Hazelnut White Hot Chocolate

Call me crazy, but for someone that loves chocolate, I never acquired the taste for hot chocolate, so I created my own hot chocolate recipe that included three sweets that I enjoy.         1. Milk Chocolate 2. White Chocolate and 3. Nutella 

And yes, this recipe is FULL of calories and sugar.  You're welcome

Ingredients

• 4 - 5 oz milk chocolate (bar or chips
• 11 oz white chocolate (bar or bag of chips)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 gallon whole milk
• 2 cups Nutella (or your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread)

In a large pot, add the dry ingredients and stir together.  Slowly pour in the milk while blending and stirring in the dry mixture.  Once that is done, add the two cups of chocolate hazelnut. Slowly bring the mixture to a soft boil making sure to stir regularly until all of the ingredients have melted and dissolved.  Serve alone, with whipped cream, or with marshmallows.  

To make this a bit more "festive", for those over 21 you can add a chocolate liquor, white chocolate liquor, or hazelnut liquor.   PS, It's good chilled too! Can you imagine blending this with ice cream?  Oh don't get me started!  I could go on and on! 

A Delicious Grape Martini Recipe, If I Do Say So Myself. A perfect cocktail for entertaining.

With the warmer weather upon us, I thought I would share this recipe again, for those who might my post two years ago.  If you like the flavor of grapes and the flavor of oranges, then this martini recipe is for you! This grape martini was inspired by the scent of the Concord grapes that grow wild around our home and by a grape drink my mother used to makes us when we were children (without the alcohol of course) which was Grape Koolaid with orange slices.  To see a video on how I made the cocktail or to see the recipe in print, just follow the link to our luxury lifestyle website page for this delicious grape martini.  Read More

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Champlain Sunset, the 2014 Signature Drink For Vermont's Restaurant Week

Vermont's 2014 Restaurant Week tastes great with a “Champlain Sunset” the signature cocktail made with Vermont White Vodka from Vermont Spirits and Switchback Ale.

Try one at participating restaurants or mix one up at home!

Champlain Sunset

• Two springs of mint

• Ice cubes

• 2 oz. Vermont Spirits White Vodka

• 1 oz. Aperol

• 3/4 oz. simple syrup

• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

• 1-1.5 oz. Switchback Ale

Muddle mint in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, vodka, Aperol, simple syrup, and lemon juice, and stir to combine. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, and top with Switchback to taste (less for a sweeter drink, 1.5 oz. for a hint of bitterness). Garnish with mint and a lemon twist, then serve.

The fifth annual Vermont Restaurant Week, April 25 to May 4, is an opportunity to sample locavore, farm-to-table cuisine that is perennially celebrated in national accolades and headlines. Vermont can credit its distinction as a culinary destination to its abundance of agricultural resources and top-flight chefs paired with the state’s position as home to the most cheese makers and brewers per capita in the country. Vermont’s rural farming heritage has nurtured a dining culture that welcomes exploration: culinary visitors delight in fine, local, fresh foods amid the vibrancy of downtown, while admiring mountain views or appreciating the working farm next door.

 http://www.vermontrestaurantweek.com and http://www.vermontvacation.com to plan your stay. Bon Appétit!

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

A Chocolate Martini Recipe and Diamond Rings. Simply Divine!

A few years back, I had the pleasure of taking a walk around Ipswich, MA to visit some of the local vendors.  To my pleasant surprise, one of the jewelers was making chocolate martinis for each of the ladies that walked in. This was my first chocolate martini and certainly was not my last since I asked the owner for the recipe which is super easy to make and only three ingredients (plus liquid chocolate)!  For the recipe, here is the link to our chocolate martini recipe.

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Fireball Whiskey and Drinks with Fireball Whiskey "Tastes Like Heaven, Burns Like Hell"

With a name of Fireball Whiskey and a company tag line of Tastes Like Heaven, Burns Like Hell, you may wonder if this whiskey is for you, but with some of the Fireball Whiskey drinks that the company has listed on their web site, I am sure to give this whiskey a try. I have posted some of the Fireball Whiskey drinks on New England Fine Living's Fireball Whiskey Cocktail Page. 

