Ragazza1016's Profile

I like to muddle a couple of strawberries with a pinch of sugar, then add a generous splash of Campari, and top it off with Lemon Soda (or if I can't find that, then Bitter Lemon). I've dubbed it a Monterosso because I like to imagine I'm in Cinque Terre with the lemon trees all around me and looking out over the Ligurian when I drink it. Refreshing and delicious.

Can I move here? Please?? I'll go pack right now! This is gorgeous!!!

I ordered my first drink when I was studying abroad in Italy, slightly before I was of legal age by US standards: Bailey's on the rocks. Maybe not the most interesting, but foolproof and delicious. After that, my first mixed drink was the creamiest, dreamiest white Russian I've ever tasted.

I do exactly the same as @roseisred. I don't notice any difference in flavor in the finished dish, so why bother?

That said, I have weekend project of DIY Domaine de Canton this week, and I do believe I will use fresh (never frozen), peeled ginger. I'll try the spoon method!

@Lmj816 - That magazine sounds great! I will definitely be looking into it. Thanks for the tip!

That drink looks so pretty! I don't have a garden (or a green thumb, unfortunately), but I also really enjoy making my own syrups, liqueurs, etc, from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think I may steal this resolution. I've been meaning to try my hand at making bitters as well, so thanks for the reminder!

I can't help but noticed the author overlooked my favorite cafe. If you happen to find yourself on Westheimer near Taxi Taxi and Buffalo Exchange, stop into Empire Cafe and have a Russian Java. And maybe a slice of cake (Austin Cream is always a good choice).

I miss Houston.

@Emmi - I believe that when people say it is refillable, they are referring to the my-kup included with the Keurig machine. You grind your own coffee and place it in the my-kup and then put that in the machine. When you're done, rinse and reuse. Thus, you could easily put your fair-trade, shade-grown coffee in your my-cup, brew it, and not create excess waste or contribute to deforestation. You don't actually have to buy the little cups to use the Keurig.

I've got to put in yet another vote for the Contigo. I'm drinking some coffee from mine right now. They are fantastic, and 2 for $20 and costco! Top rack dishwasher safe, too.

I stopped in at Whole Foods several weeks ago, and noticed some small chunks of cheese at the salad bar. I picked up a Leyden. There wasn't much variety, though. Maybe this was not the main basket. I will look harder next time.

I, too miss the Giant Eagle Market district's Just Enough cheese selection in Pittsburgh! I think I had a dream about the Pittsburgh Strip District last night. Oh, how I miss Pittsburgh some days...