Otto

There is something to say about ending your work week on a good note and getting off on the right foot to your weekend. For me, the perfect way to end my work week is with a fun meal and a familiar face. Last Friday Jordan arrived with not only himself (enough to make me happy) but with Otto, his new puppy. He is so much fun, and cute to boot. Him and the cats will have to work on their relationship, but they’ll be friends someday I’m sure.

So, for our evening in with our furry friends we just had some cocktails and appetizers – Ginger Lemon Drops, Sweet Potato Hummus with rice crackers and peppers, prosciutto-wrapped dates with goat cheese, a big salad, and some leftover Crunchy Chicken Coconut Fingers. It was pretttttty much amazing.

Ginger Lemon Drops, Sweet Potato Hummus, a salad, prosciutto wrapped dates with goat cheese…Munchies and Cocktails are the best.

Half the time I look at my photos and just laugh – all of the ridiculous mismatched dishes, place mats and tablecloths…cat toys in the background, less than award-winning plating skills. Sometimes my living situation and surroundings don’t really allow me to have award winning photos that make the good blogs out there great…And sometimes I get really depressed about it. But why? I have no reason to be sad over such a silly thing. I have this wonderful dude who brings a cute puppy home with him…what more could a girl ask for? I am pretty sure one day I will have matching dishes, and maybe even a cute backdrop to photograph these matching dishes in. But for now, I have to say I am pretty damn happy, and life is good. Mismatched dishes and all.

Recipe

Ginger Lemon Drop

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• freshly grated ginger
• sugar for the rim and lemon to garnish, if desired

Now for some yummy dates. Savory and Sweet!

Pre-Broiler Action. It takes a few dates to get a hang of it, but I promise once you get going it is super easy, fun, and delicious!

Perfect for a cocktail party for 20 or for 2 🙂

Recipe

Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Make as many or as little as you want…wing it!

Ingredients

• Dates
• Goat Cheese
• Candied nuts (pecans, walnuts, anything to add a little crunch!)
• prosciutto

Remove the pits from the dates. Hollow out a little hole in the date. Add some Goat Cheese, push in a candied nut, and wrap the date in a thin slice of prosciutto. Place Dates on a greased baking sheet and pop under broiler for a few minutes, until prosciutto has browned a little and has gotten a bit crispy. Enjoy!