Category Archives: Lifestyle

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays …

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Hey Dolls! I hope that you had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday; and, for those of you observing Hanukkah, I wish you a joyous celebration.

Today’s Champagne Sundays recipe comes from the one and only Mrs. Lilien, my all time favorite blogger. Mrs. Kelley Lilien is the self-described, “Arbiter of the elusive ladylike pleasures. Chief ambassador of the elevated lifestyle. Bon vivant of the internet.” I couldn’t agree more!

Each of this Mrs.’ blog posts are written as short poetic verses, with tons on whimsical flair. If you aren’t familiar with Mrs. Lilien, you need to journey over to her page ASAP. You will forever be a fan.
Anywho, last week, Mrs. Lilien partnered with Sugar Paper LA and hosted The Ultimate Hostess Giveaway. There was no way I could resist sharing why I feel I am the Head Hostess in Charge.
Ultimate Hostess Contest
Image: Mrs. Lilien
Channeling my best Mrs. Lilien, I submitted the following:

The Head Hostess in Charge,
Yep, I’m that Doll.
Throwing swanky soirees,
That are appealing to all.

Place cards, linen napkins, with an appropriately stocked bar,
Each guest that arrives is truly the star.

No Paperless Posts or Evites,
Its paper invitations, with calligraphy to boot.
Mr. and Mrs.’ mix and mingle,
Leaving with cute gift bags, with a little bounty and loot.

Part of successful hostessing, is what will this Mrs. wear?
Pre-soirée details catch me prepping and primping, creating a sleek chignon for my hair.

Being the Head Hostess in Charge is not for the faint of heart you see,
But with tips from Mrs. Lilien, it’s effortlessly easy as un, deux, ummm … Three!

Corny you may say, but guess what? I was a contest runner-up! In my mind, even a few props from Mrs. Lilien were well worth it to me.

I received an email from Mrs. Social Media, one of Mrs. Lillien’s colleagues, confirming my home address, and a few days later, VOILA! My goodies arrived, compliments of Mrs. Lilien.

A complimentary Mrs. Lilien Cocktail Swatchbook ~ Classic Cocktails with a Twist, Flamingo Swizzles Sticks, and a Swirly “Mrs.” Straw! Yep, I am in heaven.

Swatchbook

So fittingly, today’s champagne cocktail recipe is the French 75 from the Cocktail Swatchbook.

French 75 ~ A Coquettish Champagne Dazzler

Mrs. Lilien_4

Ingredients

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Maraschino Cherries
  • 1 Lemon
  • Sugar Cubes
  • 2 Ounces Gin
  • 1 Tea Spoon Simple Sugar
  • Champagne
  • Champagne Flute
  • Sparkling Swizzle Sticks

Mixology. Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 ounces of Gin, the juice from a fresh lemon, and 1 teaspoon of simple sugar. Cover and shake for 20 seconds. Strain into the flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a sparking swizzle stick, a cherry and a lemon. Enjoy!

Mrs. Lilien_14
Mrs. Lilien_13
Until Then,
~ L.
The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays … Sort Of …

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Sometimes a Doll just needs a harvest drink! The weather is damp, cold, and the taste of a warm coffee drink on Sunday evening is the perfect way to unwind from a busy weekend. But, in the interest of full disclosure, the arrival of a beautiful new French Press, “Coffee Drinks,” by Michael Turbak, and a tin of freshly ground Sant’Eustachio on my door step this week, are the real reasons for the break from a traditional champagne cocktail recipe. (Thank you so much Dina S. Truly a fabulous gift!)

Champagne Sundays

That said, today you are cordially invited to “French Connection” Sunday. I selected this drink for two reasons. The first is obvious, the recipe just sounds so rich and decadent. Secondly, I love the movie, “The French Connection,” so a drink by this name absolutely appealed to me.

French Connection

Prep time ~ 3 minutes. Total time ~ 3 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz amaretto
  • Black coffee
  • whipped cream
  • Shaved almonds for garnish

Preparation:

  • Pour the Cognac and amaretto into an Irish coffee glass.
  • Fill with hot coffee. (Made in your French Press, of course.)
  • Top with whipped cream
  • Garnish with shaved almonds.

Sip, relax and enjoy!

A little history of the French Press …

The cafetiere is known by many different names. In the UK it’s usually called a cafetiere, which is shortened from the French ‘cafetiere a piston’. In the US it’s commonly referred to as a french press. Other names include: coffee press, press pot and coffee plunger.

