Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband - Pink Convertible Cocktail

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Listen to 80's Music With This Cocktail

Pink Drink

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband - Pink Cadillac Convertible
All I can keep thinking about is Aretha Franklin's hit in the 80's...Pink Cadillac. Good enough reason for me to indulge. Kick back and Flash back with this favorite.

Pink Cadillac Convertible Cocktail
3 lime wedges
fine sea salt
ice cubes
1 1/4 parts gold tequila
1/2 part cranberry juice
3/4 part Grand Marnier
lime wedge, to decorate

Frost the rim of a large old fashioned glass by moistening with a lime wedge, then pressing it into the salt. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour the tequila and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lime wedges into the shaker, pressing the rind to release its oils, then drop the wedges in. Add 4-5 ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, then strain into the glass. Drizzle the Grand Marnier over the top and decorate with lime wedges.

Not only does this take great...it also looks great ! I hope this hits the spot for you while you are flashing back to the 80's
Bottoms Up !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Artichokes with Lemon Aioli Suace

Your Gay Husband Tip of The Day :

Have a Tasty Veggie Appetizer

Steamed Artichoke

Artichokes with Lemon Aioli Sauce
I love when Artichokes come into season. I remember when living in San Francisco, I would see Artichoke plants being used as decor. I didn't realize they were part of the thistle family. That is why the heart is covered with the bloom. When they bloom they are beautiful. But in this case we will be eating the beauty of Artichokes. They make such a perfect snack or even a light lunch.

Snipping off Tips

When picking an Artichoke I try to buy the biggest ones when I use them for a meal. You will nee to trim the tip of each artichoke leaf [they are sharp] and cut stem flush at the base. Remove and small leaves at the base and cut the top with a knife about 1/2 inch.

Trimmed Artichoke

Once it has been cleaned up, give it a good rinse under cold water. Using a sharp knife cut an X in the base of the stem about a 1/2 inch deep. Now steam it for 20-30 minutes until leaves remove with a little tug. Set aside. If you want it hot , serve it within 10 minutes. It can also be served room temperature or cold.

Cleaning the Artichoke Heart

Once you have made it to the Heart of the Artichoke [arguably the best part], you will need to remove the the purple thistles. It is easy but a little messy. Use a spoon and scrape it clean. If you are serving these at a dinner party make sure to have the appropriate utensils.

Lemon Aioli Sauce

For the Aioli Sauce I mixed 1/4 cup of mayo, juice of 1 lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne and mix. his is also a great sauce for Artichokes.










I hope you get a chance soon to make some Artichokes for yourself. It is such a treat.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Happy Hour With Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Variety is the Spice Of Life

2 Fantastic Cocktails for Summer

Happy Hour With Your Gay Husband
Here are 2 great drinks that are easy to make and very refreshing for the hot summer months. I guess they would be good in the winter as well...just sit in front of the heater and drink up.

A Kiwi in Tennessee
1/2 kiwifruit, peeled
2 parts Jack Daniel's
1 part kiwifruit schnapps
1 part fresh lemon juice
ice cubes
lemonade, to top
kiwi slices, to decorate
Muddle the kiwifruit in a cocktail shaker, then add the Jack Daniel's, schnapps, and lemon juice. Add some ice cubes and shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir and top up with lemonade. Decorate with kiwifruit slices.

Lynchburg Lemonade
ice cubes
 1 1/2 parts Jack Daniel's
1 part Cointreau
 1part fresh lemonade juice
lemonade, to top up
lemon slices, to decorate
Put some ice cubes with the Jack Daniel's, cointreau, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top up with lemonade and stir. Decorate with lemon slices.

I hope you take the time [ at least 1 hour, a happy one at that] and enjoy these cocktails either alone with some great music playing or with friends and family.
Bottoms Up!
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Ain't a Thing But a Chicken Wing

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Don't Forget The Dipping Sauces

Chicken Wings

Ain't a Thing But a Chicken Wing

We were having some friends over for a pot luck so I decided to make some chicken wings. They are easy to eat when you are mixing at a party or sitting at a table, either way they are GOOD. The best way to cook wings is to deep fry them. I find they tend to fall apart or stick when baking or BBQing. Here is what I did.

