Chinotto Cocktail Creation

I usually think of rum as a summertime treat.  You know- Cuba libre, mojitos, umbrella drinks, etc.  However, I have created my own winter rum cocktail!

It does not have a clever name yet.  I'm still working on that part, but here is the recipe:

1 part dark rum

3 parts San Pellegrino Chinotto

Not too much ice.  It is already chilly outside.  And probably not a spiced rum either.  The flavor of the Chinotto is enough already. 

If you are not familiar with Chinotto, it is an Italian citrus fruit.  The flavor to me is a combination of pear or persimmon with a blood orange.  You can still find decent pears this late in winter and the oranges are great and ripe, so this feels like a season appropriate flavor.

The San Pellegrino drink is carbonated so you do not need to add any club soda to the cocktail. Plus, I don't put in too much ice because I go light on the rum and don't want to dilute it with water. 

Enjoy!

Pastry dances

Are these Broadway desserts?   Dancing Pastries?   Fancy treats for a cotillion?

I don't know but I want to find out.  And I will find out soon.

Chocolate and .... ??

I know, I know...  Why would I need anything else besides the chocolate right?

I have been experimenting with cheese and choc combinations recently and used this Ibiza sea salt dark chocolate with Petit Basque.  The salt and sweet was a nice balance with the flavor or the sheep cheese.

But now as I eat the chocolate for dessert with some hot tea, it occurs to me that it would be great with plain popcorn.  Talk about a fantastic salty, sweet, gluten free - almost could be called healthy - treat!