Thinking of Drinking: Thin-Mintini

Video and Editing by Nick Szpara

Revive your love for a girl-scout cookie with the Thin-Minti.  My unique cocktail takes 360-chocolate vodka, infused with mint, and mixes it with a shot of Mint Chocolate Bailey's.  Before you know it, you have a new twist to your old school favorite!  This cocktail is a perfect addition to Capital Cooking's Sweet Endings episode.  This would also be great for a St. Patrick's Day party.

Fun Weekend for Cooking

Photo by Bryn Wallace

I had a really fun weekend because I got to cook a lot and that makes me happy.  Lately I've been so busy, that I haven't got a chance to spend as much time in the kitchen as I would like.  

Friday afternoon started off right with my work holiday party at Taberna del Alabardero.  All of the food was delicious and we loved the Sangria.  

Later, we headed home to work on some cocktail recipes.  I'm going to be working with Shenandoah Growers on our next episode and I have to perfect a Thin-Mintini for my Sweet Endings episode in January.  So, I tried muddling fresh mint in the bottom of the glass and then mixing it with 360 Chocolate Vodka and Bailey's, but the flavor is just not minty enough.  I'm going to try infusing the vodka with the mint for a few days and see if that works out better.  

Easy Weeknight Dish: Italian Pork Chops with Fresh Sage

We recently received a supply of Shenandoah Growers Herbs.  What a treat!  So I got to work and made some pan-seared pork chops.

4 thin-cut loin pork chops
1 teaspoon of Todd's Dirt
Pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves

Generously season pork chops with Todd's Dirt and pepper (you could also use salt if you don't have Todd's Dirt on hand).  Heat butter to medium heat and add sage.  Saute for about 10 seconds and then add pork chops.  Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side and serve.  So good with Italian mashed potatoes with Mascarpone cheese and green beans.