FRIDAY NITE SUPPER CLUB

Well hello again!
I thought Friday would be a great day for posting yummy and sometimes healthy recipes, cocktails, n/a kids drinks, entertaining ideas, table decor, holiday stuff and more!

 Friday Nite Supper Club was the creation of a few of us girls, getting rid of the men and kids once a month to indulge in some gourmet food (made together at one of our houses) and some interesting drink we wanted to try. Well, we had alot of ideas but found it difficult to find the time-there was always a wedding, b-day-camping trip, no sitter, etc. So, I reincarnated the Supper Club right here on AF! Belly up sisters!


This week's recipe is a staple in my sister-in-law's house. I have to admit when she was making it for us one night I was a little skeptical but was quickly won over! This is a delicious stew chock full of healthy veggies and fruit with a little kick! The perfect, colorful, warm compliment to cold, bland, January day!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/4 pound chorizo sausage, chopped
• 1/3 pound cooked ham, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (1 pound) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 small hot green chile pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook the chorizo and ham 2 to 3 minutes. Place the onion in the pot, and cook until tender. Stir in garlic, and cook until tender, then mix in the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, chile pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.
2. Stir the beans into the pot, and cook uncovered until heated through. Mix in the mango and cilantro, and season with salt.

I also wanted to find a complimentary cocktail to serve with this and found a fun Cilantro Martini. I have not actually tried this yet but plan to!

 I spent about 7 years bartending at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City Michigan. One thing I really miss is the opportunity to sample chef prepared gourmet dishes and experiment with different liquors to concoct creative "new" drinks. I'm going to rekindle some of that here on fridays! Salute!

Ingredients

heaping handful fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated and minced
juice from 1 lime
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
2 oz citrus flavored vodka (Absolut Citron or Ketel One Citroen)
1/2 oz gin (Tangueray or Bombay Sapphire)

Preparation

1. Fill shaker with cilantro, lime juice, and simple syrup. Muddle well.
2. Add ice vodka and gin shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail shaker and enjoy.

I would throw the lime right in there and mash everything really well. Then strain through a mesh sieve to prevent the leaves from getting in there...but that's just me! I also included a simple recipe for simple syrup-lots of recipes call for this simple ingredient!

Ingredients                        

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.

Dress your table up with some natural elements from around the house, like plants, a basket and a chunky candle in a pretty arrangement. Use extra limes and cilantro in vase for an additional pop of color!

SEE YOU AGAIN FOR MONDAY INSPIRATIONS!