Mixing beer with a classic margarita recipe makes this drink less tart than the regular margaritas. We can promise that these will be a hit, so make them by the pitcher to keep the party going!
Photo: William Dickey
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Ingredients
1 cup frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur
Crushed ice
1/2 to 1 cup cold beer
Preparation
Stir together first 3 ingredients until well blended. Fill 4 medium glasses with crushed ice. Pour limeade mixture evenly into glasses. Add beer to taste.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Minute Maid Frozen Concentrate for Limeade, José Cuervo Especial tequila, and Triple Sec for orange liqueur.
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Beer 'Garitas: The Perfect Fiesta Drink
By Southern Living | Shine Food – Mon, May 2, 2011 6:22 PM EDTYou don't have to make the trip to Churchill Downs or even Louisville to experience the Kentucky Derby. Play your own Derby party with these suggestions for food, cocktails, decorations, and games.
Your Derby party will not be complete without the iconic Classic Mint Julep.
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Food
Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie
There are a few essentials you must serve at your Derby party. Not only are these recipes traditional fare for the Derby, but they are delicious, too!
Cocktails
Classic Mint Julep
The mint julep is the iconic drinks of the Kentucky Derby. Serve it in a silver julep cup for a traditional presentation.
Decorations
Take your cue from the Kentucky Derby's nickname, the Run for the Roses, and decorate with the classic flower. Rose and boxwood topiaries make great centerpieces or small tabletop decorations. You can either buy topiary forms and simply place them in a suitable container, or you can make Read More »from Kentucky Derby Party ChecklistIrresistible Scones for Your Royal Wedding Party
By Southern Living | Shine Food – Thu, Apr 28, 2011 3:19 PM EDTA buttery-rich scone is nothing more than a glorified biscuit-made even more delicious with our sweet and savory twists. Start with the Best-Ever Scones Recipe, and follow our instructions to make a few irresistible changes.
Read More »from Irresistible Scones for Your Royal Wedding Party
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas
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Best-Ever Scones
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup whipping cream
Wax paper
Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender until crumbly and mixture resembles small peas. Freeze 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. cream, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Turn dough out onto wax paper; gently press or pat dough into a 7-inch round (mixture will be crumbly). Cut round into 8 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. BrushServe a signature drink that's sure to cool off guests at your wedding reception.
Read More »from Signature Wedding Drinks
Cotton Candy Cocktail
Photo: Kate Headley
Top champagne with cotton candy for a fun and colorful beverage.
From the Vintage Collegiate Wedding of Alison Noelker and Chris Vinciguerra
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White Sangría
Photo: Adrienne Page
Serve a signature cocktail, like white sangría, in mason jars with a grape garnish.
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Local Wines
Photo: Katie Stoops
Get creative with how you serve your drinks. This couple served local wines, champagne, and sparkling water in an old wagon.
From the Chic Outdoor Wedding of Keli and Nick
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Pink Lemonade and Sweet Tea
Photo: Jen Fariello
Set up a drink bar with pink lemonade and sweet tea for a truly Southern reception.
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Subscribe Now! Get 2 Free Preview IssuesSimple or extravagant, wedding cakes are always show-stopping. Take inspiration from these unique wedding cakes to make your very own everlasting creation.
Read More »from 6 Show-Stopping Wedding Cakes
Hand-Painted Wedding Cake
Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco
Showcase an iconic Southern flower with a hand-painted design that feels more like a piece of stained glass than a work of flour and sugar. Even the three-dimensional blossom on top is edible.
Maggie Austin Cake; 202/448-2920
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Wedding Cake Trio
Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco
Skip a single, tiered cake and, instead, place smaller ones at each table for guests to cut themselves. It's perfect for a casual affair and has an added benefit-the cakes double as beautiful centerpieces.
