For this month's TGIF Happy Hour event, I hosted a Martini Mixer paired with Swanky Snacks. This was such a great night with friends... but then again, you can't go wrong with some delicious martinis. We set up our "Martini Room" with a whole assortment of fun ingredients for martinis including:
Fruit juices: Peach, mango
Flavored liqueurs: Apple Pucker, Papaya Schnapps
Mixers: Raspberry Vodka, Triple Sec
Fruit juices: Pineapple, pear, strawberry
Flavored Liqueurs: Blue raspberry, Mango, Double Chocolate, Mint Chocolate
Flavored Liqueurs: Grand Marnier, Godiva
Mixers: Gin, Vermouth, Vodka, Rose's lime juice
Accompaniments: Limes, lemons & maraschino cherries
Olives: Garlic stuffed & Blue cheese stuffed
Rimmers: salt, Lemon Drop, Pomegrante, Chocolate
To pair with our fabulous martinis, we had a feast of appetizers and bite sized eats. Here's what we noshed on while we sipped our martinis:Camille's Smoked Salmon Cracker Rounds
topped w/Creme Fraiche & Dill
topped w/Creme Fraiche & Dill
Linda's Shrimp Canapes
Linda's Cucumber Cream Canapes
Betsy's Cucumber w/Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
Howard's Phyllo Quiche Cups
Nelson's Salame & Marinated Mushroom Plate
Yumi's Onion Veggie Dip w/Crackers
Joelen's Chicken Gyoza
Ruby's Tabbouleh
Joelen's Spinach & Ricotta Rolls & Crab Rangoon Rolls
Naveen's Chicken Kabobs
Tricia's Pate & Water Crackers
Carrie's Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Susan's Toffee Bars
Harvey's Nutella Ravioli
To join in the fun, my fellow bloggers have submitted their favorite martini drinks and appetizer recipes! As I do with each blogging event I host, a lucky blogger receives a giveaway related to the food theme. This event's winner is Cara of Cara's Cravings! Cara has won a wine markers and a martini recipe book. Congratulations Cara and thanks to all that participated in the blogging event! Read on to check out the recipes submitted by my fellow bloggers...
from TennesseeStina of Eat Something
The Disco Duck & Pecan Bars
Stina joins us to share two fab things - The Disco Duck martini and Pecan Bars using pecan liqueur. You must check out Stina's blog for details and the recipes... who knew orange juice could taste so good and pecan liqueur existed?!
Becke of Columbus Foodie
from Ohio
Roasted Chioggia Beets with Feta
Are you a fan of beets? If so, great! If not, this recipe for Roasted Chioggia Beets with Feta that Becke shares with us just might make you change your mind. Aside from the rich color, this dish is sure to be a hit... especially with a nice martini to wash it down. Check out Becke's blog for the recipe!
Courtney of Cook Like a Champion
from Florida
Roasted Chicken Purses
Courtney joins us for her first blogging adventure and she chose an awesome recipe to share! Her Roasted Chicken Purses had a bit of Florida flair by using Mojo seasoned chicken. To check out how she did it and for the recipe, click on her blog link and give them a try!
Jen of Beantown Baker
from Massachusetts
Bacon Wrapped & Goat Cheese/Almond Stuffed Dates
Isn't it true that bacon makes everything better?! Jen proves my point with her Bacon Wrapped & Goat Cheese/Almond Stuffed Dates. I'm seriously craving them and the combo of goat cheese & almond sounds so amazing. Check out her blog for the recipe and the step by step guide to prepare!
Karen of Loves to Eat Weblog
from Florida
Grapefruit Martini
Karen joins us with a fabulous martini - the Grapefruit Martini! She has quite the advantage by having some fresh grapefruit to use, coming from the Sunshine State. Check out how she learned about the Grapefruit Martini and the recipe in her blog!
Jess of Cooking Up Memories
from Wisconsin
The Gambler-Tini
Jess's husband gets into the action by concocting this martini with both their favorite liqueurs, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Dr. McGuillicuddy's Cherry SChnapps. Check out Jess's blog for the recipe and serve this up at your next get together!
Cara of Cara's Cravings
from Massachusetts
Nutty Pumpkin Pie Martini
Cara is an inspiring person and friend of mine for many reasons... and on top of that, she is quite a fan of pumpkin. I'm so glad she's participated in this event by sharing her Nutty Pumpkin Pie Martini. It's a perfect martini to enjoy in the fall, especially during the Halloween and Thanksgiving seasons. To serve this up at your next fall party, check out Cara's blog for the recipe!
