This certainly is a busy time of the year. Memorial Day is popping up this weekend, there are graduation celebrations galore, and Father’s Day will be here before you know it. Not to mention we are nearing the official kick-off to summer–although the Summer Solstice isn’t for a few weeks out–and it is the perfect time of the year because it’s not too hot and not too chilly.

So what do all of these festivities have to do with In the Curious Kitchen? We can make life easier and here are five ways that In the Curious Kitchen can make your summer holidays and celebrations a big hit.

1.  New Cocktail Recipe Alert! Let me introduce you to your next new favorite summer cocktail: the Blackberry Bramble.  The recipe is so quick, easy, and oh-so delectable.  It’s very refreshing and will be the perfect addition to your summer lineup! 

The Bramble was created in the1980s in London, England.  It’s best described as a spring cocktail–light and refreshing typically made with gin, crushed ice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. A dash of creme de cassis can also be added to freshen it up a bit. And it’s finished up with some fresh fruit–typically blackberries or cranberries.  Its creator concocted this flavor combination, including blackberries, to remind him of his childhood “blackberrying” on the Isle of Wight and the drink gets its name because blackberry bushes are called brambles. So do take advantage of the fresh blackberries this summer for this pretty, purple potable. And don’t forget to check out your local, favorite Farmers Market for the best berries.

Bramble (cocktail). (2023, May 4). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bramble_(cocktail)

2.    And what pairs perfectly with berries of any kind?  Lemons.  I have the best recipe for Lemon Pie that you can whip up for your Memorial Day spread or any of your events.  It’s also just as perfect as a special dessert for any dinner. The recipe is an oldie but a goodie straight from the handwritten collection of recipes my Mom put together for me many years ago.  The slightly worn pages of this yellow, spiral notebook contain a wonderful sampling of my Mother’s favorite recipes.  She wrote each one down for me in her beautiful cursive handwriting. I cherish this book and the recipes inside. There are all sorts of recipes–something for just about every occasion. Her favorites and now my favorites and this Lemon Pie is just one of those favorites. It is frequently requested by my family and friends.  It’s easy and delicious, and I know it will be a big hit at your next gathering, cookout, or potluck. 

3.    No summer cookout would be complete without hot dogs or brats.  I know burgers are good, too, and I will get to those next, but summertime and hot dogs go hand-in-hand.  In the Curious Kitchen  has the perfect topping to set your ‘dogs’ apart from all the others!  Our Bourbon Honey Mustard completes a brat or hot dog right off the grill.  It is especially tasty with sauteed peppers and onions on the brat.  The tangy, slightly sweetness just complements those flavors so well.  The Bourbon Honey Mustard is always available at our online shop–we ship nationwide–and is also stocked at our summer festivals and pop-ups.  Several area retailers in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area offer it along with several of our other products.

4.  In the Curious Kitchen also offers several creative toppings for your grilled burgers.  (See, I told you I was getting to the burgers.) At your next cookout, add one of our favorites Pimento Cheese. It goes great with bacon and a fresh, thick tomato slice.  Our Beer Cheese also works well as a topper, too.  For a really curious twist, slather on some of the In the Curious Kitchen Hot Pepper Jelly and our limited edition Strawberry Jalapeno Jam only available at in person markets, see schedule below).  Both also go well with bacon and one of your favorite cheeses:  a nice aged cheddar, gouda, muenster (my fave), or Swiss.  Don’t be afraid of flavor–experiment with your favorites. I’d love to know how you make your favorites.  Send me a photo, I’d love to share it in a future blog post. My email is mk@inthecuriouskitchen.com.

5.  And last, but certainly never least, don’t forget Dad on his special day.  Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, which gives you plenty of time to pick up or order one of our Cocktail Kits. We have a couple to choose from: the Mint Julep or the Old Fashioned.  Each come with everything you need–except the bourbon!  Dad would also like one of our Pantry Packs,  with Bourbon Honey Mustard, our small batch Bitters, and a jar of our best-selling Boozy Cherries.

Summer’s right around the corner and it’s time to get stocked up for a busy season of entertaining.  Mix up a pitcher of Blackberry Bramble, pull up a chair on your patio, light a candle or two, and RELAX!

Cheers,

MK