Frangelico and I are Falling (Back) in Love
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I first met Frangelico in Fort Worth, Texas. I was ordering a cup of hot chocolate and the waitress asked, in her big ol' Texas twang, "Would ya'll like some Frangelico in that?" I replied, "I might if I knew what it was." "Just try it, you won't be disappointed," and she showed me the bottle. I tried it and loved it!
An all Italian inspired tablescape from Frangelico to Figs.
The Frangelico bottle itself is unique in its shape (it resembles a monks robe). The inspiration for the bottle design dates back 300 years to when Christian monks lived in the hills of the Piedmont region. Everything tells a story. You just have to take note.
Italian Holiday Punch
2 Parts Frangelico
3 Parts Pomegranate Juice
2 Parts Skyy Infusion Coastal Cranberry
1 Part Lime Juice
1/2 Part Orange Juice
1/4 Part Honey Solution
Mix all ingredients together in a large serving bowl or pitcher. Serve in one ice-filled glass. Garnish with clove-stuffed orange slices or simply with rosemary.
Although I first encountered Frangelico in the American South, the hazelnut flavored liqueur hails from Northern Italy. My two favorite things hail from the Piedmont region, Frangelico and white truffles. They both make me swoon. Yummy!!
My menu was all Italian inspired. From the baked prosciutto to one of my favorite appetizers, Mini orzo mac and cheese with shaved truffles to the chocolate mousse with vanilla bean Frangelico whipped cream adorned with shaved dark chocolate.
It's been 20 years since I first met Frangelico. I have become an explorer with It since then. I started using Frangelico in a variety of my Sneekys (cocktails).
My Pumpkin Monk Sneeky
I recently served some guests my latest Sneeky, the Pumpkin Monk, in a coupe glass with a floating cinnamon stick. This delicous cocktail gave us some of that 'La Bella Vita' attitude. Live, live, live! Please try all of my latest recipes from the punch to the pumpkin monk. You'll make your guests as happy as mine were. Yes, I still add a little to my hot chocolate on those cold afternoons. There's nothing better than Entertaining your friends with lots of laughs, good food and even better spirits. Memories with my Frangelico are travels for the soul.
PUMPKIN MONK SNEEKY
1 oz. Frangelico
1 oz. Appleton Reserve Rum
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Shake all ingredients and serve in a coupe glass with a cinnamon stick.
PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP
Add 4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 quart water, 1/4 quart sugar. Bring to a boil and reduce.
Having a funny moment with My relatives and friends!!
My good friend Giada De Laurentis suggests using fresh ingredients as center pieces for your tablescape the next time you entertain. She says, "If I'm cooking with rosemary and thyme, I'll put the extra sprigs in a pretty jar and surround them with a few of my favorite ornaments for a little centerpiece. It's super simple and adds a fresh holiday scent, plus the guests can use them as extra garnishes for their meal!"
My Thanksgiving tip? Always have a Sneeky in your back pocket! Learn how to make at least one good cocktail and make your bar look enticing. Fill a bowl with things you may use in your cocktail along with some bar snacks. Of course add a Frangelico Sneeky to your holiday menu!
I always love putting baked prosciutto out. People gobble it up.
Baked Prosciutto
Lay the prosciutto in a single layer and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until crispy. Remember the prosciutto will crisp up as it cools.
Happy Thanksgiving!
All Photo Credits: Stefanie Keenan