Maggie Austin Cake; 202/448-2920
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Ombre Effect Wedding Cake
Photo: Gemma Comas and Jim Franco
Incorporate details from your dress and bouquet into the cake, as Washington, D.C. artist and pastry chef Maggie Austin did here. Tiny hydrangea blossoms sit atop layers of buttercream icing, reminiscent of a ruffled bridalHere's To You! 7 Rules for Wedding Toasts
By Southern Living | Work + Money – Mon, Apr 25, 2011 3:32 PM EDTThough it's not uncommon to see acquaintances toasting before dinner or small celebratory gatherings, it is at weddings where the tradition still resonates most. The host goes first, then generally the groom toasts his bride, followed by his family and friends and the bride's family and friends. Besides making it heartfelt and keeping it (reasonably) clean, guests should follow the toasting guidelines below.
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Make your wedding toast memorable for all the right reasons.
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Rule #1: Be Brief
It's best to stay under two or three minutes. A lengthy toast can easily bore the crowd.
Rule #2: Rehearse
Sometimes even spontaneity requires a little forethought. Practice out loud in the mirror a few times before delivering the toast to a full room.
Rule #3: Get (and keep) the Crowd's Attention
Avoid tapping your glass; simply stand and speak loudly and clearly.
Rule #4: Don't Drink To Yourself
Avoid raising your glass, and remain seated when the toast isBake these beautiful buns--they're truly a treat. Make it a family project, or call a friend, so you can knock them out in an afternoon. You will need a heavy-duty stand mixer to make these yeast rolls. If necessary, borrow one from a neighbor, and pay her back with homemade Hot Cross Buns.
Read More »from Hot Cross Buns from Scratch
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Delightful Spring Desserts
Classic Main Dishes for Easter
How to Cook a Perfect Easter Ham
Ingredients
2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 cup warm milk (100° to 110°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup raisins
Sugar Glaze Ingredients
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Combine yeast and 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add warm milk and next 5 ingredients. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.Egg-cellent (And Easy) Easter Table Decorations
By Southern Living | Work + Money – Wed, Apr 20, 2011 3:24 PM EDTSet a pretty Easter table by displaying flower- and candy-filled egg decorations along with treasured family silver. Colorful natural containers pair prettily with classic silver pieces to create an elegant spring tablescape. Find out how to create your own table decorations in a few easy steps.
Read More »from Egg-cellent (And Easy) Easter Table Decorations
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Gather Your Supplies
1 dozen eggs
Pushpins
Spoon
Bleach
Wooden skewers
Craft foam
Brush & craft paint
Assorted pieces of silver (or pewter)
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Crack the Shells
Gently tap a pushpin into the top of an egg with the bottom of a spoon. Work in a circle to create an opening the size of a quarter or bigger. To make this job easier, leave the egg in the carton.
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Clean the Shells
Empty the contents of each egg into a bowl and discard. Mix 1 tablespoon bleach with a gallon of water, and use to rinseHolidays are always a time for over-indulging on food. But you don't have to ruin your diet to take part in a classic Easter dessert! Try our Layered Carrot Cake with less fat than a traditional carrot cake. For this healthier version of carrot cake, we reduced the fat in the batter by using less vegetable oil and sugar, yet it is still as moist as traditional cakes. We also reduced the butter and used reduced-fat cream cheese for the frosting, without losing the flavor!
Read More »from Guilt-Free Carrot Cake Recipe
Photo: Jennifer Davick
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Delightful Easter Desserts
Guilt-Free Desserts
Classic Easter Dishes
Ingredients
Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots
Vegetable cooking spray
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 (8-oz.) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1With Easter right around the corner, you're probably trying to decide what to cook for your Easter dinner. If you're intimidated by the thought of cooking your own Easter ham, don't be! In just 3 easy steps you'll have a delicious and beautiful Brown Sugar-Bourbon-Glazed Ham to serve your family.
Read More »from 3 Steps for a Perfect Easter Ham
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Step 1: Score Ham
Preheat oven to 350°. Remove skin from ham, and trim fat to 1/4-inch thickness. Make shallow cuts in fat 3/4 inch apart in a diamond pattern. It adds a decorative edge and also ensures the outer coating of fat crisps to a rich golden brown when baked.
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Step 2: Spice Ham
Insert 48 cloves in centers of diamonds. Piercing a small hole first with the sharp point of a wooden skewer makes it easy to insert the cloves. Place ham in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan.
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Step 3: Glaze
