CLASSIC WHISKEY SMASH

After touring the gorgeous home and garden of P Allen Smith, at Moss Mountain Farm, our neighbors new home, a friends re-model and anothers new home, then all the fabulous homes on the Washington School Tour of Homes - I tried to come back to my own place of residence and look at it with a discerning eye - to determine what to love and what to change. Drawing on a little of the Serenity Prayer, and the wisdom to know the difference.
My husband realizes, every time I go on a home tour, it's going to cost him a lot more than the ticket price - but for today, it was enough to sit out on our back deck, enjoy the fresh spring foliage, and a cocktail.

CLASSIC WHISKEY SMASH

Muddle 7 fresh mint leaves, 1 lemon half, quartered lengthwise, and 1 tablespoon agave nectar in a 16 ounce mixing glass or cocktail shaker, 4 to 5 times, just to release juices and oils.
Add 1/4 cup bourbon. Transfer to an old fashioned glass. Fill half way with ice, stir. Garnish with mint.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, August 2012
www.bonappetit.com/recipes

IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR

I made this last year, and distinctly remember not wanting to share, it was so wonderfully delectable.
I put together another batch of delicousness for this St Patrick's day celebration, with the firm resolution to let others try it. It is so quick and easy to make, it literally takes 4 minutes to put all the ingredients into the blender and 30 seconds to whip them all together. However, I think if anyone else wants a taste, they will need to be fast - so much for resolutions.

IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR

1 cup of half-and-half
1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 to 2 cups of Irish whiskey
1 tablespoon of coffee liqueur
2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of almond extract

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Shake well before using. Will keep for up to 2 months.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, March 2010
www.arkansasonline.com/