proof whisky, birthday bottles, Vol. 82

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It seems like everywhere we turn this month, somebody is having a Birthday. Today we are featuring the perfect drink for this very occasion. If you would like 'the proof is in' to come straight to your inbox, sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter to get updates on tastings & events. (photo: martha stewart cupcakes)

birthday blues 7 cups (1 bottle) Ocean Spray® Blueberry Cocktail • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves • 1-12 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed • 1 bottle proof whisky • ½ cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)

Combine one cup blueberry cocktail with the mint leaves and blueberries in a large non-metal pitcher or container. Mash or muddle the mint and blueberries with a wooden spoon or muddler. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in remaining juice, lemonade concentrate and proof whisky. Remove mint and blueberries. Pour into bottles (using a funnel) and refrigerate. Makes 10 servings. Fills about 5 – 6 bottles.

 

Last week, we spoke about one of our favourite ideas, which is to use proof bottles for a pre-made cocktail at a party. We recently went to an event where guests were circulating with cocktails served in single-serve bottles. We thought that this would be a perfect way to customize a friend’s or relatives Birthday party. For pre-made drinks, mix a batch of cocktails ahead of time (make sure that they are non-carbonated drinks), pour them into several clean proof bottles, cap them, label them and store in the refrigerator. Instead of reaching for a beer, your company can reach for a ready-made cocktail.

If you are looking for nice labels, and don’t want to spend the time designing them, look no further than the nearest Staples. (www.staples.com) Staples carries, The Avery Martha Stewart Collection. All you have to do is choose your sticker design in store, and then visit this website for your printing template. It allows you to choose from a few different fonts, colours and sizes.

Martha has thought of everything: chalkboard labels, white board labels, necks tags, blanks and die-cuts that run through the printer. For today’s recipe, we used #72458 permanent file folder labels for our Birthday bottles.

For more Birthday Gift ideas, check out our December Breakfast Television newsletter. 

proof will be mixing cocktails at the 55 Bloor Street LCBO tomorrow night from 4pm-8pm and on Saturday morning at 1654 Queen Street East (Beaches) from 11:30am - 3:30pm

If you could have the perfect day, just what would that day be? Time is running out, if you have not entered the contest – the proof’s perfect day sweepstakes from April 1st to May 30th, 2012. To become eligible to win, all you have to do is LIKE US on Facebook. If you should win, you will begin this perfect day with a $50.00 haircut at Toronto’s trendiest Barber Shop, Garrison’s by the Park Barbershop (for him), and a $75.00 mani-pedi at Sunny Mummy Spa & Boutique (for her). A $500.00 shopping spree will follow, courtesy of Club Monaco. Later you will enjoy a $75.00 SoCal dinner at the Combine Eatery on the Danforth, and you will then finish your perfect day with a Cineplex Movie Night Out Pass for two. A few surprises await you along the way, but these we are keeping a secret. Value is over $750.00.

Weekend Forecast

Saturday: Sunny and a high of 9 degrees

Sunday: Sunny and a high of 9 degrees

proof rum, R is for rhubarb, rum and recycling, Vol. 81

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This Sunday is Earth Day. Not only will we be ‘R’eviewing the three R’s today, class, we have also chosen ‘R’hubarb as our flavour of the day. Happy Earth Day! If you would like 'the proof is in' to come straight to your inbox, sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.

‘r’um & ‘r’hubarb 3 oz rhubarb syrup • 2 oz proof rum • 1/2 oz grenadine • sparkling water

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the syrup, rum and grenadine and stir. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wheel or rhubarb stick.

The prep for this drink is initially a little time-consuming, but, once your syrups are made, the cocktail is very quick and worth the extra effort.

homeade grenadine 500 ml pomegranate juice • 1 cup sugar • 1 dash orange flower water (optional)

Bring the pomegranate juice and sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat and cover, allowing it to simmer for 10-15 minutes and stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cool, then pour into a small decanter or bottle with a tight-sealing lid. Add a dash or two of orange flower water (don't overdo it). Seal the bottle and give it a few good shakes. This grenadine should be good for up to 3 weeks and makes about 1 1/2 cups. (yes, you can use pre-made grenadine, but it really isn’t the same)

rhubarb lime syrup 2 pounds rhubarb, cut into chunks • 1 1/4 cups sugar

3 cups water • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice

Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a nonreactive sauce pan, bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 10 minutes or until the rhubarb starts to fall apart. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Strain liquid into a jar or bottle and add the lime juice. Chill until ready to use. (rhubarb and rum seem like an unlikely pairing, but it is really interesting and tasty)

