Party Food: Sangria and Pico de Gallo

Classic Sangria
Ingredients:

    * 1 orange, sliced
    * 1 lemon, sliced
    * 1 lime, sliced
    * 2 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar
    * 1 bottle spanish red wine
    * 1/2 cup cognac
    * 1/4 cup orange liqueur
    * 2 tablespoons orange juice
    * 1 cup chilled seltzer water

Directions:

Wash and slice fruit. Dissolve sugar in cognac and orange luqueur. Add sugar, cognac and orange liqueur and fruit to a pither or punch bowl. Pour in wine. Stir to mix in fruit.

Chill overnight or for at least eight hours before serving.

When ready to serve add in seltzer water to give the sangria some fizz. Serve with ice cubes if desired.

OK, so I am going to a gardeners gardening brunch party.  And I'm not too keen on the drinking and driving idea.  So, I am modifying the recipe somewhat.  It will be more of a fruit punch with a kick of red wine.  Sangria is essentially a lemon/lime base with seasonal fresh fruit, red wine, and sparkling water or sparkling white wine.  So .... my recipe ...


I'm using repurposed juice jugs - 59 oz.  In each, 1 cup cheap red wine, 1 cup orange/mango juice, 1/2 cup Rose's Sweetened Lime.  Some shaved fresh ginger.  Fresh fruit:  pineapple, strawberry, apple, orange, meyers lemon,  lime.  I'm letting all this soak and marinate overnight.  Taking along bottles of sparkling water with me to mix at the party.

Fresh Mexican Pico de Gallo

Ingredients -

1 white onion, finely chopped
4 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
2 or 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon limejuice
Salt to taste

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for an hour.

(Makes 2 ½ cups)