COST - $10 for 6-8 people including dipping sauces

TIME - 30 minutes including cooking time

DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Washing Wings

I bought these wings for .77lb. They were fresh and not cut. The first thing to do is to wash/rinse the wings under cool water. Let them drain then dry each one off with paper towels. This will make them have a crispy skin when frying. If not there will be water in the oil and it will splatter and steam the wings. Not a good combo.

Cutting Wings

When cutting the wings into sections make sure to start with a SHARP knife. Just go between the joints and cut. This gets easier after you do the first few.  I made 40 wing sections without using the end segment. I just tossed that piece.

Seasoning Wings

I made a rub for the wings, it is super easy and really adds a burst of flavor.

1 Tbsp each of garlic and Salt and Flour

1 tsp each of pepper, onion powder, paprika

mix ingredients together and sift on the wings. Let them rest for at least 20 minutes. You can do this the night before. This is for 40 pieces.

Frying Wings

Add 4" of oil to a large stock pot and heat on medium high til it reaches 350 degrees. I did 7 at a time for 7 minutes and they turned out perfectly. You will know they are done because they will float. Let drain on paper towel and serve. I made 40 wind sections and served them with sides of sauce. It is fun to have a few so your guests can decide what they want. I put out Ranch, Buffalo, Sweet Teriyaki, and BBQ sauce.

This get together was so much fun and easy to serve. The wings were delicious and had a nice crisp skin.

Let me know how they turn out for you. Put these out with some ice cold beer and stand back as your guests devourer them. I hope you enjoy these as much as we did.

Til Later,

Your Gay Husband

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Friends Moving ? - Drink a Martini

Vodkatini

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband
I found out today that our really good friends are moving to Seattle in 3 weeks. I just wanted to scream but I wish them well instead and cried. This did inspire a drink for them at their going away/anniversary party. They have been together for 17 years so we made this drink for the Party and called it the 17tini to commemorate the event.
17tini
1/4 part vermouth
3 parts - vodka
1 green olive or lemon zest twist
Swirl the vermouth around the chilled martini glass, then pour in the vodka. Finish by adding the olive or lemon zest twist.

This is just like them...Strong, Simple and Tart. I will miss you both.
Bottoms Up !
Your Gay Husband

Steak Dinner and Steak Salad from Leftovers

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Always Make Enough for Leftovers

Ribeye Steak Dinner

Steak Dinner and Steak Salad with Leftovers
Sometimes I get a craving for a good steak, especially when it is a ribeye cooked on the grill. There is just something that the grill does to the meat. I just seasoned it with salt, pepper,garlic powder and a drizzle of Balsamic vinegar. I season it about 30 minutes; cover with foil and let come to room temperature before putting on the grill. I don't always want the whole steak and double starch dinner [as good as they are]. Sometimes I just want a good steak with fruit salad and a light cocktail. I made a 3 ingredient fruit salad using fresh red grapes, strawberries and cantaloupe.

Mango Cocktail

The cocktail is 2 part mango juice and 1 part vodka with a squeeze of lime. No matter if I am alone or with others, I enjoy dining with fresh flowers. You can do it without costing much. I bought 5 stems for $4.99 at the grocery store and put them in bud vases.

Steak Salad

I always buy my meats in family packs. These steaks came 3 to pack. I will cook the extra steak to use for a Salad later in the week. A couple of days later I made this salad for us while we were gardening.
I made it with romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, onions, avocados, Parmesan cheese and croutons. It is topped with a creamy peppercorn dressing and fresh cracked black pepper [ use your favorite]. See it really pays off in more than one way to buy those family packs even if it is just the 2 you.




