Lunch with Sue

So, in the midst of post Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas madness, I am also planning my daughter's 8th birthday.  Her birthday is not until January 2nd but last year we had her party before Christmas, so of course, she wanted to do it again this year.

Which, actually gives us a few more creative options.  Last year, we had brunch with Santa at Blue Moon, complete with sombreros and everything!  So, we had to top that!

My friend Sue's son just turned 8 in November and she was in the same boat as me.  We decided to split the venue and have a joint birthday party screening of The Polar Express, complete with kids in pj's and golden tickets. 

So, today, we decided to put together the favors - conveniently at lunchtime when we could have an excuse to have some food together.  Not that we really need an excuse or anything.  Anytime we are in the same room, there is food and drink involved.  This is one of the many reasons I love her. 

My favorite way to eat. My kids would call this a "snack lunch".  Little cheese, little fruit, little pepperoni.  Like I always say, the simplest things are the best. 

Okay, so actually the best part was............

I got the basic idea from a Sandra Lee cocktail but changed it a bit based on what was in the house.  For those of you really analyzing the photo, that is Mimi Sheraton's book Eating My Words on the table behind the food.  This week I decided I would like to be a food writer.

So, for the cocktail, this is what I did:

3/4 bottle Riesling (Caity had the other 1/4 on Thanksgiving) 
1/4 cup sugar 
1/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cranberry pomegranate juice
sliced orange

Pour all your ingredients into a pitcher and stir.  Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.

Now, if Caity (love you - had to throw your name in!) was not over and you are working with a full bottle of wine,  increase the rest of your ingredients to 1/2 cup. 

After favors were finished, we had a wonderful Apple Cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert that Sue made.  I planned on taking a picture but then Mary Ellen came over and we got to chatting so I lost focus.  Then there was a little bit left that I thought I would heat up and take a nice little photo of later on, but then I housed it before I got the chance. 

Sorry!  I'll post it along with a photo and recipe soon.  Another good excuse to get together.  Sue - hint, hint.........