December Supper Club - at Cut's Steakhouse

 We dine out in December, and this year we chose Cut's Steakhouse.  It was a very fun evening as usual with great food, conversation and fun.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

OCTOBER SUPPER CLUB: DENISE AND GREG'S

 

This month's Supper Club is at Denise and Greg's!  They're going with an Oktoberfest theme.

Here's the menu:

LIPTAUER CHEESE SPREAD AND SOFT PRETZELS and crackers with German mustard (Cate)

GRILLED BEER BRATS AND SAUERKRAUT (Denise)

SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE (Denise)

GERMAN CUCUMBER SALAD (Denise)

GERMAN POTATO SALAD (Wendy)

GERMAN CHOCOLATE BROWNIES (Leslie)

GERMAN BEER, WINES 

LIPTAUER CHEESE SPREAD
(Adapted from The Foreign Fork)

I doubled this recipe for our Supper Club get-together.
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 TBSP unsalted butter, room temperature
½ TBSP Dijon mustard
1 TBSP capers
1 tsp caraway seeds
2 TBSP white onion, minced
2 green onions, chopped
½ TBSP paprika
½ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

Use an electric mixer to beat 8 oz cream cheese and 4 TBSP butter together until creamy.
Mix in the rest of the ingredients. 

Sprinkle with paprika.

Enjoy with pretzels, vegetables, and/or crackers!  Better if made a few hours or day in advance to allow the flavors to marry.

GRILLED BEER BRATS AND SAUERKRAUT

(Adapted from thehungrybluebird.com)

½ cup unsalted butter 
12 oz beer (pale ale, lager or summer seasonal beer)
1 cup coarsely chopped yellow onion
2 sweet banana peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped or green bell pepper
2 lbs sauerkraut, drained
12 brats
12 bakery buns, hoagie-style or pretzel style, optional
Dusseldorf mustard or other mustard

Prepare grill, either gas or charcoal. If charcoal, set up coals to one side.
Melt 1 stick of butter in a disposable aluminum pan (at least 2 quart capacity, preferably 10-by-13-by-3 inch). Add beer, onions, peppers and sauerkraut; mix well. Place the pan on the cool side of grill.
Place the brats on grill and sear on all sides, being careful not to pierce the casings. When they're seared and have good grill marks, transfer to sauerkraut mixture in aluminum pan; nestling each brat down into mixture and covering with the sauerkraut.
Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, close lid, and cook for 40 - 45 minutes. Remove from grill and serve: either plated or on buns, with mustard and sauerkraut piled on.

SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE

(Adapted from Cheerful Cook)

3 TBSP butter
1 medium sweet onion diced
2 green apples diced
1 med head red cabbage shredded
3 TBSP sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
⅓ cup red wine

Spices

1 TBSP sage fresh, sliced or dry sage (1 teaspoon)
1 whole bay leaf
3 whole cloves

Use a large pot (or Dutch Oven) and melt butter over medium-high heat. Once melted add onions, apples, and sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté for 6-7 minutes.
Add shredded cabbage. Immediately pour in apple cider vinegar and red wine. This will ensure the color of the cabbage remains rich and vibrant.
Add sage, bay leaf, and cloves. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 30-35 minutes stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

GERMAN CUCUMBER SALAD 

2 English cucumbers
1 tsp salt
1 small yellow onion
1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped
3 TBSP vegetable oil
1 TBSP vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
salt and pepper, to taste

Wash the cucumbers and peel, if desired (we usually don’t peel the cucumbers when making the recipe). Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandolin or the slicing side of a four-sided box grater. Add the cucumber slices to a bowl.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for 20 minutes. This will remove excess moisture. After the 20 minutes, give the cucumber a squeeze to remove even more water. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the bowl.
While you’re waiting for the cucumber slices, wash, dry, and finely chop the dill. Make sure to remove the hard stems first. Also, peel and finely chop a small onion. Add both (dill and onion) to the cucumber bowl after the 20 minutes are up and you have drained the liquid.
Add the oil, vinegar, sour cream, sugar, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well. Add more salt (be careful here since you added quite a bit of salt earlier!) and/or pepper if desired.

