Pudding Shots

This Friday Happy Hour recipe comes courtesy of my sister Beth. These days she's a respected CPA and mother of three, but in her college years she was a fun-loving coed who sustained herself on Jello shots, air-popped popcorn and Diet Coke.

Though she thought her days of consuming alcohol that wiggles were well behind her, someone brought these pudding shots to a New Year's Eve party she attended a few weeks ago. She says they're unbefrigginglievable. Hope you agree.

1 cup milk

1/2 cup Irish liquor

1/2 cup vodka

1 package instant chocolate pudding (the four-serving size)

1 8-ounce container Cool Whip

Put milk, Irish liquor, vodka and pudding in a bowl and whisk for two minutes. Gently fold in Cool Whip. Spoon into party glasses and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

A Day At The Beach

How can we live so close to the beach but so seldom visit it? We packed a cooler and spent Sunday enjoying the sand and the surf. It was probably the first time we've been in at least a couple of years.

My guess is that we're not particularly unique in that way. I've met people who live in Seattle but have never been atop the Space Needle, and people who call Nashville home but haven't taken in a performance at the famed Ryman Auditorium.

Today's piece of unsolicited advice is this: Look around and make sure you're enjoying all your area has to offer.

Cosmo Slushy

Here's one I've not tried but is on my "to do" list next time we have friends for cocktails. It sounds fabulous. This recipe, which from what I understand was obtained from Real Simple magazine, serves six.

1 1/4 Cups Citrus Vodka

1/2 Cup Lime Juice

2 Cups Cranberry Juice

4 ice cube trays

Combine vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a pitcher with two cups water and stir to blend. Divide between ice cube trays and freeze at least four hours or overnight (the drink cubes will freeze only partially). Just before serving, empty trays into a large bowl and using a fork, break up cubes to make it slushy. Spoon into martini glasses and serve.

Note: If you don't have ice cube trays, or would like to make this drink last minute, you can substitute frozen cranberry juice and just throw it into the blender with the rest of the ingredients.

It's so Carrie Bradshaw.

What's Purple And Orange And Pink All Over?

The view from our patio. We’re reaching peak impatien season where we live. It’s the best time of the year to enjoy the outdoors. Color, color everywhere. Aren’t we lucky?

Buffalo Chicken Dip

I thought I posted this ages ago as a Friday Happy Hour recipe, but it turns out I didn't. This is an absolute fave of Son Four.

1 rotisserie chicken
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce, such as Frank's
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese

Shred chicken and put it in a medium size pot. Pour hot sauce over it and stir over low heat as it warms. Add cream cheese and ranch dressing and stir until cream cheese melts. Add shredded cheese and continue stirring. Note: It is important to use relatively low heat (3 or 4 setting). Otherwise it is likely to separate.

Serve with celery, crackers or my personal favorite, Fritos.

4 For 4 This Christmas

For the first time in a long time all four kids were here at the same time this Christmas. They typically breeze in and out of our place one, two or three at a time but it’s rare to have an opportunity for a group shot. This photo is the best thing I got for Christmas this year. What was your favorite gift?

Color This Fun

What a cool little way to waste time. I saw this here at one of my favorite blogs a few days ago and have fiddle-farted around with it several times since. It’s addictive.

If you like to play with color, give it a whirl.

Caution: This tool has the potential to suck up several hours of your ever-so-valuable time.