Knock-Out Burger with Crab Guacamole

Posted in Entrees on September 21, 2011 by aprilcooper

In Mad Men season 4, the appropriately titled episode, “The Suitcase” sees baggage come to the forefront. Don and Peggy’s relationship boils over. These frustrations and fears largely come from life outside the office, with Don avoiding a necessary phone call, and Peggy realizing what she knows she should want from life is not what she desires. Ultimately, both use work as a means to escape the trials and tribulations of the real world, a world where individually they might fall but united they may just stand a chance.
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The Cure for the Common Breakfast…

Posted in Breakfast, Cocktails on December 1, 2010 by aprilcooper

In my world, cereal is the common breakfast for which we desperately need a cure. Not only is this recipe a cure for the common breakfast, its also a cure for the common egg and quite possibly, the common hangover.

In season 4, episode 6, Waldorf Stories, Don Draper, in a haze from celebrating his Clio award, pitches Life cereal this unfortunate and plagiarized slogan. With the tagline sold, Don offers it’s originator, Danny, cash for the idea. Danny declines, as he seeks a more permanent position with the ad agency. At the insistance of Roger, Don is forced to hire the one slogan wonder. Could all this have been avoided if someone had a better breakfast?

Classic Bloody Mary

2 ounces vodka

3 ounces tomato juice

2 dashes tabasco

1/2 teaspoon worchestershire

1/2 teaspoon horseradish

1 celery stalk, for garnish

Combine in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Garnish with celery.
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Saketini with Shrimp and Honeydew Skewers

Posted in Appetizers, Cocktails on August 28, 2010 by aprilcooper

Against Roger Sterling’s wishes we will be sitting down this Sunday to enjoy Sake while we watch this week’s episode of Mad Men. It was made very apparent in “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword,”  that Roger has an issue with the Japanese, a feeling brought on by the attack on Pearl Harbor. With a chance at the Honda account, feelings needed to be left at the door, just like Roger was.

Sake, while enjoyable on its own, can only get better by lending itself as a mixer for this simple cocktail.

Saketini

3 ounces sake

1 ounce vodka

Frozen honeydew melon for garnish

Combine in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into chilled glasses. Garnish with frozen honeydew.
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Yankee Pot Roast Makes Me Bleu

Posted in Entrees on August 24, 2010 by aprilcooper

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Gimlet and Truly Green Goddess Dip

Posted in Appetizers, Cocktails on August 18, 2010 by aprilcooper

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Tipsy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Posted in Desserts on August 12, 2010 by aprilcooper


Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, I’ve tried numerous recipes and haven’t found a version I didn’t like. What better way to create that instant island feel than with this retro classic?

In season 4, episode 3, Joan, being unable to accompany her husband to the islands, decides to make a festive, “Hawaii at Home” New Years Dinner.

I put myself in Joan’s shoes, good thing they match my apron. After a well-thought out meal turned disastrous, I could still find comfort in the fact that the evening hadn’t been total loss; at least there was still cake.

And so I pondered, what could make that cake better? …Rum! I sure am getting the hang of this Mad Men lifestyle.

So here is my version of island therapy a la cake, also known as, Tipsy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Enjoy!

Tipsy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Topping

1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup dark rum

7 sliced pineapple rings
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Old Fashioned with “It’s Toasted” Almonds

Posted in Appetizers, Cocktails on August 7, 2010 by aprilcooper

OF with Almonds

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