charge the buffet line! It looks sophisticated, but it's a cinch to make:

Gelatin and jellied cranberry and condensed cream of chicken soup in one recipe? How did we get so lucky?! Here's more of the magic:

That's a meal in itself! But, wait, there's more ...

We're noticing a gelatin theme, here. To help it all go down, how about this salad dressing:

Bon appetit!

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Bacardi

2011-05-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

We're definately getting into the season of rummy, refreshing drinks. Let's have a Bacardi!

It's actually almost a Daiquiri -- practically kissing cousins. Here's an authentic recipe from "back in the day:"

Happy Memorial Day, and cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-05-27T09:45:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Pancakes and Waffles

2011-05-25T10:00:00.007-05:00

This will be ideal for your Memorial Day brunch! And, you'll be surprised at how versatile pancakes and waffles can be! Here's the basic recipe:

And here are some suggestions on how you can dress them up:

Onion? Spicy? See what we were talking about! Here are some more surprising variations:

Interesting -- you'll be the talk of the Lady's Auxiliary when you serve these! Here are some additional ways to impress:

So, you really can't go wrong -- so may options! Bon appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-05-22T06:13:00.002-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Collins (Tom Collins, John Collins, et al.)

2011-05-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

There's your classic Tom Collins! (and it's going to hit the spot!) The Tom Collins is the chairman of the board of a group of Collins drinks. Let's learn a little of the history of the Collins:

Here are some of the clan members by name:

So, you can see how versatile the Collins is. Start with lemon juice, add sugar, some ice, a booze of choice, and soda -- and some colorful garnishes! Here are some vintage takes on the Collins:

Looks like the whole family is listed there -- Daddy, Mickey, Sandy, Joseph (he's the stuffy one), and Johnny. Where's Mommy? Here are more:

So, you can run with this formula and make a Collins to your taste. We should also notice how refreshing they are -- just look:

Indeed, effervescent, bubbling and alive!

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-05-20T09:45:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Stuffed Acorn Squash

2011-05-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Does the picture do this dish justice? Let your mouth decide!

Thanks Quaker Oats! Bon appetit!

May 18 in Chicago history

2011-05-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Abraham Lincoln is nominated by the Republican Party for president at its convention in Chicago on May 18, 1860.

May 15 in Rogers Park history

2011-05-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Germania -- the area of Rogers Park north of Howard, east of the L, and south of Calvary Cemetery -- is annexed from Evanston to Chicago on May 15, 1915.

Friday Happy Hour: "Imaginative Happy Hour"

2011-05-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Boy, do our good friends at Southern Comfort have all the good ideas!

Ready to hula?

Or, how about a Mardi Gras party -- or Derby day -- or a fiesta -- or the Gay 90s? Yeah!

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-05-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Date Buttermilk Pancakes

2011-05-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

Perfect for a weekend brunch, these buttermilk pancakes -- with all the sides, too, please! -- from our friends at Bordo look great! Here's the whole spread:

Bon appetit!

May 9 in Rogers Park history

2011-05-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

St. Henry's church, at Ridge & Devon, is dedicated in 1852.

Friday Happy Hour: Juleps

2011-05-06T10:00:00.009-05:00

Tomorrow is the 137th annual Kentucky Derby, and to honor the occasion let's have a julep! Specifically, we'll have a mint julep, the signature drink for the occasion -- but let's learn about the broader julep family while we're at it. The julep is another one of the classic drink categories we've been exploring the past several weeks -- in the case of the julep, everyone has heard of the mint julep, but maybe aren't aware that there are other juleps, too. As always, let's go to school on our repeal-era recipe books to learn more:

First, the basic concept of a julep involves these elements: (1) ideally served in a silver glass (but more on that in a moment), (2) combine some sugar and mint (more on that in a moment, too), (3) pack the glass with shaved or crushed ice on top of the sugar and mint, (4) add your booze of choice (as we see above), and (5) top it off with a generous sprig of mint as an aromatic garnish! Here's another couple of recipes from ye olden times:

