Delicious Apple Bourbon Cocktails – Perfect for Autumn

On November 11, 2020November 11, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Recipes4 Comments

Autumn is a time for special occasions, celebrating, and comfort food. It isn’t all about the food, though, it is also a time for special drinks and cocktails. Obviously we love gluhwein, mulled ciders, and other autumnal drinks, but we decided to do something a little different. We made an Apple Bourbon Cocktail (an “ABC” for short) with apple cider that was infused overnight with spices. The warmth of the spices pairs really well with a quality bourbon and it is definitely a festive cocktail. If you don’t want the alcohol, you can serve it as “mocktail”, but we prefer the version that has a little bit of a kick. We really enjoyed it, so hopefully you will as well.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Apple Cider (not apple juice, it needs to be a true apple cider)
2 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Whole Cloves
1 Star Anise
8 oz Bourbon
Apple Slices for garnish

Everything You Need for an Apple Bourbon Cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a mason jar and put in the refrigerator for about 24 hours (at least overnight). To serve, strain the apple cider and add 4 ounces of apple cider to 2 ounces of bourbon in a rocks glass (ice cubes are optional as the drink is meant to warm your insides). Garnish with an apple slice and serve. Makes 4 servings. Cheers!

Butternut Squash with Orecchiette Pasta

On November 4, 2020November 4, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Recipes2 Comments

Autumn is the perfect time of year for having meals made with different types of squash. We often make acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and butternut squash at this time of year. We usually just have them as a side dish to the main meal, but we decided to make a dinner where the squash was the star of the dish. Adding green beans gave it a pop of color, but broccoli or asparagus would be a good alternative. It is a simple and easy meal idea that works for weekdays or can be made for a crowd. It is also a good dish for a pot-luck dinner as well.

Butternut Squash, Green Beans, and Pancetta

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Butternut Squash – cooked and cut into 1 inch cubes
3/4 cup Pancetta – cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups Green Beans – cut into 1 inch pieces
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
2 cups Orecchiette
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese – grated
2 to 3 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Granulated Garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

To cook the butternut squash, cut it in half, remove the seeds, drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Then place the butternut squash on a foil lined baking sheet and place in an oven at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, until fork tender. Then remove the butternut squash, let it cool, remove the skin, and cut into 1 inch cubes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil that has been seasoned with plenty of salt. Add the orecchiette and cook for about a minute or two less than the box directions in order to keep it al dente. Be sure to reserve a 3/4 cup of the cooking water from the pasta. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes and then remove them and add them to cold water to stop the cooking. Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat to medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and red pepper flakes and cook until the pancetta is crispy. Add the butternut squash and the reserved pasta water and cook for about 2 minutes and the water reduces by about half. Add the orecchiette, green beans, and a 1/2 cup of water and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add to a serving bowl, toss with the grated Parmesan cheese, and serve.

A Single Serving of Butternut Squash with Orecchiette

Autumn Leaves Strewn Across the Paths and Sidewalks

On August 14, 2020August 14, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge2 Comments

We may still be the heat of summer, but Autumn is certainly coming as this year seems to be going by fast and slow all at the same time. Whenever we travel during the Fall season, we often take photographs of the leaves either spread across the ground or across the paths and trails that we’re walking along. Regardless of whether it is in the mountains or in the cities, the leaves tend to fall everywhere all around you as walk amongst the trees. There is something very soothing and relaxing about looking at the leaves strewn across the ground.