apple brandy

here's a quick and refreshing cocktail inspired by a drink from jg domestic that i tasted on a recent trip to philly. it went perfectly with the hickory smoked georgia pecans with maple & bacon! we used apple brandy from harvest spirits for this libation - they are located in the hudson valley and apparently give tours and tastings at their distillery. sounds like we need to take a road trip soon!

The Philadelphia

makes 1

1 oz high quality gin

1 oz apple brandy

1 tbs meyer lemon juice

2 tsp maple syrup

3 1/2 oz club soda

1 sprig thyme

1 slice of apple

in a cocktail shaker, combine gin, brandy, lemon juice and maple syrup with ice and shake well. pour into a high ball glass, top with club soda and stir. garnish with thyme and apple. enjoy!

asparagus

a quick hello and a beautiful bowl of spring green asparagus soup to warm up from the grey days we've had recently (even though the sun is shining this afternoon). it's super simple and a great way to use up extra vegetables.

we're excited about a project we're working on with uppercase magazine - can't wait to share! have you seen jen's new project, the makers? all the creative people in brooklyn and what they're making are so inspiring! also, have you seen this behind the scenes video from ban.do? fun, sparkly and pretty as always.

Roasted Asparagus Soup

serves 2

4 cups coarsely chopped asparagus

3 cloves garlic, smashed

1 onion, coarsely chopped

1 tbs olive oil

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

salt & pepper

preheat oven to 400 degrees F. toss asparagus, garlic, onion and olive oil on a sheet pan and season with salt and pepper. roast 20 minutes or until tender. transfer to a food processor or blender and add stock and cream. puree until smooth and season to taste. serve warm or chilled.