I hope this inspires you to make enough so you can have leftovers. Get creative and see what you can come up with.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Zucchini Fries with Lemon Aioli Sauce

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Have a Snack During Happy Hour

Happy Hour Snack

Zucchini Fries with Lemon Aioli Sauce
When I was growing up the only way I would eat zucchini was if my mom would fry them. It was like eating fries and not veggies. It was a good way to trick me into eating more veggies. This is a twist on the original. These are a  perfect snack for 2 or great served as an appetizer or even on pasta, drenched in marinara sauce. Mmmm my mouth is watering.
COST - $4 for 4 people [1 squash per person]
TIME - 20 minutes
DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Cut Zucchini

The first thing to do is to wash and dry the zucchini, then cut them into long looking french fries. I plan on 1 squash per person. I get 6 pieces from 1 squash. I use smaller squash that are bout 6-8 inches long.

Dredging Station

I find it easier to set up a dredging station when making fried food. For these I use the dry - wet - dry method. You will need 3 plates or shallow bowls. The first one will contain flour, the next is a mixture of eggs and water, the last one has Panko [Japanese bread crumbs]. I season the zucchini with salt, pepper and a dash of Cayenne pepper [optional]. Don't forget to season each plate in the dredging station with a little salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

Panko

Just start left to right and dredge in flour then egg wash then Panko bread crumbs. Now the are ready to be fried. Add 1/2 an inch of canola oil to a skillet on medium to medium high heat. Turn the zucchini as it browns on each side [about 1 minute]. Remove and put on paper towel to soak up any extra oil. This is the perfect time to add some salt. For the Aioli sauce I mixed 1/4 cup of mayo, juice of 1 lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne and mix. his is also a great sauce for Artichokes.




I hope you enjoy your happy hour as much as we did.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Anytime is Martini Time

 Martini Time

The Doobs Martini
Ice cubes
2 tsp dry vermouth
1 part gin
1 part sloe gin
4 dashes orange bitters
orange zest twist, to decorate

Put some ice cubes into a cocktail shaker. Add the vermouth and shake well, then strain away the excess. Add the gin, sloe gin, and bitters, stir, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Decorate with an orange zest twist.

The other day I was talking with a friend about cocktails and how most of our group are Vodka drinkers. I found this great Martini that will satisfy even the most loyal Vodka drinker.
Take a moment and make yourself a nice drink and enjoy some peace and quiet or some great music. My favorite is walking the garden. However you decide to enjoy Happy Hour, I hope it relaxes you...you deserve it.
Bottoms Up !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Rainy Day BBQ Pork Ribs with Brine

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Work With What You Got - A Rainy Day

BBQ Style Pork Ribs

Rainy Day BBQ Pork Ribs with Brine
Sometimes I just get a craving for BBQ Pork Ribs. I was all set to make some BBQ ribs the other day but we ended up getting severe Storm Warnings and before you knew it the sky ripped open and we had a major down pout that seemed to go on for ever. So being the creative person I am I decided to make my BBQ Pork Ribs anyway. I used a brine and cooked them in the oven. This is what I did.
COST - $12 including 2 side dished for 4 people
TIME - 30 minutes prep
DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Brine

I decided to use a brine for these ribs to still give that smokey flavor.
Brine
4 quarts water
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
1 Tbsp garlic, ginger, onion and cumin powder
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup salt

Dry Rub

Mix ingredients and pour over ribs in a large pan to set for 2 hours up to overnight. The ribs need to be submerged in brine. If you do not have enough just add more water to cover. After ribs have soaked in brine, remove and dry off with paper towel. Now add your favorite dry rub. I use a brown sugar rub I get from the TX state fair. Put Ribs in a Hot oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes then wrap ribs in tin foil and lower temp to 300 degrees for 2 hours. Remove.

BBQ Pork Dinner

Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. I only put BBQ sauce on right before I serve. The ribs were so tasty and I especially liked the smokey flavor.
For this dinner I made fresh yellow corn and a baked sweet potato for sides. This was a perfect dinner and we like the leftovers just as much.







