Category Archives: Events

Easy Entertaining… Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup

08 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Easy Entertaining, Events

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

When creating the menu for a recent gathering at our shoppe, I wanted a refreshing  non-alcoholic beverage option.  Something special and pretty that would appeal to the guests coming to celebrate the opening of à la Maison’s newly expanded showroom.

blackberry basil spitzer 3.jpg

One of the prettiest cocktail ingredients I count on is Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup.  Easy to make and quite versatile, you can take it in any direction you’d like… an elegant non-alcoholic spritzer , a pretty kiddie cocktail, or a delicious vodka blackberry basil spitzer.

blackberry basil simple syrup 2

Just a few simple ingredients – fresh blackberries, fresh basil and sugar simmered in pure water creates this unique and fruity twist on simple syrup.  It’s a quick and easy option to prep ahead of your next event.

blackberry basil simple syrup in mason jar

Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup

  • 4 cups fresh blackberries
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cup water
  • ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves

Add ingredients to a medium sized pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and boil for 15-20.  Stirring occasionally.  Cool Completely.  Pour through a fine strainer and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for about a week.

Now your ready to put your new Blackberry Basil Simply Syrup to good use!  With or without alcohol, it’s a fruity and refreshing choice

blackberry basil spitzer 2

Blackberry Basil Vodka Spritzer

  • 2 tbl blackberry simply syrup
  • 1 tbl triple sec
  • 1 shot of vodka
  • 1/2 cup seltzer water
  • Fresh Basil and blackberries to garnish

Blackberry basil simple syrup, triple sec and vodka to a shaker with ice.  Shake then pour into a glass, top with seltzer water and garnish with fresh basil & blackberries.

Blackberry Basil Spritzer Mocktail

  • Seltzer Water
  • Blackberry Basil Simple Syrup
  • Fresh Basil and blackberries to garnish

Fill goblet with ice, top with a fresh blackberry and sprig of basil.  Fill glass with seltzer water, then top with Blackberry Basil Simply Syrup to taste.

Enjoy!

Refreshing Gluten Free Lemon Bars

29 Monday Jan 2018

Posted by in Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Desserts, Events

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

These gluten-free lemons bars are so refreshing and a delicious addition to your spring dinner or party menu.  I’ve made them gluten-free but you can easily change the flour to regular AP flour if you choose.

lemon bars 2

Gluten Free Lemon Bars 

Crust

  • ¾  cup Almond Flour
  • ¾  Blends by Orly Gluten Free Flour Blend* (London Blend) or your favorite Gluten Free AP Flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold salted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoons water

 Filling

  • 1 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour or Blends by Orly Flour Blend

Heat Oven to 350F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, blend until a crumbly mixture results. Add water one tablespoon of water.  Press mixture into the bottom of the baking dished ensuring that you go up the sides of the pan slightly (this will help hold the lemon mixture).  Bake for approximately 25 minutes until slightly golden and set.

 In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, blend the sugar lemon juice, lemon zest together.  Beat in the eggs until smooth.  Pour mixture over the hot crust.

Bake 24-26 minutes or until set in the middle. Let cool on the counter and then refrigerate for a couple of hours.

lemon bars

To serve, cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator… Enjoy!

*Find Blends by Orly at a la Maison or call 315-440-6637 to order.

`a la Maison at the Junior League Holiday Shoppes… Today’s Tastings

14 Saturday Nov 2015

Posted by in Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Events

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

`a la Maison has moved our Downtown store to the New York State Fairgrounds for the annual Junior League Holiday Shoppes… along with an array home decor and gifts… we’ve brought a great selection of gourmet and specialty foods.

image

Today shoppers can looks forward to sampling:

 – Forever Herbs Blackberry and Blueberry Jalapeno Compote

 – Hot Pepper Bacon Jam

– Lillie’s Q Bloody Mary Mix

 – Delicious pulled chicken recipe along with Lillie’s Q barbecue and Caroline Dirt… my favorite rub!

Food - Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders

The great thing about this recipe is that it is not only delicious but a little healthier for you than many of the pulled pork recipes you get out… plus it’s super quick and easy!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Ingredients

3 lbs. boneless/skinl chicken breasts (or mix of boneless/skinless breast & thighs)

Sea salt & pepper

2 tsp. olive oil or grapeseed oil (for browning)

1 medium vadalia or sweet onion, sliced thin

1 cup Lillie Q Carolina BBQ Sauce*

Directions

Season chicken with sea salt and pepper, then brown chicken in 2 tsp. of olive oil or grapeseed oil (4 mins on each side). While chicken browns, place sliced onions in the bottom of a slow cooker.

Cut chicken breasts in half and place in slow cooker on top of onions. Pour Lillie Q Carolina BBQ sauce over the top. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.

Shred chicken with two forks. Serve with a buffet of toppings including:

 – Lillie Q Smoky BBQ*
 – Lillie Q White BBQ Sauce* (If you have not had white BBQ sauce… Wow! Delish!)
 – Creamy Coleslaw (if you’re short on time, grab it from your favorite deli)
– Diced dill pickle

Enjoy!

Michele

*You can find Lillie Q BBQ Sauces and rubs in both our Baldwinsville, Fayetteville and Downtown Syacuse stores.

Eating Healthfully… Tex Mex Casserole from Oh She Glows

24 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Events

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

The kitchen is filled with southwestern aromas this morning…

Stop into our Baldwinsville store today as we continue to feature recipes from our October featured cookbook, “Oh She Glows” by Angela Liddon.

Enjoy a taste of Tex Mex casserole from 11:30am – 2:00pm. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample a selection of the salsas we carry as well!

Healthy and delicious awaits you at `a la Maison today!

IMG_1087.JPG

IMG_1089.JPG

IMG_1088.JPG

IMG_1090.JPG