We said we'd talk more about that first step, involving the sugar and mint. This step is where some personal preference and style enter the equation. You can simply add the sugar and get it dissolved and move on to the ice; you can muddle the sugar with mint (to make it a little extra minty; but the drawback being that you'll probably get little bits of mint leaves floating around in the drink); you can use powdered sugar, granular sugar, or simple syrup. Gosh, now that we think about it, this is getting complicated .... and it's only the first step! Let's make it simple: we suggest using simple syrup because you won't have to deal with the aggravation of dissolving the sugar (and, by the way, never use powdered sugar in drinks -- it' amateurish); if you like it extra minty, use a mint infused simple syrup. Anyway, let's move on past this confusing first step. Let's look at another recipe:

This is pretty much the traditional mint julep for the Kentucky Derby. Let's talk about the glass. As we've been seeing, the traditional glass for a julep is a silver glass. If you have them, go ahead and use them. But, don't sweat it too much if you don't have them. In fact, maybe breathe a sigh of relief. We've heard someone remark that drinking a julep from a silver glass is like sucking on a mouthful of nickels. Yum. So, feel free to use glass. Here's another julep variation:

And, we'll close with another presentation of the classic mint julep that we'll be enjoying for the big race:

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-05-06T09:45:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Scrumptious Scalloped Potatoes

2011-05-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Plain old vegetables get a new lease on life when you cook with condensed soups! The good folks at Campbell's bring us four different irresistible dishes: scrumptious scalloped potatoes, carrots with celery cream sauce, broccoli with chicken cream sauce, and easy stuffed peppers! Let's get started:

Easy and scrumptious! Here are the carrots and broccoli:

Healthy and delicious! Let's not forget the stuffed peppers (which could be our main course!):

Well, now we know what's for dinner tonight! Bon appetit!

May 4 in Rogers Park history

2011-05-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

The Howard Theatre opens in 1918.

May 4 in Chicago history

2011-05-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

May 4 is the 125th anniversary of the Haymarket Square riot, which happened in 1886.

May 3 in Chicago history

2011-05-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

The Sears Tower is completed in 1973.

Friday Happy Hour: Cups

2011-04-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

This week, we're stumbling upon an old and obscure category of drinks that might be the original sangria! Judge for yourself -- is this basically sangria or not?

And here are a lot more varieties:

And some more ....

It is an awful lot like sangria -- a heady mixture of fruits, wine, spirits, liqueurs, syrup, all ready to pour! Might be something to try for your next party -- an example of old things becoming new again.

Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-04-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Veal Stroganoff

2011-04-27T09:40:00.003-05:00

What's for dinner tonight?

Our friends at Quaker Oats have come through for us again! Their suggestion is veal stroganoff -- and judging by the picture, we're in for a delicious dinner! Here's how:

Bon appetit!

Friday Happy Hour: "At Home Happy Hour"

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

This holiday weekend is a great time to have your friends over for a convivial evening! The good people at Southern Comfort have the soiree all planned for us:

Beautiful people, a beautiful time!

So, mix it up! Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-04-22T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Easter Ham!

2011-04-20T18:47:00.006-05:00

As we gear up for Easter, we're coloring our eggs and getting our Easter bonnets ready, let's not forget to prepare for the Easter ham! First, a review of your carving technique:

Looks like an expert source. Let's sharpen our knives:

Excellent. Now, how should we carve the ham?

Like a pro! But, what about baking the ham? For that, we turn to our friends at Old Forester:

See, they even threw in a bean bake recipe for free! You'll be the hit of the Easter parade with that one! Bon appetit!

