If you were going to survey my apartment, you would think a gourmet chef lives there! I mean, I have all the right pots, pans, knifes, tools and accessories. I collect recipes, cookbooks…..hell; I even take an occasional cooking class. But unfortunately for me, the cooking gene just passed me by. Not that I don’t have an interest in cooking, I do, but I genuinely do not have a comfort level in the kitchen. It would be easier for me to talk nuclear physics (a subject I know nothing about) than cook a dinner for more than two. We had home ec for one year in junior high, and I failed miserably! I would have rather been playing basketball…..what was I thinking?
Fortunately I am lucky enough to surround myself by people who are experts though! One of these people is Linnea Johansson. Linnea’s passion is food. When she was a six year old and vacationing in Greece, she helped run food in a friend’s restaurant rather than play on the beach. Her favorite summer vacation memory? The year she helped out in a strawberry shortcake booth in Vermont. It is no wonder that some of the biggest name in show business, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Julianne Moore, Sean Combs, Reese Witherspoon, Sienna Miller and many others, run to Linnea when they need to throw a party or two.
Since I needed some help with a few of the holiday parties that I will be attending, I could think of no one better to ask than this Swedish born New York City based chef, event planner and kitchen goddess! In her entertaining cookbook, “Perfect Parties-Tips and Advice From a New York Party Planner’ Linnea shares her best professional advice on food, cocktails, decorations, invitations, and much more to make your event a success. Her book offers innovative menus and designs for all skill levels and party types- from an informal brunch to the most elegant dinner party. Her tips ensure that you will never run out of ideas on how to make your next get together a unique and memorable occasion for your guests!
One thing that I normally try to do at my holiday events is to come up with a new drink. It normally will inspire conversations, even if you are going up to someone you don’t know and asking them what they think of the drink. Did she have any favorites? One of her favorite spirits comes from Europe and it was one that I had never heard of-Xante’ Pear Spirit. Xante’ is a combination of a fine French Cognac, with a touch of vanilla and the perfect penetration of pear. Sounded heavenly! And Xante’ is perfect on its own, or it can be combined to make a delicious cocktail.
Here are three of her favorite recipes:
1) Xante’ Hot Apple (perfect for those of us in cold climates!)
1 ½ ounces of Xante’ Pear Spirit
Fresh Apple Cider
A Cinnamon Stick
Heat the cider with the cinnamon stick. Add the Xante’ before serving.
2) The Lennart (perfect for those of us at a beach!)
1 ½ ounces of Xante’ Pear Spirit
1/3 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
Sprite/7UP
Pour over ice in a highball glass and top with Sprite or 7UP.
Squeeze a lime wedge and drop into the glass.
3) And here is one Linnea just created……
3 AM cocktail (anti-hangover)
1 part Xante’Pear Spirit
1 part Passion Fruit Coconut Water
2 Parts San Pellegrino Lemonata Soda
1 Lime wedge
Mix Xanté and Coconut Water in a cocktail glass. Pour over ice and top with Lemonata soda and squeeze of lime.
I can’t wait to try them at my next event! And I hope to include Linnea’s wonderful advice, tips and fabulous recipes in upcoming blogs! Who knows…..maybe with her advice, I will manage to finally be comfortable in my kitchen! For more of Linnea’s advice and recipes, see www.linnea-johansson.com and for more Xante’s recipes see www.drinkxante.com
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