So...what do you think? You like the new digs? I sure hope so because my web designer, Brooke, with Smitten Designs, and I have been working hard to get this all put together. I wanted my blog to reflect the bright, fun food I like to make, as well as my love of comforting and entertaining those I love. I think she did an amazing job. Hopefully you think the same.
To celebrate, I'm hosting a week long cocktail party! I'll be posting a new recipe every day this week--two cocktails, one non-alcoholic beverage, and a small handful of appetizers for you and your guests to nosh on. With the exception of today's drink, something I feel in love with in Venice, all the recipes come from Williams-Sonoma's Cocktail Parites: Inspired Recipes and Party Ideas for Entertaining with Friends. And guess what? To celebrate and thank all of your for being such loyal readers, I'm giving away a copy of this great book along with a $50 Williams-Sonoma gift card so you can stock up on stemware, cocktail napkins, and anything else you might need for a party of your own. AND...you can enter THREE times each day this week. Here's how:
1. Leave a comment on that day's post telling me what you think of the recipe.
2. Like Apple a Day's new facebook page. Come back here and leave a comment you've done so. Once you've liked the page, leave a comment on the question of the day and come back here to tell me you've left an answer.
3. Tweet the following message: *I entered to win a $50 Williams-Sonoma gift card on Apple a Day! You can enter here: http://goo.gl/i0Sup @appleadayblog* Once you've tweeted, come back to that day's post and leave a post letting me know.
So, to get this party started, I'm sharing an Aperol Spritz, an aperitif drink with orange and herbal notes I enjoyed in Venice. It's simple to make, not terribly sweet, and makes for a great light beverage in the late afternoon or early evening before a meal. It's incredibly popular across Italy and it's now popular in my kitchen. I hope you'll like it too.
Aperol Spritz
from Aperol
Ingredients:
ice
6 oz. Prosecco
4 oz. Aperol
splash soda or seltzer water
orange wedges
Directions:
1. Place a few ice cubes in a glass. (In Venice, I saw spritzes served in stemmed wine glasses, stemless wine glasses, and double old fashioned glasses, so any glass will work.) Pour Prosecco and Aperol in glass. Add splash of soda and top with orange slice. Enjoy. Makes 1 drink.