For the Holidays and Beyond



I have some delicious ideas for you this month, including one that brings me back to a place with a lot of memories.


A Sweet Serendipity…
As a teenager growing up on Long Island, I would go with friends into New York City a few times a year, on breaks from school. We’d go into a museum or to see a play (from the half-price ticket booth). Whenever we had extra money, we’d also head to Serendipity for Frozen Hot Chocolate.

In the following years, my trips were less frequent, but I did make it back occasionally to this iconic place for delicious treats with my daughter when she was younger and when we were both adults.

Given my history, I was all too happy to get a copy of Sweet Serendipity: Delicious Desserts and Devilish Dish. The book, by the restaurant’s founder Stephen Bruce, was issued to celebrate the 65th anniversary of one of the most famous eateries in Manhattan.

This is far from just a recipe book, even though it provides the recipes to the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate and many other Serendipity sweet sensations. It begins with a forward from Cher and continues with celebrity endorsements and “dishing” on the comings and goings in this famous restaurant.

I had to try the Frozen Hot Chocolate for myself and, even though my cupboard and fridge contain more low fat than indulgent, it still came out close to I remember. So, if you can’t make it to one of the Serendipity locations (there are now others in Florida and Washington DC, as well as a Serendipity in Tokyo.

While you may not be making it, you’ll also want to check out the recipe for the $1,0000 Golden Opulence Sundae, which is in the Guinness Book of World Records as its most expensive dessert.

Purchase a copy of Sweet Serendipity: Delicious Desserts and Devilish Dish here.


More fruit-filled Alize…
In June, I talked about how much I enjoyed Alize Pineapple, a French vodka made with natural flavors. I recently received two more of the brand’s products and they are also worth raving about.

Alize Peach is also full of flavor with a powerful kick, almost like a pre-made cocktail in a bottle. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet either.

Alize Red Passion includes passion fruit and cranberry, and was even more tasty. It brought me back to my childhood. It tastes a lot like Hi-C fruit punch, but without any artificial flavors. Just be careful – this “fruit punch” is 16% abv (alcohol by volume).  


Some Special Whiskey…
Angel’s Envy, a long-respected brand of whiskey known for its unique finishing, sent me some samples I was happy to check out.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon is finished in Port wine barrels, to give it a bit of a unique taste. It brings out the vanilla, with a hint of wine on the back.

The latest release is Angel’s Envy Rye, aged in Caribbean rum casks. This one is definitely smoother and sweeter, for a different whiskey than you might be used to. This bottle will run you about $100, but is worth having around for special occasions.


Looking for more spirits ideas? Check out my story for Proof

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