So whether it is raining out or not you can always make the BBQ Pork Ribs and get your fix.
I hope you enjoy these as much as we did. Let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Raspberry Stuffed French Toast

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Throwing a Party - Make a Casserole

Casserole and Blackberry Syrup

Raspberry Stuffed French Toast
I have never really been a huge fan of French Toast. I would much rather have a waffle of pancakes or even a cinnamon roll before I would choose french toast...UNTIL NOW. Oh my gawd, this is the best sweet breakfast item I have ever had and I mean that sincerely. It is stuffed with Raspberry Jam and Cream Cheese. I made a Raspberry maple syrup to go with it but it really did not even need it.
COST - $1 per serving [serves up to 24]
TIME - 30 min prep 1 hour cook
DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5 [several steps]

Raspberries

3 loaves of Brioche Bread [use your favorite] cut into 3/4" slices
18 eggs
1 quart 1/2 and 1/2
1 sm whipping cream
3 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3-4 8oz packs of cream cheese
2 - 12oz jars of Seedless Raspberry Jam



Beat your eggs with the 1/2 and 1/2, whipping cream, sugar and vanilla. Dip each piece of bread in to the mixture for 10 seconds on each side and place into a buttered deep dish 9" by 13" pan until bottom of pan is covered with the bread. Now cut a slice of cream cheese about 1/4-1/2 an inch and place on top of each piece of bread. You will use about 12oz per layer depending on how much cream cheese you like. Then cover each piece of bread with about 1/4 or so of Seedless Raspberry jam. Once you have finished the first layer; repeat. Finish the Top with a final layer of bread. Put in fridge over night.

Ready to Serve

The next morning cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees until bubbly. The top will be golden. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. I dusted the top with powdered sugar and a drizzle of Raspberry Syrup. To make the syrup I used 1 24oz bottle of your favorite syrup and 1 bag of frozen Raspberries. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve.




Now it's time to WOW your guest with this perfect dish. You can also bring it to a Pot Luck...just to show off. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Oh Yeah I almost forgot. You can freeze the extras.
Dig in !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Watering Plants is Like Meditating...Only Wetter

Agave Julep

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband
I was talking with My Gay Sister earlier. She had just got home and was smelling her Lilac plant on her way inside. Your could here the joy the flowers and nature brought her. She started watering her plants and she sounded even calmer. I have always felt like being in nature [even if it is your own yard] provides meditative properties. I love to be in nature without music. So make yourself an Agave Julep and go outside to begin your meditation.

Meditating In Nature

8 torn mint leaves
1 Tbsp Agave syrup
1 1/4 parts gold tequila
1 1/4 parts fresh lime juice
crushed ice
lime wedges, to decorate
mint sprig to decorate




Muddle the mint leaves with the Agave syrup in a highball glass. Add the tequila and lime juice, fill the glass with crushed ice, and stir vigorously to mix. Decorate with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

I hope you enjoy your Agave Julep outside and get some peace and quiet so you can recenter after a long stressful day.
Bottoms Up !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Now That's What I'm Talkin' About - New York Style Cheesecake

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Make Enough to Freeze for Your Next Fix



New York Style Cheesecake with Fresh Blackberries and Chambord Sauce

 Now That's What I'm Talkin' About -
New York Style Cheesecake
I am not even kidding you when I say this is by far the BEST New York Style Cheesecake I have ever made. It reminded me of Cheesecake we would get on our trips to New York. The crust is like a buttery short bread that is crisp and has a slight hint of lemon. You can add any topping you want or none at all. It is perfect just the way it is. I topped my cheesecake with Fresh Blackberries and a Chambord and Blackberry sauce This is a Big cheesecake so if there are any left overs you can freeze them for a snack later.
This recipe is for 12- 15 people.
COST - $20 not including Chambord
TIME - prep 30 min and cook 1 hour ish
LEVEL of DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5 [you must follow recipe]

Cutting in Butter

Cheesecake Supreme [New York Style]
Crust:
1 cup sifted flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1/2 cup butter
1 slightly beaten egg yolk
1/4 tsp vanilla



I made 2 batches of the crust. I just love it ! I used 1 full batch for the bottom and 1 full batch for the sides. It only calls for 1 batch for both the sides and the bottom. If you do it with the 1 batch method you should expect the crust to only come up about 1 inch on the sides. Still good...just NOT as good.

