 |
| St. Germain Lemon Aid |
Entering the blogger world is like entering a new dimension. It's a peaceful dimension where everyone is kind and polite and sweet and we are all good looking and of course, eat incredible food. It is kind of like being in 4th grade where the teacher makes everyone say something good about each student in the class and if there's a race in PE everyone gets a ribbon. Blogging is a benign, graceful world and one I am happy to be a part of. If only life was so simple and predictable.
I think fellow bloggers appreciate what it takes to get a blog out. It involves cooking and reading and maybe research. Good photos help and writing skills certainly are an asset. And even though we may only be writing to get our thoughts on paper for future generations and not for a sizable audience it is certainly comforting to get those pat on the back comments. It's kind of like a check plus that a teacher gives for getting the job done and turned in on time. But some days it's hard to come up with anything witty or suave.
Like today. I was going to tell you what a crappy weekend I had because our basement shower backed up because the trees feel desire each spring to grow and send out new roots. And also because Mr. Rabbit Hunter didn't feel like pulling the toilet to roto rooter before it flooded. Can't say I blame him. But it obviously needed to be done as the water that so slowly eased into his office, kindly pointed out to him after jolting him from his office chair. This of course happened while I was washing a large load of dirty clothes, so it was my fault.
But all of that seems very trite right now as I think of the Boston Marathon and all the people it affected. Though I wasn't there and didn't know anyone that was, I feel for Boston tonight. I'm thankful for all of the people that came together and the massive effort put forth to help others. I hope the terrorist sees that while he's hiding out in his dirty rat hole; while being hunted like the prey he is.
In a few weeks it will be time for my daughter's race. She's only running a half marathon and she's doing it to raise money for a cure for leukemia. It will take place in our nation's capitol and she has trained hard for it. I am proud of her. She's met her financial commitment and now completing her race is her goal. She will run and she will run with pride. I am sure she will run with thoughts in her head that shouldn't be there. But that won't stop her. And for that I am grateful.
She isn't being courageous. She is just running. She wants to get a good time. She wants to raise money. She just wants to cross the finish line. She is no different that any other runner in that respect. She runs because it makes her feel alive. It makes her feel proud. Kind of ironic, isn't it? Runners run to live. Terrorists run to hide.
I won't tell you that I won't be nervous on race day. I will be. I want her safe and well and out of harm's way. But more importantly I want her to live. I want her to relish each moment of life with the respect it deserves. I want her to beat her time and I want her to feel the exhilaration of crossing the finish line. And I want her to feel it every day. Isn't that what life's about? Appreciating each day and living it to the fullest. Can't do that hiding in a hole.
A few notes:
Some days we need a little aid, if you know what I mean. If you know me, you know I love a pick me up now and then. And so much the better if it involves a cocktail made with St. Germain. St. Germain is made from elder flowers and gives a light, fresh flavor with a hint of sweetness to any drink it happens to come across, I add it to wine or Prosecco in the summer and also love it with tequila or gin or vodka. I am easily pleased. And when the rabbit hunter wants to please me he makes me this drink. He says I am nicer to him with one of these under my belt than if I had a few glasses of wine. Well, go figure. Anyone would be nicer after this. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
To fellow bloggers who love Meyer lemons. This is my contribution to Meyer lemon mania. You can use any lemons to make this though, so don't worry when Meyer lemons disappear.
 |
| Everyone need a little Aid. |
St. Germain Lemon-Aid (Dedicated to Mr. Kitchen Riffs who told me to blog this drink. But he would take a better picture!)
2 shots gin
1 shot St. Germain
½ shot agave nectar
1 lemon squeezed
Chill one large martini glass by filling with ice and then with water.
Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker. Shake 30 times. (A bartender told me this does the trick. What the trick is I don't know.)
Pour water and ice out of martini glass. Pour liquor in. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon rind. Prepare to enter a simpler world.
 |
| In a simpler world, ironing sheets is not required. |
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Renee! I'm with you. I love St Germain. And if my elder flowers ever bloom I am going to try an infusion! Now that will be interesting... Thanks for stopping by!
Renee Hendrix says
I love that St Germain is making a come back! This drink sounds really lovely - simple enough to allow the liqueur to be recognizable, but interesting enough to make it a bit more complex (the magic of a good gin) and delicious. Well done!
Renee Hendrix says
I adore St Germain, and love that this old school liqueur is making a come back. This recipe is simple and not fussy so the flavor is easily recognizable, but interesting enough to make it exciting. Well done!
Kim Bee says
I love this post for so many reasons. I love lemons, and so glad John encouraged you to blog it. And I hear you on kids and not living in fear. I worry every time my walk out the door. My son lives far away now and I worry every day but I'm so glad he's doing his thing. Great recipe!
Shulie Foodwanderings says
Truth to be told I really do not know much a bout mixology. I like how the cocktails look, including this st.germain lemon beauty/
Amy says
What a beautiful post! I agree with you,we should all appreciate each day and live it to the fullest! And I can definitely use a St. Germain Lemon-Aid any time of the week.
zoe says
Great post Mom! I think after my run, I have one of these 🙂
And Kitchen Riffs- you must start doing more with St. Germain. It is divine.
Abbe Odenwalder says
What a great idea John. No real need for zest here and you can easily use tequila or vodka instead of gin. My husband loves it with tequila, a good reposado, and I , well I take it with whatever I can get.
ChgoJohn says
Well, now we're heading in the right direction. I'm in the process of making a rather large batch of limoncello using Meyer lemons. Wonderful idea but I was left with quite a bit of Meyer lemon juice but no zest. I filled ice cube trays with it and now I have lemon cubes waiting for un raison d'être. I'm not at all a fan of gin but at least people are starting to discuss Meyer lemon juice cocktails. Can vodka be far behind? YAY!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Liz, don't wait until 4th of July. You deserve it sooner. And I wish it was as easy as a toilet. Unfortunately, it means redoing all the pipes outside underground and that is out of the budget right now.
Liz Berg says
Hooray! I have a full bottle of St. Germaine in my liquor cabinet...will pin to make these for our 4th of July party.
PS...yeah, events like yesterday's tragedy puts our little worries in perspective. But hope your toilet is fixed soon 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Tricia, that's so kind. and sweet. and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better, too.
Natalie G says
What a perfect drink! The lemon must give it a great tart flavor, would love to try this drink!
Tricia Buice says
Yes I agree, sometimes we need a little drink. I don't blame you for worrying - you're a mom. I don't blame you for being upset about water in your basement, that really stinks. Your post is well written, heartfelt and also very nice! I love the friends I've made while blogging, even though I've only met a few in person. I look forward to getting to know you better Abbe and I can tell I'll look forward to your posts.
Abbe Odenwalder says
i will Angie, but my bottle is getting low!
And Mr. KR, you are welcome. It is a superb drink-you should try it when you don't have anything else to do!
Kitchen Riffs says
Aw, thanks for the dedication! Very nice of you (bloggers really are nice, aren't they?). And a great drink! I haven't done much with St. Germain, but this drink looks superb. Sorry about the weekend - we all have them, of course - but this drink certainly must have done its bit to help make things better.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well said Joyti. And thank you.
Angie Schneider says
It does look and sound like a great cocktail! Drink one more for me!
Joyti says
Yes, I think, that we food bloggers are fighting for a better world. Well-fed, sustained, nurtured with kind words and nourishing food. We aim to have everyone get along, to accept each other, and for peace.
As for today's tragedy in Boston, I can't imagine what those families must be going through. How the residents of the city are coping.
And for your daughter - good for her! Running that marathon and meeting her financial goal. Congrats to her!