Kelly Anthony is a home chef, blogger and creator of TheAnthonyKitchen.com, where she shares recipes and specializes in refined comfort food.
Well, hello there! Let me just introduce myself and give you a quick rundown of what I’m doing here: My name is Kelly Anthony. I am a Christian, a wife, a stay-at-home mom, a blogger, a baker, a home chef, a writer and a bonafide foodie. And I’m also so tired. I started my career in food, selling made-from-scratch cookies and bars out of my home. I called my little business The Anthony Kitchen. Fast forward five years later and TheAnthonyKitchen.com was born. On my website, I share comforting recipes, mostly with a charming little Southern flare, perfect for entertaining or just sharing a cozy meal around the table with your family. I’ll be contributing all kinds of recipes to Maroon Weekly (Whoop!) this season. From cocktails all the way down to desserts, I look forward to sharing some of my favorite T.A.K. concoctions with you.
I’ll just start this one off by letting you know I’m a born and bred Texan. I’ve lived here my whole life and have no intention of leaving…like, ever. But it’s January and I find myself daydreaming of snowy days and crackling fires. I just can’t help but wish for a little winter weather that might hold below 50, at least through the “prime time” winter months. No such luck. Central Texas can prove itself to be a teensy bit disappointing when it comes to the whole “change of seasons” thing.
Now, if we are looking at the glass half empty, this is a total bummer for a foodie who finds joy in coordinating meals alongside seasonal produce and weather changes. Sometimes, however, we’ve just got to look on the bright side, roll with the punches and find ourselves a happy medium.
This is where my Meyer Lemon Cooler comes in. Meyer lemons are not only in season, but they’re also incredibly refreshing. A cool weather crop, made into a cocktail suitable for an unseasonably warm winter. Now that’s my kind of compromise. Please, enjoy.
Juice of 1 Meyer lemon, about 2 ounces
4-6 strawberries, hulled
2 teaspoons Caster (superfine) sugar
1 ounce Gin
1/2 ounce St. Germaine, an Elderflower liqueur
1/2 ounce Orange Liqueur
2 ounces cold water
Meyer lemon wedge or strawberry, for garnish
Have ready a rocks glass filled with ice.
Add juice, strawberries and sugar to a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the strawberries are crushed. Add the gin, St. Germaine, orange liqueur and water. Place the lid securely on the shaker and vigorously shake for at least 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or strawberry, if desired.
