the constant hunger

Jazz and Cocktails

Photo from New York on Tap 

Anyone that knows me knows that I love jazz. Smooth, upbeat, it doesn't matter. I always play a little Charlie Parker or Miles Davis when I am home alone and cooking. I had read about a little bar not too far from my apartment that had nightly jazz performances following their happy hour. Happy hour drinks + jazz= a very happy me. 

Most jazz clubs I've been to have been really loud. I know, I know. It's music and it's gonna be loud, but I guess I have this romantic notion about having a few drinks with my husband, a little hushed conversation and jazz playing in the background. My new jazz spot did not disappoint. The smooth sounds of the piano meant I didn't have to shout to be heard. The walls of the bar are covered in black and white photos of old Hollywood and candles flicker on all the little tables.

Photo from Global Grasshoper

As for the drinks, they have 25 signature cocktails. My husband opted for the Green Hornet, a mix of gin, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. The long list had me confused and I opted for Prosecco instead.

All drinks are half price during happy hour and they have some good small plate options if you're hungry. We went with the artichoke dip to start. It was pretty rich and cheesy but perfect after SEVERAL drinks. We also ordered pizzas. Thin crust and crispy. 

I had been looking for a neighborhood spot for happy hour drinks and live music. I'm looking forward to going back this Friday and trying out a cocktail or two. 

Happy cocktailing! 

My Weekend in Three Photos

No weekend can start off without coffee served in cups the size of one's head. I use Lavazza espresso in my drip coffee maker. 

To add a little variety to my usual gin and tonic, I started off by infusing the gin with the fresh flavor of cucumber. Pour some gin over several slices of cucumber and let stand for about an hour (a Mason jar is the perfect container). Make your gin and tonic as you normally would, with lime and all, and garnish with a slice of cucumber. This may become my signature spring cocktail. 

Besides ice cream, this was my favorite treat as a kid. Sweet, gooey and crispy all in one bite. What's not to love? Feel like a kid again and make yourself of batch using this recipe. 

Happy cooking! 

Champagne Punch for New Year's Eve

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that punch has been the cocktail of 2010. Bars and lounges across the country have been serving up thousands of variations on this drink that hasn't seen the light of day since the '60s. For parties, punch is easy to make and it means that you're not taking down drink orders from your guests and spending the night shaking and stirring. I recently attended a holiday party in Montreal and this is my friend's recipe for champagne punch. It's so easy to make that I almost didn't post it, but since everyone will be celebrating, I thought it was befitting. 

 

New Year's Champagne Punch

Ingredients:

2 bottles of Champagne or sparkling wine

4 cups cranberry juice

1 12-oz. bag fresh cranberries

2/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

 

Method:

Pour champagne and cranberry juice in a large punch bowl and mix. Throw in fresh cranberries and mint. Serve punch with a ladle. 

Tip: You can also freeze some of the fresh cranberries and add a few to each glass to keep the punch cold.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful New Year's whether you are partying it up with friends or staying home and taking it easy. Health, wealth and happiness to everyone! 

Happy cooking (and drinking)!

The Need for Coffee

Monday. 7:00 a.m. I barely open my eyes to walk the few steps from my bed to the kitchen. I pretty much do the same thing every morning. It's so ingrained in me that I could keep my eyes closed and be in auto-pilot mode. I rinse out the coffee pot and fill water to the 6-cup line. I throw out the filter from the day before and insert a new one. I measure six scoops of coffee. I hit "brew." I then throw myself on the couch and get a few more seconds of shut-eye while I wait to hear the beep, beep, beep of the coffee machine telling me "I'm ready. Drink me!" 

But this particular Monday was different. As I was half sleeping on the couch, a lovely aroma made its way from the kitchen to my nostrils. It was a mix of coffee and cinnamon. Still groggy, I went to the kitchen and pulled out a coffee mug from the cupboard. I poured myself a cup and took a big gulp with my eyes closed, savoring the strong, slightly spicy flavor of the coffee. It was Starbucks Natural Fusion cinnamon coffee.

You see, someone from Starbucks had contacted me and asked if I was interested in trying out their new flavored coffees. I am not one to turn down a free coffee so I happily said "Yes!" 

Now I usually don't drink flavored coffees but I actually liked these. The natural flavors of cinnamon, vanilla and caramel are ground right in with the beans, so they taste quite natural. Each flavor has its own unique qualities. The cinnamon has a nice spicy kick to it, the caramel was decadently sweet and the vanilla enveloped my mouth in a warm, smooth flavor.  

Starbucks Coffee Giveaway!!!

And you can try out Starbucks Natural Fusions too! One lucky reader (and caffeine addict) will win all three Starbucks Natural Fusion coffees. Enter to win the flavored coffees as well as a surprise gift.   

Here's how to enter the Starbucks giveaway: 

1. Leave a positive comment on this post. (1 entry)

2. Tweet the following: 

@constanthunger #giveaway! #Free #starbucks coffee. RT to enter. #chcoffee http://bit.ly/cGUvj6  (2 entries)

 

No purchase necessary. Feel free to enter as many times as you want. You have until Sunday August 15 12:00 a.m. EDT to enter. I will announce the winner on my blog. I will also send out an email to the winner so please make sure I can reach you. If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours of contacting you I will pick another winner. Sorry, but this is open to US residents only. 

Campari in my glass

Thank you, Gaspare Campari, for creating this delicious blend of herbs, plants and fruits that I enjoy every summer. One glass, a few cubes of ice, Campari, a splash of soda and an orange garnish. I love watching the beads of condensation on my glass. 

Campari is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and I've recently checked out their website. It's awesome. Especially the recipes section. Check it out. In the meantime, pour yourself a Campari and enjoy the long summer days.