Sunday, June 28, 2015

The Porch Swing

The Porch Swing

I'm feeling a little rusty as I sit down to write this post.  Two posts on June, two in May… things have been quiet around here.  This summer has been quite busy, and I just needed to step away and focus on my family and other obligations for a bit.  But what better way to make my triumphant return than with a festive drink?

I never thought I'd see the day when my beloved margaritas were replaced as my go-to summer cocktail of choice.  But here we are!  I've made this drink countless times over the past month or so, with no signs of stopping.  It's so low-maintenance and easy too -- no prep work, just pour, mix, drink!

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I realize the name "The Porch Swing" gives no insight into the drink, so here's what we've got:  gin, Pimm's No. 1 (which is a liqueur), lemonade, a splash of sprite, and cucumber garnishes.  It is super light and refreshing, and is actually somewhat reminiscent of sweet tea -- which is definitely a win in my book!  While the combination might seem a little strange, it totally works.  After seeing me make these for a few weeks, Joey got curious and asked me to mix one up for him too -- and he totally loved it!  That's huge for him because he doesn't like gin or cucumbers.  I usually make them one at a time, but I'm also including the measurements for a pitcher as well, which makes them party-ready!

If you're looking for a fun cocktail to serve at a cookout for the Fourth, then this one would be great.  And on a related note, I'll be back later this week with some festive menu ideas for the holiday as well.

Cheers to Monday!

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The Porch Swing
barely adapted from Mix Shake Stir

makes one drink
  • 1 1/2 oz gin
  • 1 1/2 oz Pimm's No. 1
  • 4 oz lemonade
  • ice
  • 3 slices cucumber, cut into half-moons
  • splash of sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale
  • fresh mint, for garnish
In a tall glass, combine the gin, Pimm's, and lemonade.  Stir well, then fill the glass with ice.  Add the cucumbers, top with a splash of soda, stir, and enjoy!

makes enough for 8 drinks:
  • 1 1/2 cups gin
  • 1 1/2 cups Pimm's No. 1
  • 4 cups lemonade
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced and cut into half-moons
  • ice
  • sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale
In a large pitcher, combine the gin, Pimm's, lemonade, and cucumber.  Mix to combine, then chill until ready to serve.  To serve, fill glasses with ice, fill most of the way with the drink, and top off each drink with a splash of soda.


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Sweet Sriracha-Glazed Pork Skewers

Sweet Sriracha-Glazed Pork Skewers

"Sweet Sriracha Glaze" won me over with this one.  Once I read those words in the latest Cook's Illustrated, I was powerless; and I added them to my menu immediately.  But if you aren't one to be wooed by just a few words, I'll give you a few more reasons why you should add these skewers to your summer grilling repertoire.  They are super easy and low-maintenance, which minimizes indoor kitchen prep time, and maximizes outdoor fun time.  The recipe also calls for pork tenderloin, which is a healthy and relatively inexpensive cut of meat.  And finally, isn't it just more fun to eat food off a stick?

The combination of brown sugar and Sriracha chile sauce give the pork that super addictive and crave-worthy sweet heat.  The glaze is pretty fantastic, and I'm already envisioning many other ways to use it:  grilled shrimp, steak, chicken, or even brussels sprouts all sound pretty fantastic to me!

We grilled these for Memorial Day, and I also served them with grilled corn on the cob, these amazing broccoli rabe cheese toasts, and of course fresh watermelon.  As usual, I'm totally grill-obsessed, so be on the lookout for more grilled favorites soon!  Maybe I should change my blog name to Grilled Parsley?

Sweet Sriracha-Glazed Pork Skewers
adapted from Cook's Illustrated, May/June 2015
serves 4

  • 2 pork tenderloins, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 Tbs packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tbs Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • cooking spray
Toss the pork and salt together in a large mixing bowl and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the brown sugar, Sriracha sauce, and cornstarch.

Prepare grill.

Set aside 2 tablespoons of the glaze, and add the rest to the pork, mixing well with a rubber spatula.

Thread the pork onto 4 to 5 12-inch metal skewers.  Spray both sides of the meat with the cooking spray.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook until well charred, about 3 to 4 minutes.  Use tongs to flip the skewers and brush with half the reserved glaze.  Grill an additional 2 minutes, flip the pork back to the original side, brush with the remaining glaze, and grill one more minute.

Transfer the skewers to a serving platter, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.




 
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