Being called both a cafetiere and a french press you would assume that this coffee maker’s origins are in France. However, both the French and the Italians lay claim to its invention. What is believed to be first patent for a cafetiere was filed by two Frenchmen, Mayer and Delforge, in 1852.

La Cafetiere and Bodum are two of the biggest manufacturers in the cafetiere market. The two companies actually used to work together but the relationship has soured more recently and various court cases have ensued.

Bondanini’s Chambord cafetiere was manufactured in what was originally a French clarinet factory call Martin S.A. This factory was owned by Mr. Louis-James de Viel Castel, who also owned La Cafetiere (then called Household Articles). Spurred on by the success of the Chambord model in France, Viel Castel decided to market the coffee maker in the UK, but under the brand La Cafetiere and renamed the ‘Classic’.

In the early 1970s, Bodum began working with Martin S.A. to distribute the Chambord model in Denmark. During this time the relationship between Viel Castel, La Cafetiere and Bodum was very amicable. However this all began to change when Martin S.A. was brought out by Bodum in 1991.

When Viel Castel sold Martin S.A. to Bodum he also sold the rights to the Chambord coffee maker. But as a condition of sale, Viel Castel wanted to retain the right to continue to sell the Classic cafetiere under the La Cafetiere brand. However, there is a disagreement as to the exact terms of the sale. Bodum claims that Viel Castel is limited to only selling the Classic cafetiere in the UK. However, Viel Castel claims that he can sell the coffee maker everywhere, but France.

The argument came to a head in 2008 when La Cafetiere started selling the Classic cafetiere in USA. Bodum tried to sue La Cafetiere for trade dress infringement. However, the judge ruled that as the Classic and Chambord were not exactly alike and as the wording on the condition of sale document was ambiguous, that La Cafetiere could continue to sell the Classic in America. Similar cases have been tried in other countries and so far all have ruled in favor of La Cafetiere.

Source: Galla Coffee

So much drama! Anywho, why not treat yourself to a new French Press just in time for the holidays. Next time you feel like a harvest drink to get you warm and cozy, select a new coffee cocktail from your favorite cookbook and get to brewing.

Until then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays …

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Champagne Sundays is starting a little late this evening (super late); but a Doll had a busy day. Today’s Champagne Sunday suggestion is less than complicated. I usually share a champagne cocktail recipe, but last night the Mr. & I tried a bottle of Gruet Brut Rose while watching the movie Olympus is Falling. I have to say, I recommend both ~ the movie and the sparkling wine!

Brut Rose is considered a non-vintage sparkling wine, reasonably priced and can be purchased at any local wine and spirits store. I also recommend the Gruet Brut, which is considered the Gruet Winery’s “flagship sparkling wine.” It’s another favorite.

Beautiful_Rose_champagne

While I was thinking about Champagne Sunday’s, it dawned on me that a lot of the Pretty Domestic Dolls, in addition to enjoying a glass of bubbly, are also serious wine enthusiasts. I was reminded that several years ago, I hosted a meeting for a women’s organization to which I belong, and my hostess gift was a customized wine pairing magnet, of all things. Sounds corny, but who could have guessed that a magnet would be such a smash! That said, to accompany my Champagne Sunday’s suggestion, how about a little Wine Pairing 101.

A GUIDE TO SERVING WINE ~ PAIRING FOOD & WINE

 CHEESE

~ Creamy Soft Brie or Camembert ~

Red Burgundy, Chardonnay, Chablis

 ~ Strong Goat Cheese ~

Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume

~ Semi-Hard Cheese ~

Semillon, Rioja, Sauvignon Blanc

~ Smoked Cheese ~

Gewurztraminer, Sauternes, Shiraz

~ Strong Blue Cheese ~

Sauternes, Port, Hermitage, Madeira

 MAIN DISHES

~ Chicken ~

Chardonnay, Rioja, Barbera, Grenache, Burgundy

~ Steak ~

Full-bodied Red such as Cabernet, Bordeaux

~ Grilled Fish ~

Light, medium-bodied whites such as Pinot Grigio, Chablis

~ Pasta (red sauce/white sauce) ~

Chianti, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc/Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay

~ Raw or Steamed Shellfish ~

Crisp, acidic wines such as Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc

DESSERTS

Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Riesling, White Zinfandel, Spumante

So call your Dolls, or a date, whip up your favorite gourmet meal and pair with the perfect wine or champagne. Chin Chin!

