Friday, November 19, 2010

Only 6 days left???


This has been one of those weeks where blogging seems like a whole lot of work. I’ve been cooking like crazy in preparation for Thanksgiving, and that hasn’t left a whole lot of time for much else. No time for photographing the food, or writing what I hope to be entertaining stories about each dish. I’ve been a bit of a spaz this year. Usually, by this time, the Thanksgiving menu is set and I’m confident in my choices. But this year, I keep changing my mind…I keep thinking of new and improved ideas, and after trying them out, if deemed tasty enough, I’m left with the dilemma of what to cross off or keep on the list.

Here are a few of my attempts that will definitely NOT be making the Thanksgiving menu:
-Shrimp puffs that resulted in oddly spongy puffs…too much egg, not enough egg?? I don’t know, but I do know I won’t be making them again.
-Baked clams that I managed to dehydrate into a state of clam jerky. Probably not going to be the next hottest food trend.
-Mini crab tarts that were so completely overwhelmed by the pastry shell that the crab was unrecognizable.

So this has been going on for the last couple weeks and I have to admit: I’m exhausted. I will breathe a sigh of relief when Thanksgiving dessert is served and I can relax with a (humongous) glass of wine.

Speaking of alcoholic beverages, that’s about all I really had the energy for tonight. This was our Friday, and when we got home, I just wanted to sit. But I can always rally for a cocktail. (Saying that makes me think of Sandra Lee, who always has “cocktail time.” I’m not her biggest fan, but I have to appreciate her allegiance to the cocktail hour.)

Into the kitchen I went for martini testing once again. (My last martini test kitchen resulted in the yummy Chocolate-Pumpkin Spice Martini.) Here’s what I came up with tonight…this is definitely a job I don’t hate.

Butterscotch Dream Martini

1 part butterscotch liqueur
1 part Frangelico
1 part heavy cream
grated butterscotch chip, for garnish

Combine first three ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Grate butterscotch chip over top.


This martini is like a milkshake, if milkshakes had a high alcohol content and made you really happy. Definitely more of an after-dinner/dessert drink, but not overly sweet. The combination of butterscotch and hazelnut is divine.

Six days until Thanksgiving?! I swear that next year I won’t be making menu changes at the eleventh hour. But I say that every year…


If I don’t surface before then, Happy Thanksgiving!

39 comments:

  1. This drink looks amazing. I think I better have one pre-made for when I start my cooking frenzy. :-)

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  2. Sounds like you deserve that cocktail! Looks delicious! I don't usually experiment with cocktails, but often wish I had more recipes. I'll definitely be keeping this one on hand!

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  3. Mmmm...dessert in a glass, with booze to boot! Sign me up...yummy!

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  4. though i dont drink spirits, wendy nailed it with dessert in a glass with booze to boot

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  5. Never had butterscotch liqueur, but I love Frangelico! Looks rich and yummy!

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  6. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...Butterscotch + Gorgeous presentation = an Awesome post! :)

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  7. A dreamy martini!!
    That creamy taste would be delicious. Excellent!

    Good luck with the preparation of the Thanksgiving menu :)

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  8. I know the feeling!

    This martini looks to die for, may have to "test" it tonight for the sake of my diners... it's a tough job!

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  9. The martini looks totally delicious...! I love creamy beverages :)!

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  10. These festive tables can be a pain in the neck. I can totally understand the feeling. I think this martini made you just forget all these for a while.

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  11. I would love to try that martini! I am actually not really worrying about Tgiving this year, since it will just be my husband and kids. I think I will enjoy it more if I don't stress over it!

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  12. I just hate days like that and I've had a few...but that martini is sure to make it all better; looks so good and festive.

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  13. I'm starting my thanksgiving recipe-testing today! So much to do and so little time! These martinis are definitely what I need to get me through. I'm going to mix one up now. yes. it's 7:30 AM here.

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  14. Whilst I'm not able to drink yet, I can certainly appreciate this recipe because it sounds sooo delicious. I hope that your thanksgiving is lovely, and that you can squeeze in some relaxation time too.

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  15. This looks decadent!!! I'm sure after a few of these, ANY botched recipe would taste fabulous :) Not that you will botch anything-- it will all be fabulous. Sadly, I am not cooking dinner this year, BUT will be attending a feast hosted by a fellow foodie in my family, so it will be amazing. MIght have to bring these cocktails!

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  16. Milkshakes do make me really happy! As do things with high alcohol content! Clam jerky may not be the next trend, but this certainly has a chance ...

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  17. I'm all about cocktail hour also! This cocktail looks and sounds delicious. I am not hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year like last but still need to find a dessert worthy enough to take. The countdown is on and I have you to thanks for the panic um... reminder. Ugh! What to bring, what to bring?

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  18. I love butterscotch! I think I would love this. Isn't it exciting! I think most probably everyone is busy with the dark Friday shopping next week other than he celebration. Enjoy have fun!
    Cheers, Kristy

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  19. butterscotch liqueur.. I never tasted before.. This sounds really interesting martini recipe...Hope you have fun @ Thanks Giving...

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  20. I tried one last night. Yummy!

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  21. I hear ya, Sister! Forget Sandra Lee--I love the fact that you are bringing back the cocktail hour.

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  22. Hi, just to let you know that little award is waiting for you at my blog!

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  23. Great looking cocktail! Same here, not completely a fan of Sandra Lee, but who could resist a nice cocktail?

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  24. Yum! I always thought there weren't enough desserts with butterscotch chips...and there definitely aren't enough cocktails with them!

    Happy Thanksgiving and good luck with your menu planning :)

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  25. This martini looks wonderful... I'll take two!

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  26. Looks extremely inviting to me...interesting recipe, beautiful click too:)

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  27. You always have such wonderful cocktail recipes.
    This one is a winner , too.

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  28. milky rich cocktails are always the winner. yummy!

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  29. Looks lush, love the butterscotch flavours.

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  30. I LOVE butterscotch, but have never thought to have it in a drink. Looks great!

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  31. Butterscotch in martini...what a great combination!

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  32. I completely understand the life vs. blogging conundrum. And, I can seriously use a tasty drink like that right about now.

    As much of a purist as I can be about certain things I love making non-traditional martinis!

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  33. Great blog! Your wallpaper is awesome!

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  34. Looks tasty! Just facebook/tweeted it for Foodwhirl.com :)

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  35. Lovely martini and so inviting your mentioning it's like a milkshake. It's dessert in a tini glass! :)

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