GERMAN POTATO SALAD

(Adapted from afarmgirlsdabbles.com)

2 lbs medium-sized red potatoes
1 TBSP + 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 TBSP whole-grain mustard (use a bit more if you really like mustard)
1 TBSP Dijon mustard
3 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cut any larger potatoes in half so that all potatoes are approximately the same size. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1". Bring to a boil and stir in 1 tablespoon of the salt. Reduce heat to medium, so the water is just gently bubbling. Cook potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes. Immediately drain the water so they don't overcook. Leaving the potatoes in the pot, return the pot to the still-hot burner. With the lid off, let the potatoes steam-dry for a few minutes. Then remove to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes into 3/4-inch sized pieces (leave the skins on).
In a large skillet with tall sides, fry the bacon pieces over medium heat until chewy-crisp. With a slotted spoon, transfer cooked bacon to a plate.
Return skillet with bacon grease to the stove top, over medium heat. Add onion and stir to coat. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until onion is nicely softened, stirring regularly. If onion starts to brown, turn heat down a little bit and continue cooking until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Remove skillet from heat and stir in whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Then slowly pour in the vinegar and stir to combine. Return skillet to medium heat and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove skillet from heat and add potatoes. Fold the potatoes until nearly all the dressing is absorbed. Then fold in the bacon. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (use more or less, to taste) and parsley, and fold again.
Sprinkle with additional freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve straight from the pan or transfer the salad to a serving bowl. This dish is known for being served warm or at room temperature, but can also be served chilled.

DESSERT - GERMAN CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

(Adapted from Celebrating Sweets)

Brownies:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and still warm
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 TBSP water
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips

Topping:

⅔ cup evaporated milk
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large egg yolks
5 TBSP unsalted butter, cut into pieces
a couple pinches of salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
⅔ cup finely chopped pecans
1⅔ cups sweetened shredded coconut
flaky sea salt, optional, for topping

Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 square pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving a couple inches of overhang on two sides (this will allow you to lift the whole tray of brownies out of the pan for easy removal). Lightly grease the foil/parchment.
Whisk the melted butter and sugar vigorously for one minute. Add eggs, water, and vanilla extract, whisking again for about 30 seconds. Tap all the excess batter off the whisk and remove the whisk from the bowl.
Sprinkle cocoa powder, powdered sugar, flour, and salt over the wet ingredients. Use a rubber/silicone spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture until it is glossy and well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18-20, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out without raw batter on it, moist fudgy crumbs are OK. Be careful not to over bake. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Once the brownies have cooled, proceed with the topping.

Topping:

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, butter, and salt. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly (make sure you're getting all around the pan). Once simmering, simmer for about 3-4 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened a bit. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut.
Spoon onto the brownies and carefully spread the topping into an even layer. Top with flaky sea salt, if desired. Allow the topping to firm up a bit before cutting.

A few pics from the evening:

NEXT UP:

Hard to believe but our next get-together will be Christmas time!  We take off from cooking in December, so we'll meet at a restaurant to enjoy food and fellowship to end 2023.

Cheers to many more good times together 

with great friends!

🥂

August SUPPER CLUB - Wendy & Scott host!

 

We're headed to our friends' Scott and Wendy's home for our next Supper Club get-together.

They're doing a backyard BBQ which should be so much fun to celebrate the end of summer.

MENU:

MEXICAN STREET CORN DIP with tortilla chips

BAKED BRIE WITH JEZEBEL PEACHES

SMASH BURGERS

BAKED BEANS

COLE SLAW

POTATO CASSEROLE

STRAWBERRY TRIFLE

CHERRY VODKA LEMONADE

MEXICAN STREET CORN DIP

(Adapted from Half Baked Harvest)

2 TBSP chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, to your taste
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cups fresh corn (3-4 raw)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup sour cream
4 TBSP salted butter
1/3 cup olive oil mayo or use plain Greek yogurt
2 TBSP fresh lime juice
3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 ear grilled corn, kernels removed from the cob
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Mix the spices. In a bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. 

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add the corn, garlic, 1 teaspoon of the spice mix, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the corn is softened, 5 minutes. 

Reduce the heat to low. Mix in the cream cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in the sour cream. Cook until warmed throughout. If desired, thin the dip with milk.

In a separate skillet, melt the butter until golden. Mix in 3 teaspoons of the spice mix, plus a pinch of chili flakes and salt. Cook another minute, then remove from the heat. 

Mix the mayo and lime juice with a pinch of salt. 