By the by, I still have a couple of magnets left if anyone is interested. They are tres cute!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Image: Champagne Journal

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays …

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The holiday social season is in full swing, and nothing says a holiday soiree like Eggnog. Not just any recipe will do. The best Eggnog recipes have a little kick.

eggnog-glass

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs, separated
  • 1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
  • 1 quart whole milk
  • 1 1/2 quarts heavy cream
  • 3 cups bourbon
  • 1/2 cup dark rum
  • 2 cups cognac
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Directions: In a very large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually add sugar to yolks. With a wire whisk, beat in milk and 1 quart cream. Add bourbon, rum, and cognac, stirring constantly.

Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Whip remaining 1/2 quart heavy cream until stiff, and fold in. Sprinkle with nutmeg and add a festive cinnamon stick. Yields 26

Lest you think I’ve forgotten about the Pretty Domestic “Countdown to Christmas” gift suggestions, I haven’t. This whirlwind of a weekend has me a little behind. To pick up where we left off, here are my suggestions for “Days 25, 24, 23 and Counting …”

Anybody that knows me, knows I love all things monogrammed. Here are few of my favorites to put in your wish list, or to pick up for a friend or family member.

I love these Initial Necklaces by Nashelle from South Moon Under.

Southmoon Under NecklacesI like a lot of layering so I wear the “L” on a 17″ chain, the “R” on a 20″ along with another favorite necklace.

My necklaces

I also like to give monogrammed items for the home as gifts. These monogrammed pillows from luxurymonogram.com add a certain “je ne sais quoi” to a bedding suite or add the perfect touch to a living room sofa.

Monogrammed Pillow Casess

Finally, every Doll needs a great leather tote. This monogrammed tote from Mark and Graham is stylish, yet roomy enough for all of things we “need” to carry on a daily basis. It also comes in black, red, blue and cream.

camel leather tote

Until tomorrow, happy shopping (and sipping),

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

28 Days & Counting …

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It’s post Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but for many of us there is still more shopping to do. A gift that I like to give and receive is a beautiful coffee table book about a subject of interest. As I have accumulated a collection over the years, I change which ones are displayed in different rooms of my home.

For example, your fashionista friend and lover of all things beautiful will enjoy The Hermes Scarf: History & Mystique from Barnes and Noble.

Image: Barnes and Noble

This is just one of my favorites. To help with your selection, the New York Times published a list of the best coffee table books as a part of its Holiday Gift Guide 2012 ~ Heavyweights for the Holidays A Roundup of Holiday Coffee Table Books.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

29 Days & Counting …

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No surprise here, today’s post is nothing but Cyber Monday deals! Here are some of the sites I’ll be surfing today. Are you ready? Point and Click!

And here’s a little holiday music to get you in the shopping mood!

Video: Courtesy of YouTube

Kate Spade. Enjoy up to 75% off and, when you spend $200 or more, free shipping, Kate’s treat! Exclusively online.

@thisthatbeauty for all the beauty products a Doll needs.

Starbucks. Cyber Monday only: $20 off + FREE two-day shipping.

Amazon. Need more be said!

Nordstrom’s. Free shipping and free returns.

Effie’s Paper. 20% off today only. Enter CYBERMON at checkout.

Shop It To Me. Spend $300 get 20% off; $500 get 25% off; $750 get 30% off w/ code GIFTFORYOU.

Best Buy. 2-Day Cyber Sale; Free $25 savings code with store pickup on purchases $250 or more.

Saks Fifth Avenue. Free Shipping & Free Returns with code: HOLIDAY FREE GIFT BOX & BOW

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

It’s the Harvest Season …

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And the “Harvest Season” requires harvest food. Recently, we attended the wedding of one of our favorite couples. The wedding and reception were held at a beautiful location, with red, yellow and orange foliage serving as the perfect fall backdrop. The meal was fabulous, but the piece de resistance was the Butternut Squash Soup ~ the perfect Harvest Season soup! It was so rich and yummy that I committed to making some within the next week.

Here’s the recipe in time for you to prepare and serve with your Thanksgiving meal.