Friday Happy Hour: Flips

2011-04-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

You might mistake this for a frosty pint of beer, but, as we'll see below, it's something altogether different. As we're exploring some of the classic, pre-prohibition drinks (we've talked about cocktails and rickeys so far), we'll take on the most controversial of them, the flip. It's "controversial" because of one key ingredient: an egg. We've talked before about egg whites, but flips take the whole egg, raw. Well, so that's kind of a disclaimer. If you're still interested in learning more, let's explore it:

So, kind of like the rickey, the flip follows a basic recipe, and you insert your spirit of choice. For a flip, it's an egg, a teaspoon of sugar, and some booze. The thing about a flip is that you have to shake hard to whip up the egg into a froth to give the drink the body it's known for. Here are some more variations for flips:

Another thing to mention is the signature garnish for a flip: nutmeg. Nutmeg is also used as a garnish for some other creamy drinks like an Alexander. The Drink Master also suggests using cinnamon as a garnish:

If you've never had a flip -- or even if you don't want to try a flip -- you've almost certainly had its cousin, egg nog. Egg nog is a little different, especially from the store. The big difference between an egg nog and a flip is that egg nog includes dairy, whereas the flip doesn't. The egg is used simply to add heft and body to the drink. Perhaps it's a good drink for runners, too, due to the protein. Try one for your next 5k -- here's a recipe for you:

That will get you through the finish line! Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-04-15T09:45:00.002-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Chicken Curry

2011-04-13T11:38:00.003-05:00

"Chicken again?" is a question you won't hear when you serve this delicious dish from our dear friends at Bordo! Here's how to ply your friends and family with delicacies from your kitchen:

Bon appetit!

Cold War City

2011-04-12T09:05:00.003-05:00

From our sister site, How to Be a Retronaut, comes this haunting look back at England's Cold War City, an underground bunker built in the 1950s.

Grab a hot cup of tea and step back sixty years.

Friday Happy Hour: Rickeys

2011-04-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about cocktails. Not just mixed drinks, but cocktails -- as in the original meaning of the term. As we learned (so you don't have to go back and look), a cocktail was a specific kind of mixed drink that included a spirit and bitters, and another liqueur or mixer (but not anything fizzy). This week, let's talk about another old school drink, the Rickey. Maybe your granddad drank a Rickey from time to time -- it's an oldie, but a goodie. Here's an introduction to the Rickey from the 1959 edition of The Standard Bartender's Guide:

So, there you have your basic Rickey formula, along with some exotic twists. A Rickey is just your booze of choice, half a lime, some ice, and top off with soda water. Then toss in the lime rind as a garnish. It's tart, but bracing. Like we said, your granddad might have drunk this. Here are some more variations on the Rickey:

And some more:

Say "Rye Whiskey Rickey" three times fast. Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-04-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: a duo of Egg and Cheese

2011-04-06T08:44:00.003-05:00

Here's a family-pleasing dinner you can whip up in less than an hour, all with ingredients you probably have waiting in your kitchen! The hearty macaroni -- a familiar dish, but with a twist -- is nicely complemented by a unique Eggs a la King. Fit for a king! Here's how:

Bon appetit!

Friday Happy Hour: a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor

2011-04-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

This week, we're interupting our regular schedule to bring you an original cocktail from Rogers Park Retro in honor of Elizabeth Taylor, the Violet Eyes. Sweet with an edge, much like the actress by whom it is inspired, the Violet Eyes casts its spell at first glance.

The recipe is 3 parts vodka, 1 part triple sec, 1/2 part creme de violette, and a teaspoon of bar sugar or simple syrup. Soft, beautiful, strong, and original, just like the original Violet Eyes.

