Sangria - It's "Bloody Good"

This past weekend ushered in the summer season. With the warmer weather comes an increase in our beverage intake. For some of us that also means an increase in our wine and beer consumption. For a refreshing change, try this citrusy alternative.

Ingredients:

1 orange

1 lemon

1 lime

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup brandy or cognac

1 bottle dry red wine

1 cup orange juice

4 ounces club soda

Preparation:

Thinly slice orange, lemon and lime. Place in a container and sprinkle with sugar and brandy. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Put ice in a large pitcher and add citrus mixture. Pour in red wine and add orange juice and club soda. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with orange slices.

Salmon Asparagus Quiche

There is nothing more relaxing than Sunday brunch with your family and friends. It is a leisurely way to connect with those who mean the most to you. Want to show those you care about how special they really are? Say it with quiche. And oh, don't forget the champagne!


Ingredients:
1 - 9 inch pie crust
3 large eggs
1 cup half & half
1 teaspoon fresh dill weed, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg, grated (optional)
salt & white pepper - to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
8 asparagus spears, trimmed
1-1/2 cups gruyere cheese, grated
2 ounces smoked salmon, sliced

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pie crust into a 9 inch quiche pan or pie plate. Cover crust with parchment paper and weight with beans. Prebake crust in oven for 1o minutes. Remove from oven and discard beans. Set prebaked crust aside until ready to assemble.
Whisk eggs, milk, salt, white pepper, dill and nutmeg together. Melt butter in a small skillet or pan and saute onions until soft. Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan. Blanche asparagus for 2 - 3 minutes; remove and immediately shock in a water bath. Drain and set aside.

Assembly:
Sprinkle half the cheese in the bottom of prepared quiche pan and cover with sauteed onion. Next, layer on salmon slices, then arrange asparagus like the spokes of a wheel. Sprinkle with the remainder of the cheese and cover with the egg mixture. Bake for 45 minutes.