Welcome to the September edition of the Crazy Ingredient Challenge! If you have not stopped by in previous months, this challenge is to create a recipe with two truly unique ingredients that are not traditionally cooked together. I’m always so excited to share with you the results of the challenge and each month and just keeps getting better and more creative. Spearheaded by the lovely Dawn at Spatula’s On Parade, this is one group of talented chef’s who come up with these recipes each month. You all ROCK!
So I know you’re on the edge of your couch… or chair… or park bench…. September is <drum roll> Apples and Basil!
This one was exciting since the possibilities were endless. Apples are the perfect fall fruit and I find I eat a lot more during this time of year. My tough decision with this recipe was deciding what type of apple to use. I knew granny smith’s would be too sour, so I stuck with my favorite red delicious variety.
This end of summer drink recipe was inspired by a Bloody Mary I had at Cat Cora’s Kitchen at the Salt Lake Airport. Her Mary’s are so unique since she adds basil to them. I was skeptical at first since I love spicy Bloody Mary’s, but these were so good they are now my airport drink of choice. When basil was announced as an ingredient this month then I found out it was paired with apples, I was stoked. An end of summer cocktail it is!!!
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Apple, Peach & Basil End of Summer Cocktail
Ingredients
Directions
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Fresh basil is so aromatic and full of flavor and it gave this end of summer cocktail some really unique flavor. As I’m sipping it, the basil flavor is getting more noticeable and I’m munching on some wine and juice infused fruit. It’s like a meal in a glass!! If you like a lot of fresh basil, muddle two large leaves in each glass instead of one and sliver a basil leaf for each glass rather then a half of one to divide. This is also just as good without the wine if you don’t drink alcohol. The sparkling pear juice can stand on it’s own.
So what do you think? Can I give Cat Cora a run for her money with my basil infused cocktail? I think I may have a shot!
To see past challenges and the creative recipes our chefs have come up with, click on over to my Crazy Ingredient Challenge Pinboard and look around. These ladies are amazing!!!
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Do you want to up your kitchen adventure and be a part of the Crazy Ingredient Challenge? Ready to challenge your culinary mind? Shake it up a bit and have a new adventure in your kitchen in 2014. If you want to be a part of this group, you can request to join our Facebook page or send me an email lorisculinarycreations@hotmail.com.

ooh that looks good Lori. refreshing.
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade recently posted…Chicken breast with apple basil stuffing – CIC
I was thinking of doing a cocktail too – a basil apple martini. But alas, I didn’t have time to get it knocked out in time. I like your idea too!
Lauren Everson recently posted…#10DaysofTailgate: War Eagle Sangria
Great cocktail!
Kelster recently posted…Apple Basil Challah