Spoon the dip into a wide serving bowl. Top with grilled corn and drizzle the mayo and spicy butter over the corn. Sprinkle on the cheese and cilantro. Serve tortilla chips.

SMASH BURGERS

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (divided into 8 "balls")

salt and pepper

garlic powder

4 slices cheddar cheese

Burger Sauce:

1/3 cup mayo

1 tsp yellow mustard

To serve:

4 brioche burger buns

lettuce leaves

tomato slices

sliced onion

dill pickles

Divide beef into 8 patties by rolling into balls. Refrigerate before grilling

Butter and toast buns.

To cook:

Increase griddle to med/high heat.  Place 2-4 burger balls onto hot griddle.  Working quickly, place parchment paper over meat and firmly smash straight down into a thin patty.

Once patties are smashed, peel back and discard parchment and season meat with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Add 1/2 tsp of burger sauce.  Cook 2 minutes on first side or until seared and juices start to come to the surface.

Scrape under the burger with spatula facing down at a 45 degree angle to get under the caramelized part and flip.

Cook another 1 minute.  Top half of the patties with sliced cheese and cover cheese with the 2nd patty.

Repeat with remaining burgers and transfer them to a platter as they finish cooking.

To assemble:

Place space on bottom of bun.  Top with whatever toppings desired. Add double patty and top with bun.

BAKED BRIE with JEZEBEL PEACHES

1 TBSP hot jalapeno pepper jelly


1 TBSP spicy brown mustard

1/4 tsp kosher salt


1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper


1 large ripe peach, peeled and diced


1 Brie round (about 13.2 oz.), packed in a wooden box

Assorted crackers

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Stir together first four ingredients; gently stir in peaches until coated.

Unwrap Brie; trim and discard rind from top. Return cheese to wooden box bottom, and place box on a baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Spoon peach mixture over Brie, mounding slightly.

Bake five minutes or until cheese is melted. Carefully transfer box to a platter and serve immediately with crackers.

HASH BROWN POTATO CASSEROLE

(Cooks.com)

2 lb frozen hash browns, Southern style, thawed

1 stick melted butter

1 tsp salt

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 pt sour cream

1/2 cup chopped onion

10 oz pkg shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:

1 cup crushed corn flakes

3 TBSP melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients together. Place in 9x13" baking dish. Top with corn flakes then melted butter.  Bake for 1 - 1 1/2 hours until browned.

BAKED BEANS

2 28 oz cans Bush's Baked Beans

1 onion chopped

2 TBSP brown sugar

3 TBSP maple syrup

2 TBSP ketchup

2 tsp yellow mustard

4 slices bacon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, brown sugar, syrup, ketchup and mustard.

Pour mix into a 9x13" baking dish.  Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on top.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until bacon is browned.  

TRIFLE

1 strawberry cake (use a cake mix and bake in a 9x13 " pan), cooled

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 TBSP vanilla

1 (3.4oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix (unprepared)

3 1/2 cups heavy cream (divided into 1 1/2 cups and 2 cups)

3/4 cup of powdered sugar (divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)

2 lbs fresh strawberries, sliced

Remove cooled cake from pan and slice or break into 1" cubes. Set aside.

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat together cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.

Beat in the pudding mix until combined.  

Slowly drizzle in 1 1/2 cups of the cream.  When smooth and creamy, add 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar and beat.

Add strawberries to the mix, reserving about 1 cup of strawberries for the top of the trifle.

In a large bowl or trifle dish, build the trifle by layering 1/3 of the cake, then 1/2 of the strawberries and cream mix, another layer of cake cubes, the remaining strawberries mix, and then final cake pieces.

In the bowl of a stand mixer us the whisk attachment to beat the remaining 2 cups of cream until soft peaks form.  Add the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Mound big dollops of whipped cream around the top of the trifle.  Pile the reserved strawberries in the center.  Pipe one more dollop of whipped cream in the center and top with a halved strawberry.

CHERRY VODKA LEMONADE

6 cups of pink lemonade

1 3/4 cup Cherry Vodka

Mix together and garnish with a cherry!

A few pics from the fabulous evening:

Our next get-together is at Denise and Greg's in October!  Yay for FALL!

DRINKS PARTY!

 

It's been a minute since we have ALL gotten together!  Denise and Greg were the last to host at their home, and I'm so excited to gather together again casually with our friends.