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Wine Slushy Recipe - Pinch Me Now!

Hear me now..... This is a fact, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be making this slushy for some sort of Summer Soiree this year.  Maybe even for a Spring if I can't handle the waiting game. 

Let me apologize to the person who took this photo and posted the recipe.  I saved the recipe awhile ago and forgot to make note of where I found it and who the creative genius was. 

A Patron Margarita Recipe For A Tropical Party

When asked to make the margaritas for a client's party, I knew just which margarita recipe I wanted to use. There are so many versions out there and some use a sweet pre-mix. Yuck!  Not in our household!!!!!  One of my favorite margaritas was sipped near the ocean during a fantastic trip to St. John with my guy and we have been spoiled ever since. I will soon be posting the party pictures this margarita went along with, but for the recipe, just click the link and you will be whisked away to my web site where you will find more information. READ MORE 

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

A grape and orange martini that tastes like koolaid!

Looking for a fun and delicious drink that might remind you of your childhood?  I created this grape martini which was inspired by how my mother used to make our grape koolaid when I was a kid.  Now you can have a party and wow your guests with this refreshing cocktail.  Not too sweet, not too tart!  Below is a video on how I created this grape flavored beverage that is just for adults "OH YEAH!".  Enjoy! 

For more party planning ideas, please visit our web site, http://www.newenglandfineliving.com 

The items you will need

Grape Pucker

Your favorite vodka

Triple Sec

Sprite

an orange

Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an  Interior Designer and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Bubbling Candy Corn Martini and Creamy Candy Corn Cocktail

I had so much fun creating these two cocktails for Halloween.  My sister inspired my desire to create these since she likes candy corns more than me which is HUGE because I love candy corns.  But here's the thing... I am not one for very sweet drinks, and these are sweet since I infused the candy corns in marshmallow vodka.  The recipe for these Halloween party cocktails can be found on my web site page                                                             http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/Candy-Corn-Cocktail-Martini-Recipes.html

This photo shows the crystallized candy corn wedge that I created.  I did not notice the candle I had going during the video softened it and it slid into the glass during most of the photos.  Minor technical difficulty!

Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

New England Living, New England Style, New England Home: Purple Haze Martini

New England Living, New England Style, New England Home: Purple Haze Martini Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Delicious sangria recipe to enjoy on your New England front porch or during a New England Style summer party

Bacca (Berry) Sangria Recipe - A wonderful drink during a New England Summer day. 

(as a pitcher – serves 8-10)

2 cups DUCA Cabernet/Corvina OR Merlot/Pinot Noir

1 cup Blackberry or raspberry puree (home-made or store bought)

1 cup Pomegranate juice

1 cup orange juice

Juice of 1/2 of a lime

Directions: In a pitcher, add ingredients and stir together with plenty of ice.  Add raspberries and blueberries to the mix.  Pour into large wine glasses and add lime wheel.

For another Bellini Sangria recipe... Read More

Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Calling all flirts...

Okay ladies... does it always have to be up to the guys to make the first move?

No way!  See a cute guy in the corner?

Grab yourself a Flirt Martini or a Flirtini (Recipes Below) and speak up!   Below are some pretty corny pick up lines, but come on.... it is a good ice breaker.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Can I sit with you so I won’t get hit on?

Did the sun just come out or did you just smile at me?

See my friend over there? She likes you, but I am a little greedy...

Which one of you guys is buying me drinks tonight?

Pretend to lose something and get a cute guy to help you look for it.

Didn’t I see you in GQ?

Hey, did you see the game last night?

I am doing a survey on whether guys eat breath mints. Can I test your breath?

Hi, my name is (Blank). I got tired of waiting for you to walk over and talk to me so here I am.

Excuse me, but I DO think it's time we met.

Hey I just realized this, but you look a lot like my next boyfriend…

You know, I'm invisible. (Really?) Can you see me? (Yes) How about tomorrow night?

Kiss me if I'm wrong, but isn't your name (take a guess) ...???? - Wouldn't it be a shame if you got the name right?!


The Flirt Martini
Ingredients: Makes enough for two, so get flirting!

3 ounces Premium Vodka
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Champagne (your choice)
orange round

Preparation:
Bring all ingredients together in a shaker full of chipped ice. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange round.


