“Perhaps the facts most astounding and most real are never communicated by man to man. The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening. It is a little star-dust caught, a segment of the rainbow which I have clutched.”
― Henry David Thoreau
― Henry David Thoreau
December 30th, 2011
I’ve recuperated from yet another Holiday Season of catering, adjusted my volume to block out the most pressing of emotions and officially reclaimed my compass . . . my feet following the orders from upstairs. One last holiday on the horizon, New Years Day. The turn of a new year has always puzzled me a bit seeing how people from across the globe celebrate this holiday by the minute and yet those minutes turn into hours –even days of separation due to the time zones. Awaiting the drop of crumpled confetti, hawking down the opportunity to kiss someone of significance or a selected candidate from the potential stallion stable with high hopes for a wet-n- wild rodeo, milling around a herd of new nameless acquaintances as you dribble appropriate “best year wishes to you both” all the while you silently breath deep into your soul (-reflection-relief-revive-respond-), the countdown begins and the anticipation subsides all but for a split second! Dodging guests as you b-line for the bar, “Refill de’m fanciful champagne cocktails Shelby!”
The Clock, once a symbol of entitlement, notable & purposeful, unrivaled Germanic craftsmanship hardly relevant to the nearly forgotten heirloom Grandfather clock . . . . tick tock tick tock . . . Everything is digital these days, displaying the current time, penciling in your calendar of events and meetings for the next two weeks . . . tock tito trick otto . . . I tend to evaluate these divinely magnificent days of commercialism as another Showbiz Twister stint (myself included, the value of a few catering dollars easily able to purchase the rights to my own holiday memory making). The tornado likes to rip up everything insight with the exception of an occasional propane tank (they seem to bolt those things down real good). Next, the wind tunnel rattles you to the core, blasting you with confusion & a gnarly case of whip-lash before thrusting any given hostage out of its “eye” in vertical fashion. Thus we move into the ever so placid months of January, February & March. All suited up for the duration of another winter, these months promise far less retail potential or media exploitation . . hell, you’ve got a frekin little Irish hoarder, a nuisance of a fairy sporting its “all for no particular reason” bow & arrows and January just kind of get’s the shaft as it’s Hallmark happens to start in the December & conclude as a new year “a la Enero” whilst you have pay back your Cirque de Soleil “party like you don’t need them brain cells”
“If only we had stopped at 2pm, if only we hadn’t started at 8p? If only I could manage my nauseating overindulgence in the form of prayer & selfless deed . . . naw, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without burning & burying oneself into even a deeper financial abyss as we polka our way through the subliminal redecorating the house in fire-engine red, evergreen clippings strewn throughout, the near-forgotten attic emptied of its festive cargo. Too much? I think so . . . Sifting through a rather formidable crate (or is it an outhouse?), those pesky bio-peanuts parachuting away from it’s prison. Labeling not exactly addressed with any consistency, at least somebody had the common sense to list the contents on the side of the refrigerator sized vessel: X-mas at Harmons/ assortment of figurines DON’T BREAK!
New Years Eve is just the final “Sha-Bang n’ Bootscoot” of our modern Holiday image and coincidently those expenditures are baptized by: the good, the All forgiving God, acts of giving & generosity, imagination, kindness and childhood innocence, So, let the Party God say, “Can I get a hell yeah & a whoot-whoot, cause it’s gonna get sizzling, smoke-n-swervy, curried curves wrapped up in some sultra spice, a dash to the flash as you move to groove, sippin’dis bubbles, by the bottomless we bite.” Wait a minute, Weren’t we suppose to make some goals or New Year’s resolution, thump, thump,whoomp . . . . “damn it!
On Christmas Day, your were given an amazing gift of insight, discovered possibilities, evaluated emotions, and directions to several undetermined destinations . This blueprint of your 2012 comes in the form of a 4,739 piece transparent jigsaw puzzle. Now, it’s most likely that you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, I mean this thing has the jeopardy logo on it . . . have no fear, you’ve got all year! Hell, you’ve still got 6 or 7 unfinished puzzles from previous years laying about the house for all to see your sense of fortitude, lack of adaptation or shear neglect for your own potential. Why not finish? Certainly some of those pieces were eaten by some experimental hybrid of a wolverine, a boston terrier and American alligator . . Chouncy not exactly living up to the ideals of a “house-pet” And surely, some of those pieces were swept up and away, stolen for surplus mice bedding . . whatever, it doesn’t matter why they disappeared but the achievement of participation as each piece brings the jigsaw puzzle holds the potential to exponentially expand ones full visualization, thus forth expediting the cryptic cardboard “fitting & finagling fest” In my experience, when I’ve lost a piece, had several stolen by the devious hand of a sibling or dropped a bottle of Clorox Bleach onto a ½ of the collective “painting” . . . . I just create replacement pieces based upon the needs of the puzzle and corresponding colors. Either way, you don’t want too much unfinished business dragging around into the next year, let alone year, after year . . . Clarity comes to those who seek it, your resolution should be to RESOLVE.
