Happy Memorial Day everyone. I think this marker says it all on this day. WE have the freedoms and rights that we do because of those who fought for them, those who died for them, and those who never came home defending them. If it wasn't for those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, who knows where or who we would be now.

      So please, show our vets the respect they deserve, this day may be harder on them then you could ever realize. They have seen things we could never comprehend, and have lost brothers in arms during times of war.

     This day is to remember those who gave their lives defending our rights and freedoms, so remove your hats when the national anthem plays and let their be a moment of silence to honor the fallen.

     A Happy Memorial Day weekend to all of you!  Please remember to honor the memories of those fallen soldiers who gave their all defending our rights and freedoms!

     I have a refreshing drink recipe for you today, may it please your tastebuds and quench your thirsts this holiday weekend.  It's a variation on one of many recipes for agua fresca, calling for fresh watermelon and vodka!  We often see lots of people at this time of year eating watermelon and drinking margaritas, but this drink is light and crisp while still packing a bit of alcohol to it.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Watermelon Vodka Agua Fresca

by

The Pirate Chef

Ingredients:

2 Cups of cold water

2 Cups of watermelon (rind removed, seeded and chopped)

2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (this will vary depending on how sweet the watermelon is)

Juice of half a lime

4 1/2 oz of vodka (I use St. Augustine vodka*)

Directions:

1) Cut the watermelon into cubes, roughly 1 inch

2) Combine all ingredients in a larger blender and blend till smooth and no chunks are seen

3) Pour mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, pushing down on the pulp

4) Chill for at least 30 minutes

5) Pour into an ice-filled glass and enjoy!

* I use St. Augustine vodka because it's made with sugar cane and has a sweet taste to it, reducing the amount of sugar I needed.

     Well, I just took a small step and opened up a Cafe Press store featuring the logo on a selection of items.  If there's an item you want to buy there that I don't have listed, please contact me and I will try to get it listed as quickly as possible!  Have fun and I'll have a new recipe for you guys next week, just in time for Memorial Day!

Click Here to be taken to the store!

     Sorry for the long time since posting but we've been busy with closing on a new house and moving, lots of fun and excitement there!   Here's a recipe for you from a dish I made for last night's housewarming party, enjoy!


                                              Spinach Dip
                                           by The Pirate Chef's Mom

Ingredients:

1 C mayonnaise

1 C sour cream

1 small onion, chopped

1 can water chestnuts, chopped fine

1 pkg vegetable soup mix (I prefer Knorr, just make sure you remove the peas)

1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Whole (unsliced) round loaf of dense bread (sourdough works well).

Directions:

1) Mix ingredients with spoon. 

2) Cover and refrigerate several hours. (I would do a minimum of 2-3 hours)

3) Cut round of crust from top of bread. Hollow out loaf and cut removed portions into large cubes. 

4) Put dip into hollowed out bread and serve with bread cubes.