An evening's cooking exploits...with recipes!

It's WARM here in Charlotte, and the summer weather in April is GORGEOUS.  To celebrate, tonight I made some great recipes.  Play along for some culinary fun!  Let's start with....

GAZPACHO

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REQUIREMENT:  Eat the seeds scooped from the cucumbers...it's the best part!

Ingredients:
    4 tomatoes, peeled & seeded
    1 cucumber, seeded
    1/2 green pepper
    1/2 onion
    2 cloves garlic
    1 tbsp olive oil
    1 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
    1 cup tomato juice
    1 cup beef broth
    some basil, parsley, oregano, a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime...and anything else you feel is missing.

Mince the garlic and herbs.  Dice everything else (yes, dice the olive oil too, wise-guy ;).  Throw it all in a big pot, do a taste test to assure quality, and put it gently in the freezer (hold on, hold on, I have a plan).  Let it chill while you make.....


SANGRIA!
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REQUIREMENT:  Sample wine to make sure it's ok.  You may need to sample it more than once and get a second opinion.  Open a second bottle only when first bottle is declared a winner, or awesome.

Ingredients:
    1 bottle red or white wine
    6 tbsp sugar
    2 shots brandy
    2 cups seltzer/soda water
    1 orange
    1 lemon
    1/3 apple (I'm experimenting with adding apple)

Cut the citrus in half.  Juice one half and slice the other into rings (it looks pretty).  Combine it all in a large pitcher and stir. Put ice in a glass and pour some for yourself.  Put the pitcher in the fridge to chill and sip your "sample" while you make...

RICE KRISPIE TREATS!!!

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REQUIREMENT:  Eat the krispies stuck to the spoon and pot with your hands.  Also required is to eat a warm krispie.  :)

It's a little condescending that I'm even writing down this recipe because any self-respecting former child-person knows this recipe by heart.... but here you go.  :)

Ingredients:
    1 bag marshmallows
    1/4 cup butter/margarine
    6 cups rice krispie treats

Grease a brownie pan with butter.  Melt the butter in a large saucepan over LOW heat.  When melted, add the marshmallows.  Stir constantly until they are completely melted.  Add krispies.  Mix well and scoop into pan.  Butter the flat side of a clean spatula to smooth it out.  Let cool at room temperature.

Eat a warm krispie before you retrieve your gazpacho from the freezer.  It should be cooled enough to enjoy with your second glass of sangria.  If not, add a couple ice cubes and put the rest in the fridge.

Bon Appetit!!