Travellady MagazineTM


In Summertime, the Grillin' is Easy

Edited by Madelyn Miller, the travellady

Wow your guests with great grilled dishes as simple to throw together as flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt.  Van Gogh Vodka's Chillin' & Grillin' recipes are exotic and easy. 

"Vodka marinades add flavor and tenderize meats and fish," says David Van de Velde, president of Luctor International, makers of Van Gogh Vodka.  "Because vodka has potent tenderizing power, you don't need to marinate long.  Often as little as 30 minutes will do.  Flavored vodkas sweeten the tenderizing process in subtle and pleasant ways.  You can go directly from the refrigerator to the grill, quickly and easily."

Van Gogh Vodka features 15 all-natural flavors, each low in sugar and carbs.  For his own backyard barbecues, Van de Velde lists among his favorite flavors: Oranje Coconut, Pineapple, Wild Appel, Raspberry, Citrus, Melon, Mango and Black Cherry.  Many of the flavors complement each other, yielding a bounty of delicious dishes.

So fire up the grill, and enjoy your guests.  For entrees that are juicy, tender and tasty, let vodka do the work.

Crowd Pleaser

Remember, marinating with vodka involves cooking with flair, but best not to overdo.  Cocktail creations require attention at the grill.  A second or so after the marinated food hits the grill, the alcohol will combust.  It's a showstopper for guests.  To keep the entertainment light, let the marinated food drain for a few minutes before putting it on the grill.  That way, you'll keep a handle on flare-ups.

Speaking of handles, a pair of tongs with long ones will enable you to keep a distance.  When cooking with vodka, the grill time is typically brief.  So hang around and enjoy the show with these Chillin' & Grillin' favorites from Van Gogh Vodka.  Cheers!

Coconut Vodka Salmontini
Ingredients:
- Four salmon steaks each about one-inch thick
- ¾ cup Van Gogh Coconut Vodka

Preparation:  Place steaks in a flat dish in one layer then pour vodka over fish, coating on all sides.  Marinate 20 – 30 minutes then discard marinade.  Grill steaks over high heat 5 – 7 minutes on each side and serve immediately.

Pineapple-Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Van Gogh Oranje Vodka
- ¼ cup Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
- Four boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Four orange or pineapple wedges

Preparation:  Place chicken breasts in a flat dish in one layer.  Mix vodka then pour over chicken, coating all sides.  Marinate 30 minutes then discard marinade.
Grill chicken over high heat about 5 minutes per side and garnish with fruit wedges.

Compliment either dish with luscious liquid accompaniments, like these:

Hawaiian Cosmo -- Splash of Poolside Paradise
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ oz. Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
- ¼ oz. White Cranberry Juice
- ¼ oz. Lime Juice
- ¼ oz. Cointreau

Preparation:  Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a sprinkle of shaved coconut.

The Diva – Another showstopper
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka
- 3 oz. regular or diet Sprite
- Splash Pineapple Juice

Preparation:  Pour ingredients into a tumbler filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of fresh lime.

About Luctor:  Luctor International owns and distributes all Van Gogh Vodkas, gins, and liqueurs worldwide from the Dirkzwager Distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands.  The Orlando, Florida-based company exports to the United States, Europe, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Canada and Central America.   For more information and thousands of complimentary cocktail recipes, visit www.VanGoghVodka.com or call toll-free 888-539-3361.

Best way to taste dozens of cocktails at once
Tale to the Cocktail, an annual event in August in New Orleans.
www.taleofthecocktail.com

Best Cocktail Recipe Books
COCKTAIL PARTIES, STRAIGHT UP!
Easy Hors D’oeuvres, Delicious Drinks, and Inspired Idea for Entertaining with Style
by Lauren Purcell and Anne Purcell Grissinger
John Wiley and Sons
www.wiley.com/culinaryandhospitality

The Sexy Bitch’s Party
Living it, Throwing it and Being It
Ulysses Press
www.ulyssespress.com

101 MARGARITAS
by  Kim Haasarud
John Wiley and Sons
www.wiley.com/culinaryandhospitality

BEST COCKTAIL LIFESTYLE BOOK
The Perfect Buzz
The Essential Guide to Boozing, Bars and Bad Behavior
By David Bramwell
Published by Harper Resource
www.harpercollins.com

Best  Cocktail Museum
The Museum of the American Cocktail is dedicated to providing education in mixology and preserving the rich history of the American Cocktail. The exhibit contains over two hundred years of cocktail memorabilia from the outstanding collections of the founders.

BEST BAR GUIDEBOOKS
Diffordsguide to City Drinking #0.1
from the Publishers of the Magazine for Discerning Drinkers
It tells the Best Hotels, Restaurants and Bars in top cities
www.diffordsguide.com

LOW CARB COCKTAILS
A FEW SUGGESTIONS FROM THE MASTERS
http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue69/spirits.htm

LOW CARB BARTENDER
By Bob Skilnik
Carb counts for beer, Wine, Mixed Drinks and more
Adams Media
www.adamsmedia.com

Low-carb Cocktails
All the fun and taste without the carbs
By Marlene and Chuck Koch

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