Mint Juleps!

In recent years I’ve spent first Saturday in May at my friend Anna’s Kentucky Derby party drinking way too many, but never enough Mint Juleps! The party gets bigger every year, and last year it migrated to one of the boat houses on the Schuylkill River and was hosted by three Kentucky natives. The dark walnut paneled dining room was draped in old lace and crystal and silver julep cups full of blood red roses were scattered throughout the rooms providing the perfect backdrop for a truly amazing party. The old building has a wrap around porch and a view of the river as well as a huge lawn for croquet, corn hole and lots of dapper gentlemen and hat wearing ladies to stroll about the grounds. I’ve always loved the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps this love comes from my romanticized nostalgia for the South, or my love of hats; I’m not sure. I have a full Derby Party Menu full of great ideas for how you can get the most out of your party if I’ve managed to encourage you to throw a little shindig of your own. The recipes are quite simple and you get to wear a big … Continue reading

Cous Cous with Pomegranates

I absolutely love making this Cous Cous with Pomegranates salad all winter long. It pairs well with almost any protein, or it’s great on its own. I love it because of the vibrant colors and flavors of the mint and pomegranate kernels. I also love all of the textures. The chewy cous cous, the tart juice explosions from the pomegranates, the crunch of the pine nuts, and the salty creaminess of the feta combine to make a truly interesting salad that can stand up to a strong bold main, like my lamb kofta, or make even the simplest of chicken preparations really exciting. It’s fun to serve for a dinner party because of the visual appeal And after you check out my panty tip on opening pomegranates, you can master the technique and add a lot more of the beautiful fruit into your salads year round to wow your palette and your guests alike. Whether you make this Cous Cous with Pomegranates salad on its own as an easy weeknight meal or as the side for a Middle Eastern Feast of your own, I’m sure you’re love it. … Continue reading