On Christmas Day, your were given an amazing gift of insight, discovered possibilities, evaluated emotions, and directions to several undetermined destinations . This blueprint of your 2012 comes in the form of a 4,739 piece transparent jigsaw puzzle. Now, it’s most likely that you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, I mean this thing has the jeopardy logo on it . . . have no fear, you’ve got all year! Hell, you’ve still got 6 or 7 unfinished puzzles from previous years laying about the house for all to see your sense of fortitude, lack of adaptation or shear neglect for your own potential. Why not finish? Certainly some of those pieces were eaten by some experimental hybrid of a wolverine, a boston terrier and American alligator . . Chouncy not exactly living up to the ideals of a “house-pet” And surely, some of those pieces were swept up and away, stolen for surplus mice bedding . . whatever, it doesn’t matter why they disappeared but the achievement of participation as each piece brings the jigsaw puzzle holds the potential to exponentially expand ones full visualization, thus forth expediting the cryptic cardboard “fitting & finagling fest” In my experience, when I’ve lost a piece, had several stolen by the devious hand of a sibling or dropped a bottle of Clorox Bleach onto a ½ of the collective “painting” . . . . I just create replacement pieces based upon the needs of the puzzle and corresponding colors. Either way, you don’t want too much unfinished business dragging around into the next year, let alone year, after year . . . Clarity comes to those who seek it, your resolution should be to RESOLVE.
- .) 1.) Happiness – in all of it’s many forms, this is the goal beyond any pre-ordained destiny which leads us to the next goal (they go hand-in-hand like infinite marriage of bees & flowers one needing pollination in order to bare fruit)
- 2.) Balance – work not being everything . . . love/companionship, quality family time, spirituality growth . . . I need to really focus on this one as it's all to easy to slip back into all work – little play
- 3.) Travel – I go to get my passport this week . . it’s been way too long since I’ve set out for some culture & new experiences. My goal is to see at least five new countries this new year 2012
- 4.) Optimum Health – yes, I know cigarettes are not exactly organic. I will permanently quit this year, continue my gym outings in grafting some washboard abs, nourishing my body with goodness
- 5.) Work/Finances – work smarter not so much harder . . applying the lessons of my past to create more financial freedom as well as branching out into some new arenas of writing (screenplay, cookbooks, journal), consulting (for food & beverage operations), a new Chef Scotty culinary concept (which I will share at a later date), the big screen – a culinary TV show of my own
- 6.) A new Car & Home – Mr. Wilson has been grateful enough to let me take over “the attic” but this lawsuit is no longer an excuse and this Taurus needs to set down some roots, a foundation to build upon . . . Sister Mary Cleo needs “the Banshee” returned to her in less than 15 days . . homey needs to get on it. The alluring option to be a vagabond for a year is gonna have to be set aside for the time being
- 7.) Art in the form of Painting – I want to touch the canvas again . . this writing just not quite enough to quench my thirst for creativity. I miss the process of watching something evolve slowly like a book requiring ones attention if ever to reach the final chapter. Maybe this time I won’t give away all of my creations . . honor myself and selfishly hold back the piece de resistance? Or maybe not – I enjoy so much gifting, giving a piece of myself to another . . . .
Seven rather substantial goals that no doubt are more than a years intentions. I’ll likely refine these enigmatic ideals to be a little more specific but it’s a solid rough draft. What are your goals for the new year? What about last year – did you follow through on those past inclinations or will you carry them on just as every other year . . . yourself being the only judge, only you to uphold the task of diligence, failure any easily acceptable cop out?
