Hot Irish Whiskey or Hot Toddy

Happy New Year World!

On the 1st of January I went to my friend's house, Alan, from Ireland. A cold winter night, he and his roommates prepared hot whiskey drinks. Loved it! Perfect also to get rid of a bad cold.

No mind you, I am not interested in alcoholic drinks, but I did like this one because it warmed me up on a cold night. Perfect for a sunday night with friends.

Here it is:

• 1 part of whiskey
• 2 parts of boling water.
• 1 slice of lemon and with 5 or so cloves inserted.
• half a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Throw it all in together, and serve with a spoon to keep sugar mixed.

 But be careful, the sugar means the alcohol is absorbed into your blood faster. 

Alan also says this is just identical to making hot port. He says you make it with Tawny and the recipe is just the same. 

I confess  I have no idea what hot port is or Tawny, because I have no clue of alcoholic drinks...but hey hot port sounds good to me. Maybe one day I'll try it. Also Alan's roommate said that if you make it with honey instead of sugar, you have the Scottish version, which is called a "Hot Toddy". I tried both last night, but I think I would go with brown sugar.

Enjoy your  warm drink indoors with your book or computer on this cold January night. Happy new year readers. 

Dates and bacon

The other day I had a party at Oasis where I teach spanish to muslim ladies. Ellen, the director from the US, brought this great little snack or aperitivo. I loved it. YUM! people couldn't stop eating them.

They couldn't be more simple. 

1. Buy some dates. They have be GOOD dates, and with no seed. Really, they need to be yummy, otherwise this recipe wont work. And remember no hueso.

2. Buy some bacon. Just smoked bacon like Oscar Meyer or any brand. 

3. Toothpicks.

Very simple, just cut the bacon in thirds or halves and just wrap around the dates and pin with a toothpick. I soaked the toothpicks for 20 mins before in water so that they wouldn't burn in the oven. 

Put them in the oven for about 20 minutes at about 180 degrees. Whenever you see the bacon turning crispy they are done! Quick and easy.  Honestly food from the Middle East in just amazing. The pictures of the dates are Amman, Jordan and the rest Tel Aviv, Israel.

Tel Aviv, Israel