When I started university, I followed in the footsteps of many, many others and became a beer drinker. I discovered that beer is kinda perfect. Its casual, low maintenance, relatively inexpensive, and usually pretty tasty. It's also excellent for socializing because you can share a pitcher with the table, and its not terribly alcoholic, meaning you can maintain a reasonably intelligent conversation even after you've had a few (if that's what you want...).
Just as I was about to start culinary school, I developed an allergy to brewer's yeast and my beer drinking ways were put to an end. I was suddenly confused and legitimately overwhelmed when I was ordering a drink. Enter the hero of the story... the G & T. I'd say 9 out of 10 times, if I'm in an unfamiliar bar and unsure of what to order, I'm going to get a gin and tonic. What's not to love? Gin - awesome. Tonic - yeeah, okay! Lime - oh, heck yes.
This is my adapted version of a G & T for when I'm feeling fancy. While I normally leave the mixology to Tom, this cocktail is all my own. Bright, sparkly, a little bitter, and full of gin - everything I love in a drink. And, of course grapefruit, the most distinguished of citruses!
I figured my first post should be something that requires you to squeeze a lemon! These little cakes are originally from Flo Braker's The Simple Art of Perfect Baking, but I found the recipe inTartine. The almond paste gives them a rich, fine texture and a subtle almond flavour, and the tart citrus glaze keeps them extremely moist and creates a slightly crystallized crust. The original recipe bakes in a loaf pan, but I like these little cakes - they bake a lot faster, they're already in individual portions, annnd there's more surface area for glaze. Win, win, win, right?
When I started university, I followed in the footsteps of many, many others and became a beer drinker. I discovered that beer is kinda perfect. Its casual, low maintenance, relatively inexpensive, and usually pretty tasty. It's also excellent for socializing because you can share a pitcher with the table, and its not terribly alcoholic, meaning you can maintain a reasonably intelligent conversation even after you've had a few (if that's what you want...).
Just as I was about to start culinary school, I developed an allergy to brewer's yeast and my beer drinking ways were put to an end. I was suddenly confused and legitimately overwhelmed when I was ordering a drink. Enter the hero of the story... the G & T. I'd say 9 out of 10 times, if I'm in an unfamiliar bar and unsure of what to order, I'm going to get a gin and tonic. What's not to love? Gin - awesome. Tonic - yeeah, okay! Lime - oh, heck yes. 