As I am unable to retrieve a substantial large portion of my 2011 jigsaw pieces, I’ve already replaced near to half of them with my homemade imposter cutouts; I do belief that are of acceptable likeness to the originals. Then again, it’s a big ass picture. I’ll just leave 2011 right here on the kitchen table for a little bit longer . . I still have hope for those orphaned pieces are judicially returned to me . . I believe, must believe! I must believe that no matter the outcome, I’ve got a fresh puzzle box begging to spread it’s legs, whispering tidbits of favorable flavor and unashamed of it’s declarations and desires to captivate my immediate and full attention . . . I can choose to RESOLVE with my diligence and in so being diligent . . . the tasks much lighter, much clearer, and so much more gratifying . . . the exact opposite effect of jello shots!
Happy New Years,
Chef Scotty
One of the more creative ways to serve alcohol at a New Years Eve party is to work it into gelatin, and serve the gelatin in small cups, making what most people will recognize as Jello shots. It's pretty much like making regular Jello, except with some alcohol added instead of cold water. Super easy to make – the creations and possibilities are endless, so feel free to add chopped basil or fresh sprigs of incarcerated mint . . . and remember not to sample to many of the goods or you just might wake up in the new year – your house trashed by your guests, you oblivious to the orgy unraveling on the very same bed that you passed out on . . .best to be awake and aware http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Jello-Shots-in-an-Orang.
- You can use shot glasses, individual shot-size (1oz-3oz) plastic cups, or accordion-like squeezable cups manufactured specifically for this purpose. Although shot glasses look prettier and allow you to see the vibrant colors of the Jello, paper cups allow for easier Jello shot consumption as they can be turned inside out.
- To make the Jello easier to consume, buy plastic cups that also have lids. Pour the mix into the cup, add the lid, then turn it upside down prior to refrigeration.
- If you use cups with lids, you can run them under warm water for a moment or two, just before serving, to loosen them.
- If you don't want to make a mess Jellinator.com sells jello shot makers as well as shot cups and lids.
- To make firm shots, add a packet of Knox gelatin to the mix before adding the boiling water. It's unflavored and helps make them firm, which also makes it possible for you to make molds.
- Make bubbly shots by adding soda water to the mix in place of some of the cold water.
- The potent vodka shots will not be as clear as regular Jello shots.
- Be creative in mixing Jello flavors with alcohol. If you have a favorite alcoholic drink, try converting it into Jello shot form using juice, soda, alcohol, and unflavored Jello. Here are some suggestions:
- Orange and cherry with Brandy.
- Lime Jello with tequila and Triple Sec (try adding a pinch of salt to the liquid mixture)
- Lime Jello with Coconut Rum
- Orange Jello with orange cognac and brandy (such as Grand Marnier) or peach Schnapps
- Unflavored gelatin with Coca Cola and rum
- Cranberry Jello with vodka
- Cherry Jello with cherry brandy
- Raspberry Jello with raspberry Schnapps
- Tropical fruit Jello (or unflavored gelatin mixed with fruit punch) with dark rum or mango liqueur
- Unflavored Jello with lemonade and whiskey
- Strawberry Jello with light rum and strawberry liqueur (such as Pucker)
- Apricot Jello with amaretto
- Lime Jello with Sake
- Lime Jello with Sprite, Pimm's, and cucumber garnish
- Lemon Jello with Lemon Juice, Midori, and Vodka
- Strawberry Jello with champagne (retains some bubbles!)
- Orange Jello with amaretto
- Pineapple Jello with coconut rum
- Blue Jello with Everclear
- Black Cherry with Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
- Orange Jello with Absolut Mandarin
- Lime Jello with Tequila
- Pineapple Jello with Mango Rum
- Lime Jello with Southern Comfort-SOCO and Lime Shot
- Orange Jello with Absolut Mandarin Vodka
- Cherry Jello with Chocolate liqueur
- Strawberry Banana Jello with strawberry vodka
- Strawberry Jello with Tropical Banana Malibu
- Jello is not a vegetarian dessert. Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the bones, connective tissues, organs, and some intestines of animals. If any of your guests are vegetarian or vegan, consider vegan jelly mixes rather than gelatin. Most supermarkets will stock these.
- Do not transfer boiling water directly into shot containers.
- Even though Jello shots taste like candy, they each contain as much or more alcohol than a beer, wine or shot, so warn your guests, wait a few minutes between shots and count your drinks.
- Jello stains are difficult to clean. Club soda and ice water help avoid stains caused by spills.
- Make sure the kids don't mistake this for ordinary Jello.
- Jello can fade if exposed to sunlight too long. If you want to keep the freshest color, keep it in a dark place until you serve.
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