This week has been a flurry of parties and with the weekend approaching there seems to be no end in sight. Two dinners with Jeff at our house, Shameeka’s fabulous reception at the Mansion on Peachtree, dinner with my Love at WASABi after the reception, tapas at Clint’s followed by dinner at Carrie and Steven’s loft (more on that next week), tonight a dinner party at the home of neighbor and pastry chef Dave and his wife, Sue, tomorrow the exciting Blogger’s Brunch at The Four Season’s Park 75, then a graduation celebration with my favorite former boss and his precious family and on to Leila’s birthday party on Saturday night.

Whew. Sometimes, a girl is in need of a swanky cocktail just to slow down and reflect a bit.

Is that girl (or guy) you? Do you need a break, my Sweetie? Have I got the cocktail for you. Made with St-Germain.

The Rare and Beautiful Elderflower

But enough with the history, let’s talk cocktails.  You can surely sip St-Germain over a few slivers of ice as an aperitif, but most of the times I have had it in a cocktail, it has been paired with gin.  So yesterday I drove to Green’s and picked up a bottle of St-Germain and a bottle of Bombay Sapphire Gin and got ready to mix.

Oops! I left the house without any recipes for cocktails, so how was I expected to mix up a drink with no ingredients?  See? I have been busy this week!

But the distinguished crafters of St-Germain are kind enough to include a few recipes in the tiny book that comes attached to the sexy, belle epoque, bottle. Funny, the original St-Germain Cocktail doesn’t even mention gin.

The St-Germain Cocktail

2 shots Champagne or Dry White Wine (preferably Sauvignon Blanc)
1.5 shots St-Germain
2 shots Sparkling Water or Club Soda

Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Garnish with lemon twist. Feel fancy-schmancy like the French.

For those of you wanting to try a gin based cocktail made with St-Germain, here’s a doozy from Robert Hess at the Chanticleer Society (this is especially for you, Chioke!)

And now – my grateful list.

First up, of course, is Eric. This man is eternally patient with my infinite hair-brained schemes and ideas and loves me dearly in spite of them. He is kind, hilariously witty, smart as a whip and keeps me warm at night. I could go on, but there are some things I like to keep to myself.

Next, is our insanely cool coterie of cronies. Every one of these folks bring something interesting and special to our lives. There is the small core that have known me since before I knew better (Vickie, John, Holly), the early Atlanta days crew (Clint), the friends Eric and I made when we first met (Crystal and Teague), and the new brigade, who are bright, shining examples of community and all that encompasses. I could name each one, but that might put you to sleep and we’ll have none of that. Wait til after the turkey. They know who they are – the friends that have become our family, that gather in our kitchen or around our dining room table, whose couches and porches we frequent, those who have been my partners in this food blogging journey. There are even a few that I have yet to meet in real life, yet have taken me to their hearts and shown such generosity of spirit, it is hard to believe they are real and not just some fairy godmothers out there granting every wish. You all fill my heart every single day.

I am so very thankful to be back for good in our beloved Atlanta this Thanksgiving. Two years in Los Angeles made me respect and appreciate our little life in Georgia more than I could ever have imagined. It is where we call home. A place where we are able to breathe, have a big backyard, a great front porch and room to fit all of those we love so much. It is where our hearts live.

I know that times are tough in this economy of ours, but I truly believe if you have loved ones close by, you will never be poor. And no, I don’t just mean you will be rich in love (although that is important). I mean with a close community, no one goes hungry and no one wants for a warm bed.

And that my Darlings, is what friendship and gratitude are all about.

Have the greatest Turkey Day ever! I am taking Thursday off from blogging, but will be back with all the foodie goodness on Friday.

xoxo, Patti