Smirnoff Summer Entertaining Extravaganza: Second City Social Media Meetup

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* All photos courtesy of Mystic Image Photography/Kat Fitzgerald

I have to admit, I feel intimidated by thought of cooking for fellow food bloggers and people that follow me via Twitter and Facebook because of my blog. Food Bloggers are a confident, opinionated and sometimes even arrogant bunch in regards to their prowess in the kitchen. I love cooking and baking, but know I have so much to learn, yet still feel miles ahead of the average home cook. Another thing that intimidates me is cooking on a deadline and for a large group. All the "what ifs " enter my thoughts. But miraculously it always comes off.

My Auntie Mame graciously allowed me to host a Foodbuzz brunch for my fellow local bloggers and social media friends . Most were known to me, but there were some I had never met, yet felt comfortable in inviting. It was chance for us to from behind the computer screen and interact face to face to with food and drink. I invited around 25, and about 15 showed up. August being bad for people with travel plans. I cant get quantities right and as always had way to much food, but it didn't go to waste as people took some home. The purpose of the Foodbuzz sponsored brunch was to incorporate Smirnoff Tuscan Lemonade and/ or Mojito into our menus and event. I decided to reflect the diversity of Chicago, the Second City, but making dishes for various neighborhoods.

The menu was as follows:

Gold Coast

Marscarpone , port soaked figs, melon ham rolls

Greek town

Greek Quinoa Salad

Smirnoff Tuscan Lemonade Spiked Watermelon, Tomato, Feta, and Pine Nut Salad with Balsamic reduction

Little Italy

Cherry tomatoes stuffed with Ricotta and Basil Chiffonade

Angel Hair Pasta with Tuscan Lemonade Vodka and Shrimp

Pilsen

Corn Tortilla Bar

Smirnoff Mojito marinated chicken with pobalnos

Crock pot Chipolte Carnitas

Roasted Vegetables

Condiments:

Kayce's Elote Salsa

Salsa Verde

Mango Salsa

Sour Cream

Cojito

Salsa

Limes

Wrigley

Lolli Pies Pops in blueberry, fig, and pineapple

Beverages

Sparkling Raspberry Smirnoff Tuscan Lemonade

Sorrel ( Flor de Jamaica)Smirnoff Mojtio Punch

Wines

Water

Sodas

My good friend Kat Fitzgerald of Mystic Images Photography was kind enough to take the photos for me. Kat was another instrumental one in me meeting Certain Someone. She's the tarot card reader who was at the dinner the night we met. Unfortunately Certain Someone was away, as he usually is, but Kat could validate he does he exist!

The recipes for the menu are not really complicated , but do take a little prep and time. I will posting the recipes throughout the week. But here are the Smirnoff cocktails to kick of the postings.

Sparkling Raspberry Tuscan Lemonade

*Raspberry Syrup

Smirnoff Tuscan Lemonade

Club Soda or Seltzer Water

*Raspberry Syrup

1 pint raspberries

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

Rinse raspberries. In a heavy bottomed sauce pan add sugar and water. Bring to a boil and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove off heat. Take a mesh strainer and pour separating the pulp from liquid. Let syrup cool.

In a glass with ice, add 1/2 part raspberry syrup, to 1 part Tuscan Lemonade. Top off with Seltzer.

Sorrel ( Flor de Jamaica) Mojito Punch

*Flor de Jamaica is dried hibiscus flower and can be purchased at Afro/Carib and Latin markets

Sorrel infusion( Flor de Jamaica infused with hot water and lightly sweetened to taste.

In a glass with ice pour 1 part Sorrel infusion and 1 part Smirnoff Mojito. Garnish with mint.

I cant speak for others, but I had a great time. It was so nice to see various facets of my friends and interests interact in beautiful lakefront surroundings.Each guest brought their talents and charm. In the end we were even given a impromptu belly dance by Diana , a wonderful teacher and lady who radiated goodness and light.Kat,Beth, Ogi, Vicky, Russel,Goody and your guests, thank you for coming and allowing me to feed to feed you. Auntie Mame thanks for opening your home to my world .Foodbuzz and Smirnoff thank you for great products and allowing me to be create this event and meet some new great friends.And for my friends that couldn't make it, next time perhaps. In my opinion there is no better way to spend beautiful summer afternoon.

Stay tuned for more recipe posts from the menu throughout the week. I will walk you through the Lolli pies ( inspiration from a fellow blogger) which were a hit.