Orchid decoration for martini glasses

Use small wooden toothpicks, insert them into the center of an orchid or any small flower. Leave a little stem on the flower so the toothpick and stem form a v-shape. Place on the rim of a martini, wine or margarita glass. I used orchids because I LOVE them, and because they are edible.

Pepper Rubbed Pork with black and chipotle pepper and Wilted Spinach and Arugula Salad with Drunken Mushrooms

The pork roast I rubbed with dried Chipotle pepper and black pepper and salt. I let it marinade for a while with the rub. The salad is sauteed garlic, red onion and wild mushrooms with olive oil. I cooked down the mixture with 1/4 cup dark rum or you could use brandy or wine, until the alcohol has cooked off. Then toss the mushroom mixture with a little more oil and a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vineager. Serve on a bed of baby spinach and arugula (I also used a pre-washed salad mix in a bag that also included shredded carrots).

Sweet Corn and Chile Soup with Creme Fraiche

For this soup I used frozen sweet corn. I sauteed a small onion and two cans of diced green chiles. To this I added a little cumin, cayenne peper, salt and pepper and cilantro. Then I added the frozen corn (about 3-4 cups). I cooked this with about 2 cups of veggie or chicken broth. Then I strained in squishing it through a mesh strainer. I returned the mixture to the pot and added enough stock for a thick soup consistency. I let the soup cool and served it in cordial glasses with chives and creme fraiche.

Sour Cherry Martinis

These are so good and so easy!
In a cocktail shaker combine 1oz. sour cherry juice, 1.5 oz. vodka, .5 oz. Triple sec or Cointreau, and ice. If you like a sweeter drink add a dash of super fine sugar or rub a lemon on the edge of the glass and dip the rim in sugar. Shake very well until the shaker gets icey on the outside. Strain and enjoy!