Just Desserts

Ever sense Drake uttered the word Moscato, it seems as if the delicious dessert wine is in demand. It reminds of the Patron craze three years ago, when people where buying Patron as if it was a top shelf Tequila. It still amazes me how much marketing and hip-hop culture effects our lives. For food and wine lovers such as myself, I have compiled a list of modestly priced dessert wines.

• EOS Zinfandel Port '06 -$21.99


• Beringer Chenin Blanc -$7.00


• Barefoot Reisling -$8.00


• EOS 2008 Moscato Tears of Dew -$20.00

Home Herb Garden

I am green with envy over the herb gardens, Tee Jeeny (my aunt) has planted in her back yard. She is growing heirloom tomatoes, garlic chives, thyme, basil, and sage . Maybe next weekend I will start my own little container kitchen garden to enhance my culinary adventures. If you need a weekend project here is a great link for herb gardening.

http://herbgardening.com/

Healthy Chips

Last week I confessed my weakness for pastries, all things sweet and a shrinking waistline to my good friend, Renada. She in return confessed her weakness for chips. She says she avoids them at all costs. Renada, my darling, indulge yourself. Here is a link for healthy chips.

http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/top-ten-healthy-chips#fbIndex1

COCKTAIL HOUR

My little cousin Valentina, is graduating from college next month. Being the diva that she is Val, has asked us to put together a cocktail party in honor of her graduation. She and I have just decided the signature drink will be a blackberry mojito. Try it out!

Ingredients:
6 mints leaves
5 each fresh blackberries
1/2 part simple syrup
1 part fresh lime juice
1 part white rum
1 part Creme' de cassis
1 sparkling water

Preparation:
In a glass muddle mint leaves with blackberries and simple syrup. Add lime jar, rum and creme' de cassis and stir to combine. Fill glass with ice, top with sparkling water and stir to combine. Enjoy!

PELO COUTURE

OMG! My cousin and fellow entrepreneur Martori Bailey, has expanded her business Pelo Couture. Initially Martori, started with her hand crafted bridal head pieces. She is now featuring tiaras, head bands, and combs essentially any accessory a modern brides needs. Pelo Couture will be featured in the first issue of Ruthie Bea online magazine in April. If you or someone you know is getting married check out Pelo Couture at http://www.pelocouture.net/

Cami Cakes

Last Saturday was Jaylan's (my son) birthday. Since he had been begging me since the end of September for a party at the skating rink, we had his birthday at Cascade family skating. I must say it was the most fun I have had in a long time. I think the adults had more fun than the kids. It had been over 10 years since the majority of us had been skating so the falls and tumbles were hilarious.

The highlight of the day were the cupcakes we ate after the party. My aunt found this cute little bakery in Buckhead 2 weeks ago that specializes in gourmet cupcakes. We ordered 2 dozen and they were all gone by the next morning. CamiCakes is owned by Andra Hall. She has 3 locations, 2 in Florida (Jacksonville) and 1 here in Atlanta. CamiCakes feature 17 favors that consist of Chocolate Raspberry Almond Cream, Banana Cream, and Sweet Potato just to name a few. Each cupcake is made with the freshest ingredients and topped with delectable butter cream or cream cheese frosting. If you live in Atlanta or just visiting try CamiCakes.

http://camicakes.com/home.html

Go Mrs. O!

First Lady Michelle Obama will go to the University of Pennsylvania this evening to inspire voters to support Democrats in tomorrow's elections. She will be joined by Pennsylvania's candidates for governor and U.S. Senate at tonight's rally.

In contrast with tonight's event, last night Mrs. O hosted a more festive occasion. She and Barack greeted trick or treaters on the North Portico of the White House. For the event Michelle wore an orange cardigan paired with coordinating orange sequin shell, accented by a bee brooch.

To follow more of Michelle Obama's fashion check out Mrs. O

http://mrs-o.org

Please remember to go vote tomorrow!!!