My husband and I are up to bat at the next supper club and decided to just have a PARTY!

A pic from another time we hosted this group:

So we're going with a "Drinks Party" theme.  Each couple will bring a fun drink to share along with an appetizer, and we will fill in with several other appetizers and a dessert.  Should be a very very fun evening!

MENU:

HEMINGWAY DAIQUIRIS

MINI CRAB CAKES WITH MANGO SALSA

SMOKED FISH DIP WITH PITA CHIPS

AVOCADO SHRIMP SALSA WITH TORTILLA CHIPS

GREEK BRUSCHETTA

PEANUT BUTTER BLONDIES 

Leslie/Mark: 

HOT SPINACH PARMESAN DIP

MOSCOW MULE PUNCH

Wendy/Scott:

HAWAIIAN MEATBALLS

SUMMER SANDIA

Denise/Greg:

CHARCUTERIE CUPS

Rosé

HEMINGWAY DAIQUIRIS FOR A CROWD

These daiquiris are SO GOOD!  Named after Ernest Hemingway who like his drinks strong and like rum.  The cherry liqueur is the key - and does not taste like cherries!  It just adds some strength and cuts the sweetness of the limeade and juice.  It's a wonderful summer drink.

1 1/2 cups white rum
1/2 cup cherry liqueur (Luxardo)
24 oz limeade concentrate
2 cups grapefruit juice
2 TBSP lime juice (about 2 limes)
Cocktail cherry and/or lime wedge for garnish

Combine ingredients in a large pitcher, then stir gently until well incorporated. Pour the mixture into a glass full of ice, then garnish with a cocktail cherry and/or lime wheel. 

MINI CRAB CAKES WITH MANGO SALSA

My recipe made 19 crab cakes.

Picked up some fresh crab in Florida for this dish and it made all the difference!

Crab cakes:

1 large egg
1/3 cup good mayonnaise
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp sriracha
1 lb. jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells
20 saltines, crushed

Mango Salsa:
1 lime
1 mango, peeled and finely chopped (I used good frozen mango - the ones at the grocery were not ripe)
1 Persian cucumber, cut into tiny pieces
1 small chile, seeded and finely chopped
Kosher salt

2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil, for sautéing

Drain and blot well with paper towels the crab meat making sure there is no shell.  

In medium bowl, whisk together egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and sriracha. 

Add crab and saltines and mix to combine; cover and refrigerate. 

Salsa directions:
Zest the lime, then add that and juice from lime into medium bowl. Add mango, cucumber, chile, and ¼ tsp salt, and toss to combine; cover and refrigerate. 

Once the crab mixture is well chilled, form crab mixture into ~20 1" thick cakes. 

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium. Cook crab cakes in batches until browned, 4 to 6 minutes per

side.

 

Arrange mixed greens on platter, and place crab cakes on top. Fold avocado and basil into mango relish and spoon a dollop over each of the crab cakes.

SMOKED FISH DIP  (with pita chips)

2 lbs fresh fish (cod, grouper or your favorite white flaky fish - I used freshly caught grouper)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 TBSP Liquid Smoke

1 cup good mayo (like Hellman’s or Dukes)
1 container of Boursin cheese
8 oz cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion (I use Vidalia)
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 TBSP chopped fresh thyme
1 TBSP hot sauce (I use tabasco)
Freshly ground pepper and sea salt to taste

Season fish with salt, pepper and drizzle some olive oil over. Then drizzle the tablespoon or so of Liquid Smoke all over the fish.

Bake at 300 degrees until fully cooked and flaky (~ 25-35 minutes or so).
Cool fish, and then shred with two forks or with your hands (making sure there are no bones or skin).

Add fish to a food processor with all remaining ingredients and puree until fairly smooth. Add additional mayo if needed to get a spreadable consistency.

Serve with chips, crackers and/or fresh raw veggies. I also like to top each serving with a bit of hot sauce!

AVOCADO SHRIMP SALSA (with tortilla chips)

This dish was so yummy!  Made with Mayport, FL shrimp = THE BEST shrimp anywhere!

1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
2 avocados, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips for serving

Bring a large pot of water and old bay seasoning to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a low, add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp become bright pink and curl. Strain and transfer a bowl of ice water to immediately stop the cooking.

Drain and transfer the cooked shrimp to a cutting board, then chop into smaller pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Chill until ready to make the salsa.