Cheesecake Filling

 Filling:
5 8oz packs of cream cheese
1/4 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp grated lemon peel
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
5 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup whipping cream





Patting Crust to Sides

Make Crust:
combine first 3 ingredients. Cut in butter till mixture is crumbly. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. Pat 1/3 or the dough [or in my case...1 full batch] on the bottom of a 9" spring form pan. [I used a 10" pan] with sides removed. Bake in hot oven 400 degrees for about 8 minutes or till golden; cool. Attach side to bottom, butter, and pat remaining dough on sides. Because It used 1 full batch for the sides the crust came up to the top of the pan. Once I poured in the filling,  I pushed the dough down til it was slightly above it.

Before Baking

Make Filling:
Let cream cheese set out at room temperature to soften [1-1 1/2 hours]. Beat creamy. Add vanilla and lemon peel. Mix next 3 ingredients, gradually blend into cheese. Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating after each just to blend. Gently stir in whipping cream.Turn into crust-lined pan.

After Baking

Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes; reduce heat to 300 degrees and continue baking for an additional 55 minutes. Remove from oven; cool. Loosen sides with spatula 30 minutes. Remove sides at the end of 1 hour. Allow to cool 2 hour longer. I love it after it has cooled overnight in the fridge. But really who am I kidding...any temp is good. I topped the cheesecake with fresh blackberries and a Blackberry Chambord Sauce. I combined 1 cup seedless Blackberry Jam with 1/4 cup of Chambord [blackberry liqueur]. Mix together and pour over Cheesecake. You can do it all at once and serve it that way or make individual plates.

Next time you want to impress someone ... MAKE THIS ! or if you have 2 days off in a row and need and fix. Either way I hope you make this ASAP because I know you are going to love it. It was HEAVENLY !
Happy Baking and Eating.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband





Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband

Your Gay Husband Tip of The Day :

Be Responsible for Your Own Happiness

Haiti Punch

Happy Hour with Your Gay Husband
Whether you are planning a family reunion, a block party with neighbors or just a BBQ for friends, look no further for that perfect cocktail. This Haiti Punch makes enough for 12-15 people and frees you up to enjoy your own party and not tend to the bar.
2 pineapples, peeled and cubed
3 lemons sliced
3 oranges sliced
1 1/4 cup brandy
1 1/4 cup Orange Nassau liqueur
2 bottles sparkling dry white wine
pineapple leaf, to decorate
orange zest spiral, to decorate
Put the prepared fruit into a large bowl or pitcher and pour the brandy and Orange Nassau over it. Cover and chill for several hours. To serve, pour about 1 shot of the brandy mix into a champagne glass and top up with sparkling wine and add some pineapple cubes... or for a time saver...pour 2 bottles of sparkling wine over the brandy soaked fruit and serve. It is just that simple.
I hope this comes in handy for your next get together.
Bottoms Up !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Southern Fried Pork Chops

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Undo Your Belt Before You Start This Meal

Southern Fried Pork Chop Dinner

Southern Fried Pork Chops
This is a perfect meal for a Sunday dinner. It is easy to make for 2 or for a Buffet. When I was growing up I got so excited when my Mom would make Pork Chops. They were so good. The funny thing is that now she is out of practice and can't make good pork chops and she always complains about them being too dry. Hopefully this will jog her memory. Mom this one is for you.  She always made it with mashed potatoes and canned corn. This is pretty close with a few updated ingredients. I think you are going to enjoy this meal...here is how I made it.
COST - $10 for 4 people 2 chops each
TIME - 30 minutes including prep
Level of DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5 

Flowering Pork Chop

To start you will need  a large skillet with 1/2 inch of vegetable oil [not olive oil] and preheat pan on medium high. While pan is preheating add to paper bag- 1 cup flour, 2 Tbsp Ginger, 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp Cayenne pepper and shake.
Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper to taste then put in bag with flour and shake. Remove Pork Chop from bag and make sure all is covered then shake off the excess.

Frying Pork Chops

Now put in fry pan for 4-5 minutes per side til internal temp reached 165 degrees. At this point you will need to monitor the heat keeping it between medium and medium high. If the oil is not hot enough you will end up with greasy chops. This is how I handle that. First don't over crowd the pan. Makes sure there is enough room around each chop to breath. I start with a preheated pan on Medium High then I add the chops and cook for 1 minute then lower it just a little bit to Medium. The pan will cool when you first put the chops in so this will counter act that and keep the pan and oil at the right temp. Perfecto !

