Hot Buttered Rum

So we're at Winflo and I saw a Hot Toddy on the cocktail list. I've never been much of a whiskey girl, so I asked for a hot "something other than whiskey" toddy. The bartender happily obliged and was excited to get to mixing. He came back with a delightful concoction of dark rum, kahlua, hot water, lemon, and a tiny cube of butter slowly melting on top.

I closed my eyes and delightfully inhaled the different aromas as the steam warmed my face. It was scrumptious before I even took my first sip. So you can imagine how much better it went from there...

The drink reminded me of the first time we were introduced to Hot Buttered Rum. It was at Henry's bar, housed in the Harbor View Hotel on Martha's Vineyard. The hotel said they do their version with spiced rum, butterscotch schnapps, and some hot water.

Everyone seems to have their own take on how to make the hot drink. Google recipes for Hot Buttered Rum and most recipes start with an infused butter. But let's be honest, who has the time and patience for that.

Yes, it's a total calorie splurge since Hot Buttered Rum is rum and butter, but once in a while it just hits the spot. Here's my simple, easy make-at-home recipe:

Glass Carafe and Cup

I always enjoy having water on the bedside table.

Practical and pretty.

LBJ National Park, Home on the Range

On this Presidents' Day, we visit the home of the 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson, also known as the Texas White House. The Texas White House is located in Johnson City, which as you may have guessed, was founded by ancestors of Lyndon Johnson.

 

President Johnson had many early memories growing up in his aunt and uncle's house, so later he purchased the property to preserve and relive all of his childhood memories.

The house is full of the Johnsons' personal items, one of which being his hat collection with most hats safely stored in their original boxes. He was a Texan after all...

He was a man that took pride in his clothing and accessories. As such, here's a little Presidential guy humor, guidance for the next time you need to order a pair of pants.

So LBJ somehow convinced Mrs. Johnson that they needed to install a pool, for health purposes, so he could swim laps. But it was more common than not to see Mr. Johnson planting a big ole belly flop off the diving board.

Instead of a guestbook, the Johnsons would have visitors sign their name in stone. Pretty cool.

Winter at The Greenbrier

Though its most popular in the summer, I love The Greenbrier in the winter.

The Greenbrier truly is a trip back in time to the ways of old. Let's take a ride in a two horse open sleigh... 

Nestled in between West Virginia's mountainous state parks, the views are spectacular.

The golf course, Old White, covered in a blanket of white snow

Rain or shine, warm or cold, the original 1778 spring still flows wildly in its rotunda.

Not really a day for tennis...

A Booth made for Two

It's been cold and snowy on the East Coast.

If you're in DC, it's the perfect time to snuggle up in the Martin's two-seater.

Burt's Bees Hand Salve

I don't know about you, but come wintertime, my hands are sad. They're cold, and dry, and crying for help. They're looking for salvation. And this winter I think I have finally found it - Burt's Bees Hand Salve.

Picadillo Dip

 It's that time of year again… Superbowl Sunday! And while others patiently await in anticipation for the football game itself, I am perched on the edge of my seat to put together a plethora of eats for the occasion. This year, my star player will be a Picadillo Dip.

Ingredients

2 large onions, finely chopped

2 Tablespoons butter, or bacon grease*

2 lbs. ground beef

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons ground cloves

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons sugar

2 10-oz cans of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies

1 cup of raisins

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted**

Salt to taste