The Perfect Butternut Squash Soup

Image: The Pretty Domestic Kitchen

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 large butternut squash (about 4 1/2 lbs.) or 4 lbs. peeled and cubed butternut squash
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3 cloves garlic (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp. butter or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp. salt plus more to taste
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Preparation:

  1. Halve, seed, peel, and cube the butternut squash. Set aside.
  2. Halve, peel, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic, if you like.
  3. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the butter or oil and the chopped onion. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the squash and the broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the squash is very tender, about 20 minutes.
  5. Transfer small batches to a blender. Hold a kitchen towel over the top (to prevent burns) and whirl until completely and utterly smooth, 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
  6. Return the soup to the pot, add more salt to taste and ¼ cup of brown sugar.

Makes 4 to 6 servings Perfect Butternut Squash Soup.

Here’s a tip. Unless you purchase the squash pre-cubed, the prep time is longer than 50 minutes. I suggest purchasing it already cubed. Other than that, the recipe is simple and the soup turns out wonderfully.

We enjoyed the soup with a glass of Prosecco. I know, not a very Harvest Season libation, but we wanted to try these cute Villa Jolanda Presseco splits found at our local winery.

Leave me comment and as Donna Brazille says, let me know “what’s on your menu.” Have a Safe and Blessed Harvest and Thanksgiving Season!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Trick & Treat! (Why Can’t It Be Both!)

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Halloween is right around the corner; and many of us will be attending parties this weekend, including yours truly. But, for those of you hosting Halloween parties, here are several great cocktail recipes to ensure your guests have a ghoulishly good time.

Dracula’s Kiss (Top Left)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Blood Orange
  • 1 oz. Blood Orange Puree
  • 1.5 oz. Blueberry Pomegranate Juice
  • .5 oz. Lemon Juice
  • .5 oz. Simple Syrup

Preparation. Combine all ingredients, shake hard, strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange.

The Creepy Crawler (Top Right)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. SKYY Infusions Blood Orange
  • 1 tsp of passion fruit syrup
  • .5 oz. of orange juice
  • .5 oz. of pineapple juice

Preparation. Shake all ingredients, pour into a low-ball glass, and fill with ice. Top with a hibiscus flower and a teaspoon of hibiscus flower syrup.

Midori’s Spider Kiss (Bottom Left)

Ingredients

  • 1 part Midori Melon Liqueur
  • 1 part SKYY Vodka
  • Juice from half lemon
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Grenadine
  • Chocolate dipped orange slice for garnish

Preparation. Draw a chocolate web into a martini glass. Place in freezer and chill for a ghostly effect. Shake all ingredients and strain into glass. For a blood effect, drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass. Garnish with a chocolate dipped orange slice.

The Itsy Bitsy (Bottom Right)

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
  • .5 oz. SKYY Vodka
  • 1.5 oz. Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 3 blackberries

Preparation. Muddle 2-3 blackberries in a shaker. Place remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with black rimming sugar. Garnish with blackberries on a cocktail pick.

Cocktail Recipes and Images: Uptown Magazine

Now that your Halloween party bar will be stocked with chillingly delicious cocktails. Serve your guests a tasty Pie a la Apple dessert.

Image: The Pretty Domestic Kitchen (Smile!)

Pie a la Apple

Ingredients

  • 5-6 Granny Smith apples that can stand on their own
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Pie Crust (homemade or pre-made)

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Preparation. Cut the top of 4 apples off and discard. Remove the inside of each apple with a spoon or melon baller very carefully. Remove skin from remaining apple(s) and slice very thinly. These apple pieces will give you the additional filling needed to fill the four apples you are baking.

Mix sliced apples with sugars and cinnamon in a bowl. If you prefer more or less cinnamon make adjustments as desired. Same goes for the sugar. Scoop sliced apples into hollow apples.

Roll out pie crust and slice into 1/4 inch strips. I added a strip inside the top of the apple, which can be seen in the photo above.

Cover the top of the apple in a lattice pattern with pie crust strips. Place apples in an 8×8 pan. If your apples are big you may need a bigger pan. Add just enough water to the cover the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and sliced apples are soft. Serves 4.

We are big on holidays at Maison Pretty Domestic; and never miss an opportuntiy to decorate with the appropriate theme. Check out our carved pumpkins from last year and this weekend.

You can pick up a Pumpkin Masters carving kit from Ace Hardware or your local grocery store. We’ve used the same set each year. Here’s a hint, purchase two kits, the tools are a little flimsy.

