Month: May 2016


May
2016

The “Big Apple”…Manhattan

categories: Eating In, Travel & Leisure

     A few weeks back, if you recall, we paid a visit to Spiritopia just outside of Corvallis, Oregon.  While we were there we picked up some Bourbon Style Apple Brandy and have been tinkering with different ways to enjoy this wonderful liqueur.  Now, on occasion Nancy and I like to enjoy the classic cocktail known as a Manhattan.  A friend of ours introduced us to the Manhattan a couple of years ago at our Christmas get together.  We were quite smitten with the drinks complex flavors and the warm afterglow it provided after sipping through it.  We use Bourbon in our Manhattans so I thought–hey with the flavor of the Bourbon Style Apple Brandy–they just might go well together.  Well I’m happy to report they did!  We tweeked our standard Manhattan recipe and came up with a cocktail that we called a winner, the “Big Apple” Manhattan.  Here is what you will need to make your own “Big Apple” Manhattan…

–One ounce Buffalo Trace BourbonBig Apples and flowers

–One ounce of Spiritopia’s Boubon Style Apple Brandy

–One ounce of Dry French Vermouth

–A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters

–One Italian Toschi Sour Black Cherry (this is a must have as Maraschinos just don’t compare or cut it)

–And a twist of lemon

     To construct your “Big Apple” Manhattan you’ll need one of those liquor measuring things otherwise known as a jigger, a cocktail shaker to mix things up in, and a long mixing spoon. Start off by placing two or three nice sized ice cubes in the shaker. Next, measure out and pour in the Bourbon, Apple Brandy, and Vermouth.  Then add in a few dashes of bitters.  But not too much as they will overpower the final result!! Four maybe five shakes is all it takes.  Now give it all a nice vigorous STIR. Hee hee, he said vigorous stir.  We have been told by a very qualified expert (whom we will name in a later post) that a Manhattan should be stirred and not shaken.  Given the uber high quality results of this persons cocktail craftsmanship we hold that stirring is a truth in this arena.  Finally pour your “Big Apple” Manhattan into your favorite cocktail glass and enjoy! Cheers!!

–Mike


May
2016

Sunday Parkways Time!!

categories: Health & Fitness, Making Memories

     Spending quality time together, while getting in a workout at the same time, has been an ongoing tradition for Nancy and myself since very early on in our journey together.  When we first started biking  one of the first  events that Nancy and I rode in was Portland Sunday Parkways.  Portland Sunday Parkways is put on every month from May through September by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.  Each family friendly bike ride features a traffic free bike loop (thank you Portland Police Bureau) through one of the many beautiful sections of Portland – the bike friendliest city of them all!  Each course is designed so that there are stops along the way at city parks within that particular section of the city.  At the parks are food, entertainment, activity and information booths as well as lots of fellow bikers with whom to enjoy the day.

Northeast Sunday Parkways - Ainsworth Street

     Because the Sunday Parkways provides a family friendly atmosphere we introduced our kiddos to these great events so they can share can in our love for biking too. The Parkways have become a yearly tradition now and we really look forward to making memories out on the road every year.  In addition to the Parkways we regularly go for family bike rides to a variety of destinations in the area such as the grocery store, a distant park exploration, or to another section of town for a treat.  Our family rides provide great opportunities for learning the rules of the road and cycling etiquette. Dare I say we have we have two budding PDX cyclists in the family? You bet!North Portland Sunday Parkways - Teo and I   Be it just Nancy and I or the entire clan, getting out and enjoying the sights of our beautiful city by bike is a wonderful way to spend the day.  I still remember one of the first times our son cruised down a big hill nearby and exclaimed “I’m alive!” while zipping down it. THAT was a very good day indeed!

So if you’re in the Portland area come on out for the first Sunday Parkways of the year on Sunday May 15 and enjoy a lovely time at the 2016 East Portland Sunday Parkways.  More information can be found as their website at East Portland Sunday Parkways.

Oh, by the way, our training continues toward the Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour in April we logged 107 miles toward our goal of 700 miles for the season!  Woot!!

–Mike