We are featuring rhubarb today, because it is one of the first Ontario fruits in season and available for April. If you find the whole process of chopping and boiling too strenuous, you can add a few dashes of Rhubarb Bitters from Fee Brothers to your drink. (www.epicureal.com)

Since we all produce garbage, we are all part of the problem – but, we can also be part of the solution. Instead of throwing away items we no longer need, we can make sure they find their way to the next stage in their life cycle. We can reduce, reuse, repair and recycle most waste.

Today, we will be visiting the proof Craft Corner for some handy ways of reusing your empty proof bottles – a little more creative than just chucking them into your blue bin. There are many more artistic ideas out there, but without the proper equipment (like torches and glass cutters) and time, we are sticking to simple household ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

 kitchen glasses (require glass cutter), dish soap dispenser, pantry bottles for dry goods (pastas, rice, beans, coffee), juice and simple syrup bottles bathroom soap dispenser, bath salts, shampoos and body lotions 

household oil candle, door stop, candle holder, ship in a bottle, snow globe, homemade lava lamp, picture frames, paper weight, pencil cup, flower vase, workshop organizer for nails, screws, buttons, marbles, beads

backyard terrarium herb garden, wind chime (glass cutter), bee catchers (glass cutter), lantern for votive candle (glass cutter)

 entertaining One of our favourite ideas is to use proof bottles for a pre-made cocktail at a party. We recently went to an event where guests were circulating with a cocktail, served in single-serve bottle. (you can give them a straw with it as well). What you can do is make a batch of cocktails ahead of time, pour it into several clean proof bottles, cap them, label them and store them in the refrigerator. Instead of reaching for a beer, your company can reach for a ready-made cocktail. We did this for a friend’s birthday and labeled each bottle with a custom birthday sticker. They loved it!

Michael Riley will be mixing up proof rum and whisky cocktails this Friday at the 55 Bloor Street LCBO from 4pm-8pm

If you could have the perfect day, just what would that day be? proof is now running its first-ever contest – the proof’s perfect day sweepstakes from April 1st to May 30th, 2012. To become eligible to win, all you have to do is LIKE US on Facebook. If you should win, you will begin this perfect day with a $50.00 haircut at Toronto’s trendiest Barber Shop, Garrison’s by the Park Barbershop (for him), and a $75.00 mani-pedi at Sunny Mummy Spa & Boutique (for her). A $500.00 shopping spree will follow, courtesy of Club Monaco. Later you will enjoy a $75.00 SoCal dinner at the Combine Eatery on the Danforth, and you will then finish your perfect day with a Cineplex Movie Night Out Pass for two. A few surprises await you along the way, but these we are keeping a secret. Value is over $750.00.

Weekend Forecast

Saturday: Sunny with isolated showers and a high of 10 degrees

Earth Day: Sunny and a high of 9 degrees

proof whisky, all tapped out, Vol. 80

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This year’s maple syrup weather was more suitable for barbecue season than for tapping trees. Syrup producers, who normally extend maple season until now, ended it in late March yielding only 50%-75% of normal production. Another early-ending (and disappointing) season for a certain Canadian team, was hockey season. The Leafs did not make it to the playoffs. Here is a Canadian-inspired drink to mark both finals. If you would like 'the proof is in' to come straight to your inbox, sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates on tastings, parties & events.

the maple leaf ¼ cup cranberries • ½ oz lemon juice • ½ oz maple syrup • 2 oz proof whisky • lots of ice

To a cocktail shaker, add ¼ cup cranberries, ½ oz lemon juice and ½ oz maple syrup. Muddle all ingredients with a spoon or muddler. Fill the shaker with ice and 2 oz proof whisky. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon twist. (TIP: Since it is not cranberry season, we used frozen. Make sure to let the berries thaw before using, reserving a few of the frozen ones for garnish and/or for chilling your drink.)