Flirtini Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

2 pieces fresh pineapples
1/2 oz orange liqueur
1/2 oz vodka
1 oz pineapple juice
3 oz Champagne

Directions: Add to a Martini Glass with ice, mix, stir and enjoy!

A bubbly refreshing drink for the summer

Gather with friends and treat them to a celebration with the Barefoot Beach Cup, a refreshing bubbly treat. This refreshing blend of summer fruit and bubbly wine adds the perfect spark to your summer entertaining.

BAREFOOT BEACH CUP


Description: A light and refreshing blend of seasonal fruit, lemon & lime and Barefoot Bubbly.

Glassware: Pint glass

Garnish: Mint leaf

Ingredients:
1 strawberry, hulled and sliced
4 grapes, cut in half
3 orange slices
4-5 mint leaves
3 oz sour mix
3 oz Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee

Directions:
Combine fruit and sour mix in a pint glass with ice.  Shake well and top off with Barefoot Bubbly. Serve with straw.  Serves

Adults ONLY lemonade recipes

Cool off with lemonade for adults only.  These lemonade recipes with alcohol are sure going to please the palette at your next party or special entertaining event.    Pssssst.  You can make it for yourself at home too!

Adults Only Lemonade

Ingredients:

2 cups sparkling water or seltzer, chilled

1/2 cup citrus flavored vodka, chilled

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup orange liqueur

Lemon slices, for garnish

Directions:

Combine all ingredients expect lemon slices in a cocktail shaker. Strain into chilled glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon slices.

This Lemonade Recipe is from  sheknows.com

Lemonade Wine Cooler

Nothing says summer entertaining like lemonade with a touch of alcohol for the adults! If you are an adult, you can make a lemonade wine cooler to enjoy this summer or any time of the year! Lemonade wine coolers are very easy to make and you will save money by making your own wine coolers. You can make some for your friends too! Lemonade wine coolers are great for barbecues or any party. But remember, adults only! Lemonade wine coolers are not for anyone under drinking age.

Ingredient list for lemonade wine coolers:

White wine

Lemonade

Lemon flavored seltzer water

Slice of lemon

Crushed ice or ice cubes

Add some crushed ice or two ice cubes to a wine glass or you can use a water glass for a large lemonade wine cooler. Fill the glass 1/2 full with white wine. You can use any white wine or a pink wine or blush wine will work fine too. Add some lemonade until the glass is 3/4 full. You can use ready-made lemonade or you can use lemon Kool-Aid or if you are watching your calories, use lemon Crystal Light or another brand of sugar-free lemonade. Fill the glass to the top with lemon flavored seltzer water. Add a slice of lemon as a garnish.

This recipe from Associated Content

California Lemonade

Juice of 1 large lemon

Juice of 1 large lime

1 teaspoon superfine sugar

2 ounces Scotch

1/4 teaspoon grenadine

Cold club soda

Wedge of lemon

Shake the lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, Scotch, and grenadine with ice; then strain into a chilled collins glass filled with ice. Add soda to fill, gently stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

From: Field Guide to Cocktails by Rob Chirico

Hawaiian Lemonade

1/2 of a 12-ounce can (3/4 cup) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup vodka (optional)

1 12-ounce can (1-1/2 cups) apricot nectar, chilled

1 12-ounce can (1-1/2 cups) unsweetened pineapple juice, chilled

2 cups ice cubes

1-1/4 cups ginger ale (chill in bottle)

Lemon slices (optional)

Edible flowers (optional)

Combine lemonade concentrate, water, and, if desired, vodka in a punch bowl; add apricot nectar, pineapple juice, and ice cubes. Slowly pour ginger ale down side of bowl; stir gently to mix. If desired, garnish with lemon slices and edible flowers. Makes six 8-ounce servings.

From Better Homes and Garden

How about a Mexican Martini!

2 oz. Herradura Silver Tequila
1 ½ oz. Cointreau orange liqueur
2 oz. sweet and sour mix
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. orange juice
Splash of lemon-lime juice
2 olives

Pour all ingredients into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a large martini glass with a salt rim. Add two olives on a spear and serve.


Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!