Smashed Carrots and Potatoes

I always like to have one WOW side dish. The side dishes I served with this meal were corn, apple sauce and Smashed Carrots and Potatoes. This is a perfect way to trick your kids into eating more veggies not to mention a great way to mix it up and add a healthy touch. Wash and cut equal amount so of carrots and potatoes and cooked them in boiling water until fork tender. Make sure to cut carrots a bit smaller than the potatoes because they take a little longer to cook. Drain and add butter, milk, salt and pepper to taste then smash with a potato smasher. Do NOT over smash, you want them lumpy. They taste so yummy. The carrots add a little sweetness to the dish and brightens up your plate. Great for Pot-Lucks.
May I suggest an Iced Lemon and Mint Vodka to go with that.
Don't forget...you can always get on the tredmill tomorrow.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Citrus Salmon Dinner

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

For Best Results Start with Fresh Ingredients

Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Wine Spritzer

Citrus Salmon Dinner
This is one of my favorite meals. It is so easy and wholesome. You can make this dinner for 2 or 22, on the grill or in the oven, the steps are the same. The key to this Dinner is using Fresh Ingredients. This is the perfect example of simple elegance. I makes a nice romantic meal as well.
COST - $12 including wine. This was for 2
TIME - 20 min prep and 20 cook
Level of DIFFICULTY - 2 on a scale of 1-5

Lemons-Limes-Oranges

It really doesn't matter what citrus you use. You can mix them or just use your favorite. First cut your citrus of choice into 1/4 inch coins and set aside. Take a piece of foil about 10" by 10" and drizzle with olive oil, place 4 slices of citrus in a row and place your Salmon fillet [season with salt and pepper to taste] directly on top. The next layer will consist any herbs you like. I used dill [about 5 sprigs]. Drizzle with olive oil and top with 4 more slices of citrus and  1 Tbsp of white wine.

Table Setting

Now you can close your foil around the Salmon and cook in a preheated 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. This is the same know matter how many guests you have. It is nice because they are all individual which leaves little room for error. Remove from oven and let set aside for 5 minutes before serving. For the Asparagus I marinated it with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar for 20 minutes and cooked it in the 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.



Remove Salmon from foil and put on your plate along side the Asparagus, garnishing it with the type of citrus you used and sprinkle with the remaining herbs. I made a fresh fruit fruit salad and served it with a wine spritzer. To make the wine spritzer mix equal parts of soda like 7up and white wine. They are perfect together.
Whether you make this dinner for 2 or 22 I hop you enjoy it as much as we do. Remember that some of the BEST for is the Simplest to make....Start with Fresh ingredients and WOW your guests.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Sweet Sunday Breakfast

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Make Breakfast for Your Spouse

Banana Waffles with Bacon

Sweet Sunday Breakfast
Every Sunday my Dad would cook breakfast for us after church. He made the BEST breakfast. Even though my mom is a great cook she just doesn't have the knack for breakfast. When she read my blog
Savory Sunday Breakfast she saw that I said she wasn't good with breakfast and she wanted to make it clear that the only reason she did not make breakfast for us on Sunday was because my Dad wanted to give her a break from cooking. This must be why I see cooking for someone as a Gift. Way to go Dad. Both of these breakfasts are from my favorite cookbook Better Homes and Garden NEW Cookbook.1953 edition. It is so much better to make pancakes and waffles by scratch and they are more wholesome. If you have kids this is a great way to introduce them to cooking by scratch.

Waffle Mix

Oh Boy Waffles
2 1/4 cup sifted all purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder [check exp. date]
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
2 beaten eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup oil



Sift together dry ingredients. Combine remaining ingredients; add just before baking, beating only till moistened. [batter is thin] Bake in preheated waffle iron. Makes 10-12. They are so good. I add sliced Bananas with syrup, butter and a light dusting of powdered sugar. They were served with thick sliced bacon and orange wedges and Mimosa's to drink.

Pancakes...Pancakes and more Pancakes

It seems like when we had Pancakes for breakfast...we had pancakes, even our English Bull Dog Nancy would eat pancakes with us. They are just so light and fluffy and SWEET. We would have them any way imaginable from blueberry to bacon crumbled into them. For the most part we ate straight up plain pancakes with butter and syrup. What could be better to sooth a sweet tooth than a Sweet Sunday Breakfast after church. Here is a great recipe from scratch. Don't worry it is easy and you can't mess it up.

Favorite Pancakes
1 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder [check exp. date]
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 beaten egg
 1 cup milk
2 Tbsp oil or melted shortening or bacon fat [it is from the 50's]





Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Combine egg milk and oil; add to dry ingredients, stirring just till flour is moistened. [batter will be lumpy]
Bake on a hot griddle. Makes about 12 dollar-size eight 4 inch pancakes.

Take some time to make a Sweet Breakfast for your... Husband, Wife, Friend etc... and collect the memories together.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Easter Champagne Cocktails

Your Gay Husband Drink of the Day :

Ritz Fizz 1 and Ritz Fizz 2

Champagne Cocktails

Ritz Fizz 1
1 dash blue Curacao
1 dash lemon juice
1 dash Amaretto
Champagne, to top up
lemon zest spiral, to decorate
Pour the Curacao, lemon juice, and Amaretto into a glass and top up with Champagne. Stir gently to mix and decorate the drink with a lemon zest spiral.

Ritz Fizz 2
ice cubes
1/2 part creme de cassis
1/2 part Poire William liqueur
chilled Champagne, to top up
pear slices, peeled, to decorate
Put some ice cubes into a mixing glass with the creme de cassis and poire William liqueur and stir to mix well. Strain into a champagne flute and top up with chilled Champagne. Decorate with peeled pear slices.

These are so good ! They would be great if you are doing BRUNCH for Easter. Give it a try and let me know how you like them. They are super easy to make and have a WOW factor. Perfect for a party.

Hoppy Easter !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Easter: Egg Shaped Cookie as Seating Tag/Gift

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Edible Gift to Celebrate Easter

Sugar Cookie

Egg Shaped Cookie as Seating Tag/Gift
It is so much fun setting a table for a party. Part of that is assigning seats. This year I am using a 6" Egg Shaped Sugar Cookie as their Name Tag for seating. I used Yellow frosting with Yellow sprinkles. If you can't tell yellow is my accent color.
COST - $10 for 12. I made 3 batches and served small egg cookies on a plate for snacking
TIME - 1 hour
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY - 2 on scale of 1-5

Supplies

For this project you will need...
Sugar Cookie Dough and Frosting
6" Egg Template
Paper Name Tag
Sharpy Pen
Easter Grass
Hole Punch
Clear Bags big enough for cookie to fit.
I bought these bags at the Dollar Tree 12 for $1



Sugar Cookie Dough

For these Yummy Sugar Cookies you will need...
1 3/4 cup flour
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder [check expiration date]
1/2 cup butter room temperature
3/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla





Beat butter and sugar 3-4 minutes till fluffy, add egg and vanilla and mix til Incorporated, add dry ingredients and mix til it forms crumbs. It will smoosh together. Cut it in half and wrap in Saran wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degree. Roll out dough onto a slightly floured surface to 1/4 of an inch. This make a PERFECT cookie. Cut out Egg shapes using you egg template. Print Egg Template here. ad place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
PERFECT Frosting
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 tsp vanilla
1-1 1/2 Tbsp milk
Add whatever food coloring you like and mix until incorporated.

Egg Cookie with Frosting and Sprinkles

For the best impact I used Yellow Frosting with Yellow Sprinkles. Now just take your cookie and put it in the bag. Make a hole with the hole punch in the corner of the blank name card then using your Yellow Easter Grass tie your name tag at the top of the bag. Write the name on it with a sharpy pen and place it on the designated plate. Your Guest will love these cookie. I recommend suggesting that everyone take them home to enjoy later that day. Tell them to think of the great time they had at your Easter party while the are in decadence heaven.




I hope this inspires you to make a gift for your guests that can also double as their Name badge for seating.
Hoppy Easter !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband