Classic mimosas get a fresh twist -- and a pretty, rosy hue -- when they're mixed with pink grapefruit juice instead of the usual orange juice. For each serving, pour equal parts of Champagne (or any other sparkling wine) and fruit juice (either store-bought or freshly squeezed). One bottle of Champagne will yield about eight cocktails.
How to use a waiter's friend, in three simple steps:
1. With the corkscrew's blade, cut the foil under the second lip of the bottle (to prevent foil from falling in).
2. Center the point of the screw on the cork, and turn firmly to anchor the worm (the spiral).
3. Turn the screw gently and firmly without pressing down, until the worm is halfway down the cork. Place the lever on the lip of the bottle, and pull up until half the cork is exposed. Turn screw again, until the worm is through the cork, and then pull until the cork is free.
Here's a potion kids are sure to love. Among the ingredients are cinnamon candies that give it zing. Stir 1 quart apple cider and 1/4 cup hard cinnamon candies in a medium saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until heated through and candies have melted completely, about 8 minutes. Serve warm.
A minimalist motif gives these canapes maximum charm: Thinly sliced scallions and snipped chives make stems for salmon-caviar blooms. Spread plain or smoked-salmon cream cheese onto soft white sandwich bread. Trim to desired shape, and arrange the chives and roe into single stems or a field of flowers.
Fishing for Caviar
Salmon caviar, or roe, is a luminous bright orange and tastes of the sea. A relatively inexpensive type of caviar, it can be found at specialty-food stores or ordered from russanddaughters.com.
For starters, try a blueberry-infused gin: Combine 1 cup gin with 1/2 cup blueberries in an airtight container, and let stand at room temperature for 3 days. Strain, and refrigerate (up to 3 weeks). Top a jigger with tonic or sparkling lemonade, and garnish with frozen berries.
Kids will love a homemade red, white, and blueberry concrete, a "milk shake" so thick, they'll need a spoon: Layer 1/4 cup softened strawberry ice cream, then 1/4 cup softened vanilla ice cream in each of 4 glasses. Blend 3/4 cup blueberries with 1 cup vanilla ice cream; divide among glasses.
Dining at home this February 14? For a romantic prelude or finale to the meal, serve dried Calimyrna figs. When cut lengthwise, they look like little hearts. They're a sweet complement to cheeses, crusty breads, and salads. An added benefit: Figs are packed with nutrients, such as iron and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.
