I figured I should start my first blog by saying hello and introducing myself. Right?! Well let me start out by saying how excited I am to be doing this. I have some big ideas and I hope that I can make them a reality. I had such a misconception about blogging that it's almost embarrassing. After discussing my idea with my Mom, and a couple of friends (thank you Laura!!!!) I did A LOT of research and decided: Enough talking. Time to make it happen!!!! And if I fail, well, as the saying goes..at least I know I tried.
So why blog? Well, much to my dismay I have been in the bar (and restaurant) business for 14 years. I have worked in various positions but what I have realized is that I actually love everything that goes into making cocktails. I find the stories behind how vodka comes to life, how wine is aged, etc.. simply fascinating. I have learned a great deal- from trial and error, bar guests (including those crazy college kids who want a "really cool shot that doesn't taste like alcohol but ya know looks pretty"), experienced bartenders and some from brew masters and wine makers. For me making a drink is an art. Whenever I am bartending, no matter how busy it is, I create the drink like I would a painting or a sculpture. Everything from the ice to the garnish is important to me. This statement may sound ridiculous to some but art has been a part of my life every step of the way. If you haven't guessed I am an unemployed graphic designer working in the restaurant business.
A few years ago my mom had knee surgery. Her recovery time fell into Thanksgiving. I decided that it was going to be my year to make Thanksgiving dinner. Honestly I don't know what I was thinking because I had never really cooked or baked besides Home and Careers class in Jr. High. (My Jell-O came out like gummi bears). So I did what any terrified person would do, I watched the Food Network! There I found Emeril. Not only did I cook an amazing Thanksgiving dinner (Thank you Emeril!!) but I found out that I love baking! I began watching Emeril regularly, I feel like he's part of my extended family to be honest. And there it was .... he added Grand Marnier to something he was cooking. I thought the idea was ingenious! Right about now is when you may be thinking to yourself that I have an alcohol dependency problem and I can understand why- I've gone on about booze for about 3 paragraphs now. I can assure you that I do not. What I can tell you is that I believe that a glass of wine etc can enhance what you're eating. It can also enhance your dessert! Like milk to a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie.
As adults, I'm sorry but sometimes you need that glass of wine, a nice cold beer or a martini. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps you sane. Or to escape the looming sound from the girl in your office who is a loud gum chewer (snap, crackle and pop are sounds that should only be allowed by Rice Crispies). Of course the worst is when you snap at your child(ren) because they are having a hard time tying their shoes. Ugh, that's the worst. Because it's not their fault that you're wound up so tight with meetings, schedules, cooking dinner, viola practice and girl scouts that tying that shoe suddenly becomes like the last block in Jenga on an already unstable tower.
In my research of blogging I found so many blogs and websites devoted to healthy eating, or vegan lifestyles. Everyone is going green. Everyone is super health conscious. And we're in a recession. Yes, treating yourself to a nice dinner out is wonderful. But let's be honest, when you're crunching the numbers isn't it more savvy to stay home? I believe in moderation. Or you can do what I do, when I bake: I save half for my home and bring the rest to work. I even freeze cookie dough. Because if there is a plate full of cookies, or an entire cake let's be honest- you're going to eat it. Whatever happened to the days of giving cookies or a pie to welcome your new neighbor? Baking offers something from the heart instead of running out and buying the first reasonable thing you find at the grocery store. Yes, we are all guilty of that. Thank goodness our local grocery stores have expanded their greeting card and knick-knack isle!
All of this rambling leads to one major point: I love baking and I love cocktails! My goal is to combine the two. I have developed recipes for desserts that I hope people can use to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, holidays, parties, game night or for a just because moment. I also have recipes for cocktails that I have evolved over the years. I hope that people can put my knowledge to good use. What good is it if I can't share? (I passed that part of kindergarten with flying colors). Some of the recipes to follow are for desserts that have the alcohol right in the recipe (yum!) and for some, I'll just suggest something to pair it with. Again, you don't have to indulge... but if you do Enjoy! I chose the name "Dessert Muse" because with any recipe we make it our own with little "tweeks" here and there. (I am not a fan of that word, but it seemed appropriate). It is up to you whether or not you put all of the ingredients in if you chose to make any recipe featured here. Or feel free to skip the adult beverage and enjoy an ice cold glass of milk or water.
I look forward to what lies ahead....
Eat, Drink and Be Merry!
~Melissa
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