The new Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens is an amazing grocery store. It’s huge 85,000 square feet of space is subdivided into a market-style experience. Some of the best features are the ACE artisanal bakery, a pâtisserie, the wall of cheese, a sushi counter and a Tea Emporium tea bar and boutique.

Along with the restoration of the building's exterior, subtle reminders of the Gardens remain. A gigantic blue maple leaf statue, assembled out of old seats, is situated by the entrance. The font used to identify the main sections of the store is the same as the one originally used within the arena. A mural behind the checkout counter, the food court tables, store pillars and the exposed brick wall that reveals the old escalator tracts are also reminders of the old Gardens.

Maple Leaf Gardens was one of the original six arenas. We found this interesting site which highlights the fate of all six. (by Danny Gray http://theleafsnation.com)

Boston Garden The Bruins inhabited the Boston Garden from 1928 to 1995. The building sat vacant for two years after the Bruins moved next door to the Fleetcenter and was demolished in 1997. It is now a parking lot for the TD Garden and Boston Transit System.

Chicago Stadium The stadium was home to the Blackhawks from 1929 to 1994. When constructed it was the largest indoor stadium in the world. The Blackhawks left for the United Center in 1995 and the Stadium was demolished. It has been replaced by a parking lot for the United Center.

Detroit Olympia The Detroit Red Wings, then known as the Cougars, were the Olympia’s first tenant when it opened in 1927. They stayed there until 1979. Initially the Wings considered following the Lions to Pontiac but the city offered a water-front arena with lower rent and a stake in both Cobo Hall and parking facilities so the Wings moved to Joe Louis Arena.  The Wings' lease with the city barred them from operating Olympia Stadium in competition with either Joe Louis or Cobo Arenas. They were also forbidden to sell the building for use as a sports or entertainment venue. As a result the building was shuttered and eventually demolished in 1987. In its place is the Michigan National Guard’s Olympia Armory. All that remains is a commemorative plaque.

Madison Square Garden (the 3rd) The third building to bear the name: Madison Square Garden was home to the New York Rangers from 1925 to 1968. When the Rangers moved to Madison Square Garden IV the building was demolished. The site was a parking lot until the late 80s when One Worldwide Plaza, a skyscraper, was built on the site.

The Montreal Forum The Forum was perhaps the most storied of all the Original Six arenas. It was home to Les Canadiens from 1926 to 1996. After the Habs left Nicholas Cage filmed parts of the movie Snake Eyes there. The plot revolves around a boxer feigning a knockout after a phantom punch, hardly the first time someone took a dive at the Forum. The Forum is the only other Original Six arena still standing. It was gutted and transformed into an entertainment center called the Pepsi Forum. The building acknowledges its past life with memorabilia from the Forum and statues of former Habs.

Maple Leaf Garden (original) Built at the beginning of the Depression by Conn Smythe over six-months the Gardens was home to the Leafs from 1931 to 1999. When the Leafs moved out the building sat mostly dormant. The last major use was for season one of CBC’s Battle of the Blades. Yesterday the Loblaws opened. It is also the home of the Peter Gilgan Athletic Centre at the Gardens, home to the Ryerson hockey team as well as an athletic facility for its students.

If you could have the perfect day, just what would that day be? proof is now running its first-ever contest – the proof’s perfect day sweepstakes from April 1st to May 30th, 2012. To become eligible to win, all you have to do is LIKE US on Facebook. If you should win, you will begin this perfect day with a $50.00 haircut at Toronto’s trendiest Barber Shop, Garrison’s by the Park Barbershop (for him), and a $75.00 mani-pedi at Sunny Mummy Spa & Boutique (for her). A $500.00 shopping spree will follow, courtesy of Club Monaco. Later you will enjoy a $75.00 SoCal dinner at the Combine Eatery on the Danforth, and you will then finish your perfect day with a Cineplex Movie Night Out Pass for two. A few surprises await you along the way, but these we are keeping a secret. Value is over $750.00.

Weekend Forecast

Saturday: Isolated showers and a high of 15 degrees

Sunday: Cloudy with showers and a high of 19 degrees

proof rum, cuckoo for coconuts, Vol. 79

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A lot of people will be celebrating Easter, Spring, Passover, or simply the fact that they have at least three days off work or school this coming long weekend. Our job is to help them celebrate with a fresh and seasonal cocktail. Today’s secret ingredient is Coconut!! For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter for updates on tastings & events.

