The Family Cook Book

Still in Vermont, last night we headed over to Bob and Jane's for dinner. One of the pleasures of coming back here on a regular basis is the extended circle of friends that we have up here. The Sweeney’s met Jane and Bob up here and then introduced them to us, meeting up with them and the very lovely Kasey and Maddie is now part of our summer ritual. The deal last night was that they would provide the venue, the chicken, the sausages and the wonderful fresh Vermont corn and we would provide the salads and of course some booze to feed the ever-thirsty group of young (and not so young) Brits we were bringing too. We arrived to the sounds of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes (well they are from Philly) and a very warm welcome from the gorgeous addition to their family, Monty the Golden Retriever. We then set into a great evening with all fourteen of us finding a place to sit and given the loquaciousness of all three families the conversation barely stopped for a second for the whole eve

To be honest there is very little that makes this Mojito 'Sugarbush style' other than the fact that we have decided that this is the holiday of the Mojito. Ingredients Bacardi fresh lime brown sugar soda water ice mint leaves method Put half alime cut into four pieces into the bottom of a substantial tumbler, add 12 mint leaves and two teaspoons of sugar. Now 'muddle' ... that is bash it with something to release the sugar, mint and lime to create the base of the drink. I use a pestle (or is it a mortar) but any heavy wooden implement like a roller or spoon handle will do the trick. Once muddled add ice or crushed ice to three quarters of the way to the top of the glass. Now add a measure of Bacardi ( one and three quarter ounces) top with soda water and stir to mix the drink well. Mojito....Done .... as Gordon would say.