Chinatown:  MJ & Ryan

MJ & Ryan found a cocktail actually called the Chinatown which they shared with us.  It was a pretty simple and good blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint.

After we sipped our cocktails on the patio, we moved onto a variety of Asian beers including Tsingtao and Tiger Beer.

Recipe:
http://www.absolutdrinks.com/en/drinks/chinatown/

Vampire Milkshake Shots:  Ryan & MJ

Ryan and MJ delighted us with individual Vampire Milkshake Shots - a milkshake with fresh strawberry puree and chocolate syrup.  We dipped our fangs in and devoured these with a decadent lust!

Recipe:

http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/745225032/bloody-good-vampire-non-alcoholic-milkshake-shots/?locale=en_US

Quidditch Pie & Butterbeer Biscuits:  Ryan & MJ

After our first day of classes, we decided to get outside and have some fun playing our favorite game - Quidditch!  Ryan & MJ made us Quidditch Pie which was a magical version of Sheppard's Pie and was great fuel for riding our brooms around the field!

Recipe:
Ask Ryan & MJ :)

Mezcal Margaritas:  Ryan & MJ

There was no easing our taste buds into our smokin' evening, we hit them straight off the bat with a delicious smoky mezcal!  The lightness of the lime juice really allowed the smokey flavor to come through in this refreshing drink.  We kept Ryan & MJ busy while we sat on the back patio with requests for seconds, and thirds, and.... :)

Recipe:
http://www.eater.com/drinks/2015/4/24/8490545/ace-patio-drinking-with-this-smoky-mezcal-margarita

Ryan & MJ made these drinks substituting regular margarita salt and spicy cocoa bitters.

Mint Julep Pie:  Ryan & MJ

Ryan & MJ finished off the night with a chocolate, bourbon, mint julep pie.  Think of the delicious Mint Julep drink combined with a Girl Scouts Thin Mint, all wrapped into a delicious pie crust.  This dessert was the perfect end to our evening.

Since we live on the west coast, the Derby had already finished but, as promised, none (well maybe one) of us watched it ahead of time.

We placed our bets and watched the race and true to form, it was the "Fastest two minutes of sports!"













Ann & Ryan both placed bets on the favored horse - American Pharaoh.  When he crossed the finish line, the dollar bills were flying and we got to enjoy our Blue Ribbon PBRs in honor of #18!

Recipe:
http://www.butterandbrioche.com/dark-chocolate-mint-julep-pie/

Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches with Mashed Potato Cheddar & Chive Waffles:  Ryan & MJ

Don't let the term "waffle maker" fool you into thinking this was a low-effort meal.  We watched Ryan & MJ work tirelessly to create this masterpiece! 

So many waffles!  Here they are staying warm while the chicken was being made....

This turned out awesome - the chicken and the mustard both had an amazing spice to them!

Recipes:

Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches:

http://www.thecandidappetite.com/2013/07/08/fried-chicken-and-waffle-sandwiches/

Mashed Potato Cheddar and Chive Waffles:

http://joythebaker.com/2013/09/mashed-potato-cheddar-and-chive-waffles/

Peanut Butter Cup Martini:  MJ & Ryan

When we saw what was in store for the making of a Peanut Butter Cup Martini, we knew it was going to be a good night! 

This decadent drink may be considered more of a dessert as it is even garnished with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup!  Need I say more?!?!!

2nd Place Winner:  Culinary Couples Year Two - Best Drink!


Recipe:

http://liquor.com/recipes/peanut-butter-cup-martini/#OsBmYRzDU9EtRdBE.97