NIBBLES & SIPS || mint iced tea

Hopefully you enjoyed some of the same fabulous weather we had here in Toronto today. It was a quintessential summer day and we shared a wonderful afternoon on a friend's new sailboat. I couldn't show up empty handed, so I whipped up a batch of this refreshing, virgin bevy and hit the harbour. Here's the super simple recipe.

Ingredients:

3 tea bags - I used orange pekoe but you could also use green tea

1/4 cup of sugar

4 cups of boiling water

2 cups of cold water

bunch of mint leaves

lemon slices - if desired

First, boil 4 cups of water.

Then steep the tea bags for 10 mins.

Once the tea has steeped, remove the bags and transfer to a serving pitcher. Add sugar.

Stir the tea using the bunch of mint until sugar is dissolved, drop in. Pour in the remaining 2 cups of cold water. 

If you like, you can add a few lemon slices, this time I went without.  It's best to let it sit for a couple of hours so the flavours meld.

Pour into a pretty glass and serve over ice.  Do you have a favourite summer beverage?

NIBBLES & SIPS || white peach sangria

Nothing beats a cold bevy on hot day, right?  For me the perfect summer libation is White Peach Sangria, an easy, slighty sweet and very refreshing sipper.  Sangria comes in all types of flavours but this white wine version is light and quenches your thirst; it can be served daytime at a BBQ or during an evening poolside soiree. 

This is how I make mine ~

pretty glass jug + ice  

Chopped up fruit, I always use peaches of course and whatever colourful fruit variety inspires me that day, raspberries, strawberries or blueberries

Mix in one bottle of white wine, I use a light pinot grigio, nothing too sweet, about half the amount of sparkling water and 2-3 shots of peach schnapps (I know super retro right?)

Stir with a strong hand to ensure the fruit breaks up a little and releases some of its juicy goodness.

Pour and enjoy!

NIBBLES & SIPS || tips for casual entertaining

Last night was a lovely evening; we had friends over for what was a casual backyard BBQ. We caught up on some gossip, sipped on a cocktail or two and pretty much just chilled out.

Although it was casual, I still had my hostess hat on; no fuss but still styled and comfortable.  Anytime you have guests over it's always important to make them feel welcome and special no matter how casual the fete.

Here are some of my rules to live by for easy and casual entertaining:

No.1 Flowers are still a must, but you can skip the overdone arrangements. Do something simple like tulips in a mason jar or bud vases filled with a single peony - quick but chic

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No. 2 Use good dishes, but not "THE good dishes". Paper and plastic almost never have a place, in my mind (unless for kids or moving day). You don’t have to use your wedding china, but use your daily dishes, and maybe mix in some special glassware, it's no extra effort and your guests won't be stuck with a dry cleaning bill after a leaky plate has ruined their fave seersuckers.

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No. 3 Make-ahead cocktails are the way to go. Batches of anything, sangria, pimms cup or spiked lemonade are easy to throw together the night before and won't stress you out during the party, no straining, shaking or measuring just pour and guzzle...I mean sip.

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No.4 Stay gourmet. There's no reason to serve your guests junk just because it's a casual or impromptu gathering - if you're craving a pogo stick, which believe me I always am, save it for a moment of weakness when you're alone. Meals can still be simple and handheld like burgers, sausages or tacos but choose quality ingredients like specialty cheeses to melt on top, premium beef or artisanal breads and buns.

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Entertaining is my passion, whether casual or extravagant, I try to make my guests feel relaxed and special, that's always my number one rule.