Coco 2 oz proof vanilla-coconut infused rum* • 2 oz coconut milk • 2 oz pineapple juice • sprinkle of cinnamon • fresh coconut slices

Pour first three ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with coconut slice. (HINT: For a little ‘Bounty’ flavour, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top)

 

* Vanilla-coconut infused proof rum Put the coconut and vanilla bean in a large bowl and pour in bottle of proof rum. Allow it to soak for 1 hour. Strain the rum into another bowl. Place the rum-soaked coconut in a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze liquid in with the rest of rum. Discard coconut and vanilla. Fresh coconut makes all the difference, but if you are trying to save a few minutes, you can substitute for unsweetened shredded coconut & pure vanilla extract.

Inspired by the versatility of the coconut, here is a soup, a side and a coconut dessert recipe – each one a perfect addition to your Spring brunch or dinner.

Cold Curried Carrot and Coconut Milk Soup 3/4 cup finely chopped scallion (about 1 bunch) • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh gingerroot • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 tbsp curry powder • 4 cups carrots, peeled and sliced thin (about 5-6 large carrots) • 2 1/2 cups low-salt chicken or veggie broth • 1 to 1 1/2 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice plus additional to taste

 • scallions or shredded coconut for garnish

In a large heavy saucepan cook chopped scallion, onion, and gingerroot in butter with curry powder and salt and pepper to taste over moderately low heat until softened and add carrots and broth. Cover & simmer mixture for 20 minutes, or until carrots are very soft. In a blender purée mixture in batches with coconut milk until very smooth, transferring as puréed to a bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice and chill soup at least 6 hours or overnight. Thin soup with ice water and season with additional lime juice and salt and pepper. Garnish soup with trimmed scallions.

Scalloped Potatoes with Coconut Curry 1 can unsweetened coconut milk • 1 ½ tsp curry powder • 1 clove minced garlic • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher or sea salt • Vegetable cooking spray • 1 pound russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and submerged in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning • ¼ cup minced chives • 8 to 10 fresh curry leaves (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic and salt together in a small bowl. Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Drain the potatoes. Cover the bottom of the casserole with a layer of potatoes, and sprinkle a third of the chives over them. Stir the sauce and drizzle a third of it over the layer. Repeat the layers of potatoes, chives, and spiced coconut two more times, using up all the ingredients. (optional: Spread the curry leaves over the top layer.) Cover the dish and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 45 minutes. Remove the cover and continue to bake until the potatoes are browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Let sit 15 minutes and serve hot.

Toasted Coconut Marshmallows by Ina Garten Marshmallows 3 packages unflavored gelatin • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar • 1 cup light corn syrup • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting • 7 oz sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup. Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer Remove from the heat. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle half the toasted coconut in an 8 by 12-inch nonmetal pan. Pour in the marshmallow batter and smooth the top of the mixture with damp hands. Sprinkle on the remaining toasted coconut. Allow to dry uncovered at room temperature overnight. Remove the marshmallows from the pan and cut into squares. Roll the sides of each piece carefully in confectioners' sugar. Store uncovered at room temperature.

If you could have the perfect day, just what would that day be? proof is now running its first-ever contest – the proof’s perfect day sweepstakes from April 1st to May 30th, 2012. To become eligible to win, all you have to do is LIKE US on Facebook. If you should win, you will begin this perfect day with a $50.00 haircut at Toronto’s trendiest Barber Shop, Garrison’s by the Park Barbershop (for him), and a $75.00 mani-pedi at Sunny Mummy Spa & Boutique (for her). A $500.00 shopping spree will follow, courtesy of Club Monaco. Later you will enjoy a $75.00 SoCal dinner at the Combine Eatery on the Danforth, and you will then finish your perfect day with a Cineplex Movie Night Out Pass for two. A few surprises await you along the way, but these we are keeping a secret. Value is over $750.00.

Happy Spring!!

Long Weekend Forecast

Friday: Sunny and a high of 11 degrees

Saturday: Sunny and a high of 14 degrees

Sunday: Sunny and a high of 16 degrees

Monday: Variable cloudiness and a high of 11 degrees