Update

Hello everyone! Just wanted to apologize for my lack of posts recently, although Farrell has been great about picking up the slack. I definitely have a list of posts to tackle once things settle down a bit. In the meantime, here is a pretty picture of Marblehead, MA, which I visited unexpectedly this week. - LG

Pomegranate Lemonade Martini

I concocted this make-shift martini over the weekend from things I already had around the house, and it was quite tasty (and full of antioxidants, according to the packaging of the lemonade, which is always a plus!).

Pomegranate Lemon Martini
Ingredients:
Vodka of Choice (regular or citrus flavored)
Pomegranate Lemonade (Minute Maid brand) or Pomegranate Juice and Lemonade
Lemon slices for garnish

Combine vodka and juices, shake vigorously over ice, and strain into chilled martini glass. Ratio of vodka to juice is up to your taste. Enjoy on the back porch with good friends and appetizers, of course!
flj

Summertime Grilling

Warm weather means grilling to me (even if it is indoors on the grill pan), especially over Memorial Day weekend. Try out this easy, citrusy summertime marinade on your favorite cut of chicken (I love to grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs), modified from Cooking Light:

Lemon Thyme Grilled Chicken Thighs

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

1/4 cup chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 1/2 tablespoons honey

16 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper or lemon-pepper
blend

Cooking spray

Place first 5 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken; seal bag. Chill at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill or grill pan. Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken on grill rack or pan coated with cooking spray; cook 6 minutes on each side or until chicken is done.

flj

Virginia Flowers

Reader Request: Baby Shower Games

A reader is hosting a baby shower in June for a multi-generational crowd (read: both twentysomethings and their mothers). She is looking for suggestions for some games and activities that are fun and not the usual, run of the mill “yarn around the belly” type of game.
Any ideas?

The Preakness

This weekend I will be hostessing a Preakness party. In honor of the Maryland race I will serve hot crab dip, shrimp with Old Bay, corn bread (hush puppies seem too ambitious) and, of course, Black Eyed Susans. What am I missing??

Great new book...

It will really make you re-think the way you eat. Click on the picture to go to Amazon and read a description.