May I Suggest...
By Barbara Kozlowski (05/08/2009)
For the Village Wine Rack

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!!! This is one of the holidays everyone shares, the other being Father’s Day. Mom’s are really special and really deserve a week long celebration.

To make this occasion special, try a new cocktail. Add a sprig of Rosemary to a Gin & Tonic that’s made by mashing a lime wedge with 4 cucumber slices in a glass, 2 ounces of Gin, ice and topped off with tonic water. Another idea is to muddle a handful of fresh mint leaves in a shaker with 1 1/2 ounces of Rum, the juice of one lime, 1 ounce of simple sugar and 2 dashes of bitters. Shake with ice, strain into a flute and top with Champagne. This drink is called Old Cuban. Another fun cocktail is a Real-Man Margarita. Salt the rim of a beer mug, fill with ice, add a Mexican beer, a squeeze of Lime, a splash of Tequila and hot sauce to taste.

For non-alcoholic cocktails, try a White-Grape Spritzer made with equal parts of white grape juice and lemon-lime soda, served over ice with slices of fresh fruit. Another non-alcoholic idea is a Honeydew Ice. Puree 1 cup each of frozen honeydew melon and diced cucumber with the juice of 1 lime and some sugar. Serve in a tall glass.

There are so many ideas for refreshing summer drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Just use your imagination and experiment with favorites. With all the new flavors of Gins, Vodkas, Rums plus variations of fruit and vegetables juices, we could try new ideas for a long time.
An updated version of veggies on the grill is CAESAR PASTA PRIMAVERA.

The Recipe:
CAESAR PASTA PRIMAVERA

2 10 oz pkgs of white mushrooms
1 12 oz pkg cherry tomatoes
1 10 oz sweet onion cut into 1 inch pieces
1 lb summer squash cut into 1 inch pieces
2 red sweet peppers cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (low-cal or regular)
12 oz whole-wheat spaghetti
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh Basil for garnish

Heat gas grill to medium-high or charcoal grill with medium-hot coals, coat rack with non-stick spray. Divide veggies equally and alternately thread onto 8 skewers. Brush veggies with 1/4 cup of dressing and grill until slightly charred, about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until veggies are softened. Remove from skewers to a warm platter. Cook pasta, drain and toss with remaining 1/4 cup of dressing. Serve veggies on bed of pasta, garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh Basil. This can be used as a main course or side dish for grilled chicken. The veggies can include Zucchini, carrots, Brussels Sprouts or your favorite. ENJOY!!!

Have a wonderful MOTHER’S DAY!!! BON APETIT & SKAAL.