Add the avocados, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice and garlic. Taste and adjust to taste by adding more salt and pepper, if desired. 

***If serving later, mix all but avocado and tomatoes and chill.  Then add the avocado and tomatoes just before serving.
Serve with tortilla chips.

GREEK BRUSCHETTA

Crostini:
2 baguettes, sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed

Topping:

1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 English cucumber, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

Sliced kalamata olives, optional
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup hummus
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Parsley, for garnish, if desired

Vinaigrette

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 TBSP red wine vinegar
1 lemon, juiced and zested
Kosher salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Rub the baguette slices with the crushed garlic cloves. Brush slices with olive oil. Place on a cookie sheet. 

Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.  

***These can be made the day before and stored in an airtight container.

When ready to serve the bruschetta:
Combine the red onion, cucumber and tomatoes in a large bowl. Add feta, and then gently toss all until combined.

Put olive oil and red wine vinegar in a separate bowl. Add lemon zest and juice.  Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until combined.

Pour on top of the vegetables. Toss until combined.

Spread hummus then dollop a teaspoon of tzatziki sauce on top of the crostini. Then spoon the topping on top of the hummus and tzatziki. Garnish with parsley, if desired and serve.

PEANUT BUTTER BLONDIES

1 cup butter
1 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9 x 13" baking pan by lightly greasing with butter or lining it with parchment paper. Mix together the butter, peanut butter and sugars.

Add the vanilla and eggs, mix until smooth. In a separate large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mix and combine, don’t over mix.

Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are lightly brown. Let blondies cool before cutting into squares.

SPINACH PARMESAN DIP
10 oz fresh spinach (or 9 oz. frozen spinach)
8 oz cream cheese room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayo
1 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano freshly grated
3 garlic cloves
salt
fresh cracked pepper
1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese optional, to top

For Spinach:

You can use fresh spinach or frozen spinach for this dip.
To use fresh spinach:
Preheat a large, deep cooking pan over medium-low heat and add some oil. Chop spinach while the pan is preheating and add it to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and stir. Close the pan with a fitted lid and let it cook down completely. Make sure to stir from time to time. Once the spinach is cooked, transfer it onto a mesh strainer and let it cool down. When cooled enough, gently squeeze most liquids out.
If you plan to use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely. Once thawed, squeeze out most of the liquid before adding spinach to the mixing bowl.

The Dip:

Preheat oven to 350° and lightly grease a baking dish that's about 2 quart in size.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix very well.
Spread the dip mixture in a baking dish and top it off with some shaved parmesan if desired.
Bake for about 20 minutes.
Before serving, you can leave the melted parmesan cheese on top or simply stir it into the hot dip.

MOSCOW MULE PUNCH

3 cups (24 oz.) vodka
¾ cup (6 oz.) fresh lime juice (4 to 6 limes)
¾ cup (6 oz.) ginger mint simple syrup* (see Chef’s Notes for recipe)
4 cups (32 oz.) ginger beer, chilled
Fresh mint, to garnish

Combine the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Add the ginger beer just before serving. To serve, ladle into punch or lowball glasses filled with crushed ice.

Ginger-Mint Simple Syrup:

Combine ¾ cup light brown sugar, ¾ cup water, ½ cup peeled and chopped fresh ginger, and 4 sprigs of fresh mint in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve sugar. Remove pan from heat and cool completely. Strain out the ginger and mint and refrigerate the syrup in a covered container for up to 2 weeks. Makes ¾ cup.

HAWAIIAN MEATBALLS

3 lbs frozen meatballs

1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained

2 cups BBQ sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 TBSP fresh grated ginger

3 cloves garlic

2 TBSP chopped chives for garnish

Add to a crock pot the frozen meatballs and pineapple. In a bowl whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and brown sugar. Add grated ginger and garlic.  Pour sauce over meatballs and stir.  Put lid on; set to high and cook 2-3 hours or Low for 5-6 hours. 

A few pics from a fun evening:

A DRINK from the DRINKS PARTY:

The girls:

Ice Breaker game:

Our newest supper club member: HOWARD!

The gents:

Such a fun night with our friends!  The food was great, the drinks were delicious and conversation fun!  Already looking forward to the next get-together!

SCOTT AND WENDY HOST NEXT IN AUGUST!!!