I hope that I’ve given you some fun ideas for your Halloween celebration. Leave me a comment and share your favorite Halloween cocktail recipes and decoration ideas.

Until Then, Trick & Treat … It really can be both!

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Think Pink (WellChick)!

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Hi Dolls!

As you are more than aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us are raising money and participating in “Race for the Cure” events in support of our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, and even ourselves. There are numerous ways to help raise awareness and funds in support of finding a cure for this insidious disease.

Image Source: MPress

Many businesses are donating proceeds raised from the sale of their products to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and others. Here are a few of my favorite products that support research and funding for breast cancer eradication, and to show you’re aware and that you care.

What better way to show you care than by penning a note to a family member or friend battling breast cancer or celebrating survival. These fab “Fight Like a Girl” note cards from Effie’s Paper are sure to put a smile on any Doll’s face. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of each set of notecards will go to Girls Love Mail to support their MILE OF MAIL campaign.

 

Essie Nail Polish has been my “go to” nail polish for years. I became more of a fan when they introduced their “31 Days of Pink” Collection. When you purchase a bottle of polish from the collection, a charitable contribution will be made to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. My favorite ~ “I am Strong.”

I fell in love with the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign several years ago. Beginning in September of each year, for each Yoplait Yogurt lid received and each code redeemed online by June 30, 2013, General Mills will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. What an awesome and tasty idea!

You should know however, that today’s post is more than just an arbitrary post recognizing another “theme month” on the calendar. It’s about saving lives. It’s also about honoring one of my favorite Dolls, Barbra (Barb).

“My Name is PinkWellChick … And I AM the CURE!”

Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2011; and to put it simply she has been the picture of strength, grace, honesty and fabulousness through it all. Barb launch her blog, inkwellchicks, after being diagnosed to chronicle the story of her journey, and that of her über supportive best friend, as she confronted this disease. (They coined the names PinkInk and RedInk for themselves.) I’ve read every word of every post and always walk away inspired, and even more importantly educated. Some posts have been harder to read than others, and some had me LMBO! Barb has since launched another blog PinkwellChick, a broader advocacy site.

After I launched Pretty Domestic I knew right away that one of my posts would be about Barb. So here we are ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I reached out to Barb and asked her could I mention her on my blog and reference her PinkWellChick blog. Her response, “Of course!”

Suprisingly, I only had one question for her ~ “What does Breast Cancer Awareness Month mean to you?” Why that question? “Theme months,” as I call them tend to become commercialized, but for the person walking through breast cancer, domestic violence, or child abuse, these are more than days on the calendar that roll around to be recognized once every 12 months.

Barb’s answer:

“Breast Cancer Awareness is no longer just a month for me! It’s a lifestyle! I just celebrated 1 year of Survival! So now October is 31 days of concentrated effort to talking to others about the recipe for breast cancer health: 12 self exams, mammograms (if over 40), and clinical exams! Whatever I can do to continue the dialogue. I’m there!”

I told you she was FABULOUS!

Thank you Barb for allowing me to tell just a small portion of your story and for giving me an opportunity, through you, to educate women about the importance of conducting monthly self exams, not skipping our annual mammograms (WE ARE NOT THAT BUSY!), and encouraging family and friends to do the same. You are a “DOLL!”

For more tips on breast cancer awareness and advocacy, follow Barb on Twitter at @pinkwellchick.

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays!!!

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It’s hot! Better yet sweltering! Every time I look at the weather report for “my neck of the woods” the temperature is approaching 100+  degrees. When it’s hot, I’m not much for “cocktailing.” My main goal is to keep cool and hydrated, and nothing does the job better than a bottle of agua!

However, I don’t want to put “Champagne Sundays” completely on the back burner during the summer months. Try a Mimosa Sorbet for a cool and refreshing cocktail alternative.

Mimosa Sorbet

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. water

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. orange marmalade

Zest from 2 large oranges

1 c. fresh squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)

3 tbsp. lemon juice

Your favorite champagne

Directions. Combine the water, sugar, marmalade, and zest in a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it bubbles. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Mix in the orange and lemon juice and process in your ice cream maker according to manufacturing directions. Transfer to a container and freeze until set. Scoop sorbet into champagne flutes and pour champagne over the top. Serve immediately. Makes 1 quart.

Recipe: Cooking Light

Here’s to you, and a relaxing and cool “Champagne Sunday!”

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic