Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail and a Book Review

Marissa's guy, Hunter, gifted Frank a bottle of Chocolate Crown Royal for Christmas.  We were telling Nicole about it, and she mentioned that it would probably make a great Old Fashioned.  She was sooooo right.

The only difference from the classic cocktail is the whiskey used. Frank adds an extra drop of bitters to mine.

I was reading The Book Club for Troublesome Women, a novel centered on 4 neighbors in a new Virginia subdivision on the outskirts of DC who decide to get to know one another by forming a book club.  The novel is set in the mid 1960's.

The first novel they read is Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique, and they are henceforth known as the Bettys.  It is a novel of self-introspection, friendship, and growth.  I liked all the characters, but my favorite was Viv. I think that's because she and her husband most reminded me of my parents in the mid 60's.  

The Bettys take turns hosting the weekly book club.  The host makes dinner, and the others bring a dish.  Charlotte always brings cocktails.  When she served up Old Fashioned Cocktails, it reminded me of the conversation with Nicole, so I asked Frank to work his magic.

There are tons of food inspirations in this novel. I felt like I was walking down food memory lane.  Molded Jello Salads, Casseroles, Frozen Dinners, Fish Sticks, Ants on a Log.  All the childhood convenience foods that the women in the 60's embraced and served their families, so I am linking up with Foodies Read.  Stop by and see what the other Foodies are reading this month.

This morning, I am prepping for Marina's Baby Shower.  We are celebrating with a Russian Tea.  This afternoon, we are taking the Angel Face to see The Blue Man Group and will enjoy Shield's Pizza for dinner afterwards.

Sunday morning, we sing at Mass. The tea is from 2-4.  Amy and I have been working all week, preparing.  She will arrive early, and we will set up the decorations and buffet.

On Monday afternoon, we'll get our taxes done, then meet Amy and Doug for dinner.  Tuesday, I am going out to see Sister MaryAnn.  Our mutual friend, Char, is taking the ride with me.  Frank will make dinner to serve when I get home.  

On Wednesday, we are meeting the Luths at J Baldwin's for dinner.  We attended a Daou wine tasting dinner there, and the wines we ordered are in.  The next day, we have another wine dinner at a different restaurant!! 

Sometime in between all of this, we need to pack because we leave Friday, bright and early, to fly out to Tucson, where we will be staying with our friends, Rob and Linda.  I am so looking forward to some warm weather and spending time with them.

So, no Weekly Menu as we are not eating at home, but I will be sharing our adventures, so please stop by.