Raspberry Limoncello Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

1 shot Limoncello
Pomegranate soda
Raspberry lemonade

1.  Fill a libation glass with ice.  Add a shot of Limoncello.  Fill to half way with soda, then top off with lemonade.  Light, refreshing, relaxing.

Cheesy Turkey Logs

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground turkey
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 block of jalapeno jack cheese, cut lengthwise into eight pieces

hot dog buns
favorite condiments

1.  In a large bowl mix together the turkey, garlic, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.

2.  Divide turkey mix into four balls.  Lay each turkey ball out onto a piece of wax paper or saran wrap and work the ball into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.

3.  Place a cheese log onto one end of the turkey rectangle and carefully roll the meat over and around the cheese log, slowly peeling away the wax paper or wrap.  Use your fingers to tuck in and close off the ends.

4.  Remove cheesy meat logs from wrap, pre-grease grill with olive oil, and grill for 10 -12 minutes.  Turn the logs every few minutes so all four sides are evenly cooked.

Crostini, with Avocado

INGREDIENTS

1/2 loaf of french or crusty bread
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

8 oz mozzarella, cut to 1/4 inch thick slices
fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1 large avocado, cut to 1/4 inch thick slices
20+ cherry tomatoes, halved
balsamic vinegar

1.  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Cut the bread into 1/2 inch thick pieces.  Set evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
 
3.  In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Slather each piece with the mixture.

4.  Add a slice of mozzarella to each piece of bread and bake in the oven for about 10 - 15 minutes.

5.  Remove bread from oven and place on a large serving plate.  Sprinkle the basil on top of each piece.  Add a slice of avocado and several tomatoes to each piece.  Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over each piece.  Serve as an appetizer or a meal.

Caipirissima

INGREDIENTS

4 -5 lime wedges
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 shot fresh lime juice
1.5 shots white rum
crushed ice

1.  Add the lime wedges and sugar to a sturdy libation glass, and gently muddle the limes in order to release the juices and oils into the sugar.

2.  Add the lime juice, rum and crushed ice.  Serve this tarty drink when those long hot humid summer days have worked your last nerve.  Salud!