It’s almost summer – in L.A. it feels like summer already. We were sent a sample of a new drink from Laughing Glass Cocktails. Okay, we like the name, too.
It’s an artisan tequila. No, it’s an artisan margarita. In a bottle, pre-mixed (but it doesn’t feel mixed at all, it’s so light and delicious....) and all natural. The name alone was perfect. Just pour it over ice in a wine glass and if you want to be fancy add a slice of lime. But for a summer barbecue, (or a guacamole starter) and a light incredible drink under the stars, we recommend it highly! And, for a party, it’s so simple, three bottles and no muss and fuss, and slightly lighter (thank goodness) on the alcohol content than if you’d mixed it at home. Some of us have a no alcohol before six rule around here, but you don’t, I bet it would be delicious with huevos rancheros, too!
Balsamic Vinegar. Yes, it’s a standard. It’s the norm. Can I have the salad with balsamic on the side. The price of balsamic varies like wine, but a few years ago we discovered a moderately priced balsamic (also artisanal, also limited edition, also limited distribution like the Laughing Glass above) called Leonardo & Roberto’s. It’s quite simply incredible!! I’m addicted.
Only available, as near as I can tell online or at some of John Edwards select Farmers’ Markets. Less is more. The taste is fuller, the amount of dressing you need is less as well as the amount of balsamic you need in the dressing is less. If I could, I’d send everyone I know a bottle instantly. We like the traditional but also, available in other flavors....!
Cinnamon. We had some unfortunate reconstruction. And then we had ants. I’m allergic to pesticide, bug spray and about 90 other things. But then the ants won. But we couldn’t spray, those funny ant traps outside did nothing. There were armies of them. We’re organic over here, so I’m used to a couple of ants. But the ants won. We couldn’t cook. We couldn’t leave anything in the kitchen. Lisa Dinsmore told me to try cinnamon. This made no sense. I couldn’t imagine what I would do with it.
And then Ashley, the young woman who cuts my hair sometimes, in the course of conversation asked “how the house was...” “Fine,” I answered, “except for the ants.” “Cinnamon,” she answered. “Really, you’re the second person who told me that.” The next morning the ants flocked in, in desperation, I poured a line, a sort of heavy line of organic cinnamon (no sugar) just cinnamon on the counter. And by evening, there were no ants. I love cinnamon. Although I’m afraid it’s a permanent fixture on my kitchen counter. Please explain to me why this works?!!!
