Field to Feast: A moveable blog feast - Drinks first!

When Zibilee (Raging Bibliomania), Heather (Book Addiction), Jill (Rhapsody in Books) and I were at the 12th Annual SIBA Convention this past September, we were all drooling over a cookbook we received at a breakfast event (simultaneously while we were drooling over our breakfast).  The cookbook, "Field to Feast", celebrates Florida farmers, chefs and artisans.  We couldn't resist paging through and insisting everyone else look at the recipes and accompanying pictures that caused our eyes to pop out.  We agreed that this was a book that must be shared with the world!  That was how the "Moveable Blog Feast" was born.  We each would prepare a dish and coordinate our posts, right before Thanksgiving.

While we were doing all this drooling, I heard someone call my name, and who did I see sitting at our table but Katie Farmand, one of the authors.  Katie and I had worked together on the Adult Literacy League "Reading Between the Wines" event.  I learned that not only was Katie running the ALL event this past spring,  but was pregnant at the time, AND was writing this book!  Superwoman, I tell you, and the nicest person you will ever meet.  Her mother, Pam Brandon, is also an author, as well as a local celebrity Heather McPherson, who has regular cooking features in the Orlando Sentinel. 

Left to right:  Heather, Katie, Pam

So!  On the Moveable Blog Feast, I have signed up for drinks and appetizers.  Not a huge shock I'm sure.  We'll feature a refreshing aperitif today, and tomorrow I'll feature an appetizer.  We will progress through the meal throughout the week.

My husband is the most amazing drink-maker.  He usually makes things up each week, using freshly-squeezed juices and his arsenal of stuff from his liquor cabinet.  So I let him make the Siesta Key Lime Martinis for us last Sunday night.

The recipe comes from Drum Circle Distilling in Sarasota, Florida.  Drum Circle handcrafts spirits in small batches using high-quality ingredients, artisanal fermentation, and copper stills.  They produce something called Siesta Key White Rum and barrel-aged Gold Rum, as well as spiced rum, infused and flavored rums and premium vodka.  I know where I'll be going next time I am over on the West Coast!

Siesta Key Lime Martini (makes 1 martini)

1/2 TBL superfine sugar

1 1/2 parts Siesta Key White Rum (we used Rubi Rey Single Barrel White Rum from Puerto Rico)

1 part premium orange liqueur (we used Patron Citronge)

1 1/2 parts fresh Key lime juice

Ice

Lime slice for garnish

1.  Dip rim of martini glass in water, then dip in sugar.

2.  Combine rum, liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake and strain into martini glass.  Garnish with lime slice.

It was a wonderful way to end a crazy week!  And when they say this drink will add a kick to your next sunset party?  They mean it.

Stay tuned tomorrow for some tummy-warming soup.