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-04-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Chicken Timbales

2011-03-30T06:00:00.005-05:00

Let's have a visit with our friends at the Quaker Oats Company and their booklet My 40 Favorite Recipes. We have previously spotlighted some recipes from this volume, but let's let Mary Alden have a word about how Quaker Oats can open up some possibilities for your home cooking:

Let's take the chance to enjoy one if their featured recipes for Chicken Timbales:

Looks delicious, sophisticated -- and a little exotic! Here's the recipe:

Bon Appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-03-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Cocktails

2011-03-25T10:00:00.010-05:00

We're going to go to school this week for Happy Hour. Oh, and we're going to have some cocktails, too. But, what is a cocktail? The handsome illustration above, from Oscar Haimo's Cocktail and Wine Digest, circa 1945, has a trio of libations being served in stemmed glasses that are synonymous with cocktails (albeit that the bowls are more "U" shaped than "V" shaped, as we have come to expect in contemporary times). Oscar Haimo further explains more of his cocktail philosophy in the following page in his book:

Well, you don't have to remark on what a convivial party this scene depicts (complete with accordion player!) to convey what a buoyant atmosphere any cocktail hour gives. But, he notes that his cocktail recipes are each 3 ounces, and then curiously states that "for all other drinks . . ." What does he mean by "all other drinks"? Nowadays, "cocktails" means any kind of mixed drink; or, even, any alcoholic drink at all. Time was, however, when "cocktails" were a very specific kind of drink. Take, for example, this index from our Repeal-era Mohawk Liquor recipe booklet:

The first -- and biggest -- category is the cocktails. But, they have drinks like "collins" and "coolers" and "fizzes" and "flips" and "frappes" and "juleps" and ... well, you get the idea. It was customary to think of drinks as one of several kinds, and by ordering a cocktail, you were ordering a specific kind of drink, with a pretty regular combination of ingredients. Originally, a "cocktail" was a drink involving a spirit and bitters -- and perhaps some sugar and/or a liqueur. A cocktail glass (or what we sometimes call a Martini glass) was the customary glass used for a cocktail (although they could be served on the rocks in a "rocks" or "old fashioned" glass). In other weeks, we're going to cover some of these other drinks they refer to. While we're talking about all these other old-style drinks, consider this index from another of our Repeal-era recipe booklets:

This one has similar, and even additional, categories of drinks. Here's how the Drink Master describes a cocktail:

In reviewing the "cocktails" in the indexes we showed you, many of these drinks stray from the narrow concept of spirits and bitters; in fact, several of them do not include bitters as an ingredient. So, what's different about these "cocktails" and all of the other categories of drinks? They don't have any carbonation (no seltzer or soda water); their garnishments are pretty much limited to twists, olives, and cherries (no sprigs of mint or anything elaborate); and virtually all of them can be served in a cocktail glass. Common examples of "cocktails" that have stood the test of time include the Manhattan, the Martini, and the Old Fashioned, as well as some of our Rogers Park Retro favorites such as the Bronx, the Jack Rose, the Pink Lady, and the Orange Blossom. Please consider yourselves invited to order any of these classic drinks in honor of the vintage drink known as the "cocktail" at Happy Hour this weekend. We'll circle back to the cocktail in the future -- after we've discussed some of these other vintage drink categories -- and compare notes on what we've learned.

But, meanwhile, cheers!

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

2011-03-25T09:45:00.001-05:00

Wednesday's Food Section: Dumplings 9 ways!

2011-03-23T06:00:00.007-05:00

Sometimes a little bit of homespun goodness is exactly what we need. Our folks at Bisquick suggest something we can't resist: dumplings. What's more, we can dress it up 9 ways! Here's the basic recipe:

And here are four savory dishes you can make with the dumplings:

And here are 5 more ways to dress up the dumplings:

You can eat for more than a week on this! Bon Appetit!

And now, a word from our sponsor

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Happy Hour: Grasshopper

2011-03-18T10:00:00.004-05:00

This is another special from Grandma's liquor cabinet -- and brought to you especially in celebration of St. Patrick's Day (well, St. Patrick's Day weekend). Here's a recipe on how to make it:

Honestly, it's kind of like the best Shamrock Shake you've ever tasted. Green beer is great for St. Patrick's Day, but this is an even better alternative. And, for those of you of mixed ethnic origins, we suggest the Mexican Grasshopper:

That sounds great! Cheers!

This week's Friday Happy Hour is brought to you by ...

2011-03-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T05:00:00.000-05:00