"It's Friday" 'Summer Cocktail Series" Fruit Cocktail with Rhubarb

Rhubarb is an enigma, you either love it or hate it, no in between.  However, with this cocktail I think love is the only word which will apply after your first sip.  If you need a signature cocktail for a party this one is perfect, it requires some advance prep but worth your time.

Enjoy!

1 Cup granulated sugar
1 whole vanilla bean, halved and scraped.
 5 Stalks Rhubarb - 4 coarsely chopped and 1 cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 pint fresh strawberries- hulled and halved
4 ounces brandy
1 bottle sparkling Rose
1 Cup red wine
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
2 limes juiced.

In a saucepan combine granulated sugar, 1 cup water and the vanilla bean. Simmer until sugar dissolves, turn off hear and add chopped rhubarb. Cover for 5 minutes. Break up rhubarb with a spoon and set aside for 30 minutes, then strain.
Crush 12 berries into the brandy in a bowl; let sit for 30 minutes. Strain. Combine brandy mixture, rose, red wine superfine sugar, lime juice and the rhubarb syrup in a pitcher, and stir in rhubarb slices and rest of strawberries.  Serve with rhubarb stalks.
Serves 6

Have a super weekend!! 

Foutas / Turkish Towels - Basic French wins with Color!

Images courtesy of Basic French ( a lifestyle thing) Basic French

Images Courtesy of Basic French Basic French


I like Gwyneth Paltrow's  personal style and her GOOP blog is one of my favorite blogs to read. She recently launched Goop Collections which features different design collaborations with designers from the fashion and beauty world.
This past week, she launched  Turkish T for Goop at $60 dollars for each Towel ( 40' by 70') or $240.00 for a set of four ( two colors available). Please note, Turkish T  Turkish T -Cotton also sells their towels online but the basic Cotton runs for about $42.00.

Basic French online one of my favorite sites offered Foutas from Basic French for $40 dollars each ( 41' by 76")  in  30 vibrant colors!  You cannot beat that. The BF Foutas are excellent quality, great feel and you will have a difficult time choosing colors. They make great sarongs at the beach too!

Foutas are 110% cotton and can be used as beach towels, as a shawl, or for a picnic table cover.

Check them out at Basic French ( a lifestyle thing)


Have a great weekend!

Fashionmom

London 2012 - Sights and Sites II

A few more photos of 'free' Olympic events, namely the Men's Cycling Road Race and the Men's and Women's Cycling Time Trials.  The latter being known as the '"race of truth" because there is no supportive team to pull you along in its slipstream - it's just you and your bike and nowhere to hide.' (Evening Standard).

Wenlock the Olympic mascot at the Men's Cycling Road Race

Wenlock’s name is inspired by Much Wenlock in Shropshire, England, where the Wenlock Olympian Society held its first Olympian Games in 1850, regarded as an inspiration for the modern Olympic games. (source: Wikipedia)

Crowds waiting for the arrival of the first cyclists - finding any vantage point for a good view 

Peloton approaching

Cycling Time Trials - Hampton Court (began and ended at Hampton Court Palace)

Spectators gathering for the Women's Cycling Time Trials

A female cyclist zooms by with her spare wheels in tow...

Taking a breather before the Men's Cycling Time Trials begins - spectators searching for a good picnic spot

I believe they're rather interested in what's going on.

Men's Time Trials - the crowds are gathering in full force

Can't doubt who they're supporting

The man of the moment - GB's Bradley Wiggins on his way to Gold! 

(After winning Le Tour de France some 10 days ago)

So we may not have a ticket for the Medal Ceremony but we can listen and join in with gusto!

The classical gardens of Hampton Court Palace - spectators from the Time Trials taking the time to enjoy their beauty