A Heady Glass Of Fall

 That nip in the air means a refreshing cocktail or mocktail to welcome in fall. It's time to use the flavors of the season in tasty sips that are great on their own or with hors d'ouevres. They're easy to make and perfect for those beginners throwing parties.Pears

Apples are the main fruit and flavor of this season.Of course there is cider both hard and soft.Both make the perfect base for a layered concoction, full of zest and spice. Get a few bottles of hard cider. A chilled bottle on its'  own is refreshing but add a splash of bourbon and ginger beer. Add some lemon juice for a refreshing zing. You can also create the classic Old Fashioned.It;s cider missed with bourbon and Angostura bitters. A dash of maple syrup sweetens it up. Cider mocktails are also refreshing and have a kick of their own. Mix up a sparkling one with blending in cranberry juice, ginger ale and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Everyone thinks that cocktails and mocktails should be served cold. Not true. They can be warmed, perfect for a chilly night around the fire pit. A hot cider mocktail should be served in a  mug to contain the heat.  It's making a simple ginger syrup using ginger and brown sugar. The cider and syrup are mixed and microwaved for a minute. A squeeze of fresh orange juice  gives it a citrus-y freshness.

Pears are another fall fruit that can be used I both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Try  a fresh pear cocktail for something delightful and different. The base is a citrus infused vodka (easily made by letting vodka sit with sliced lemons in a jar for two days). there is a tablespoon of agave syrup and three tablespoons hard apple cider. Lime juice gives it brightness and either sliced or shredded pear gives it that mild, sweetly woody taste. This can be made into a mocktail by using a mix of apple juice and plain seltzer.. You don;t want to use the flavor powerful apple cider for this  because it will smother the pear taste. A more sophisticated sip is a pear martini.Use pear flavored vodka, Le Poire along with four ounces of pear juice. (if you have a juicer then make the juice fresh). Add a splash of plain sparkling water and a splash of lemon. Serve in a sugar rimmed cocktail glass. A pumpkin martini is also a wonderful fall cocktail.It's mixing pumpkin puree,vanilla and vodka. Maple syrup or a simple one gives it sweetness while pumpkin pie spice provides color and flavor.

This is the time for fun and fancy drinks. Celebrate fall with these cocktails and mocktails. Enjoy them on a nippy night.

Harvest Drinks

 One of the best aspects of the season is the drinks of the season. Thye can be chilled  for a refreshing sip or warmed for a chilly November day. Either way , they're alwys delcious.

Cider has been in the stores since September. One good thing about it is that it can be served hot or cold. Iced cider  is especially good at a tailgating party. It's a nice change up from soda. You could add some plain seltzer or cranberry flavored one for a fun  fizzy drink.Keep in mind that this apple drink also is the perfect base for a punch if you're thinking of having a party. Mix it with ginger ale and a splash of whiskey if you;re feeling daring.Add some apple and orange slices too for some zing.A thermos fo hot apple cider is always welcomed , whether at a fall picnic or football game. It's cooking it or even apple juice for a few minutes un a saucepan. Cinnamon sticks , cloves and orange peel are added for more flavor. You can serve directly into mugs or pour into a thermos. Hot cider, like its' cold counterpart, can also be used in a punch. Add some rum and orange slices to it.It's the perfect drink for a few friends hanging around the fire pit.

Surprisingly enough the other fruit of the season, the pear cna also be turned into a tasty cider. Not many stores  in the States actually carry it. This version of cider is more of a British drink called perry.  You can buy an alcoholic version. The Swedes have produced one called Kopparberg (and a six pack is only $3.49!!!)  However you can also make a non buzzy one .  what pears to use? Any but try to find ones low in sugar. Most use Barlett pears which are popular right now Take around ten  and combine them with about six to eight cups of water (the water should be two inches above the pears). Cook with one half cup of brown sugar cinnamon sticks and allspice. Also use whole cloves and a vanilla bean pod split open. (Don;t use vanilla extract for this). Bring to a boil and  cook uncovered for an hour. After this mash the pears  - which will be mushy  - and the cover th epot. Cook for another two hours. Strain the cider through a fine meshed metal sieve. Keep the pear mash for eating.It'll be like apple sauce. Serve the perry hot. if you want a punch with it, then add white wine, Calvados and pear slices for a different spin,

Try a cider made from the fall harvest. Both apple and pear versions are perfect for an autumn dinner or party. Try them for a different kind of drink.

The Return Of The Sandwich

It seems a classic is returning to lunch boxes and menus across the land.What is it? The basic sandwich.It could be that people are tired of all those salads or are just sick of wraps.The stuff of a good midday meal has returned and with a tasty vengeance. The marriage of filling and bread ,originated with the Earl o Sandwich who asked for two roast beef slices between bread slices during a gambling spree.From then on it's graced tables, making a quick and easy lunch.Unfortunately i has been vilified in previous years because. It was deemed not nutritious because of the cold cuts used along with the condiments.?However.Nothing beats a well made sandwich whether hot or cold.Thanks to chains like Jake's WayBack and Red Robin, hot sandwiches are coming back.These are not just burger joints.They do have fun burgers that have slices of , rich cheddar,avocado and tomato on them, along with flavored mayo and apple wood smoked bacon.If you do want a fat free sandwich ,then nix the bacon and cheese.A grilled chicken sandwich is another good choice and again both places can customize it to suit your needs. Even homemade sandwiches are becoming on trend again.Thanks to Boar's Head, sandwich lovers and foodie's can create a really good sandwich.The company has low sodium versions of some of their most popular meats.This is perfect for ham lovers who just won't give up a good old fashioned ham on rye.Italian cold cuts are the best for heroes.If you're worried about the nitrates, then just treat yourself to a homemade everything hero once or twice amont.Another idea is sticking with one kind of meat like mortadella or sopressata and layering sliced tomatoes and arugula on it.Add low sodium cheeses too if you want.If you still want a hearty sandwich but love the sandwich ,then think about soy meat.Granted, they're not as flavorful as the real thing but they can sub in nicely,for ham, turkey and roast beef.You can also just have a.simple tomato sandwich.Toast the bread ,slather on the mayo and add thickly sliced vine ripe tomatoes. The sandwich is back.Celebrate with a burger from a chain or one you made yourself.Savor it, enjoy the meshing of a good filling with a tasty bread , bun or roll.Welcome this old friend back into your life.