Derby/Mother's Day

These two are ready for the Derby.

Greta is placing her call and betting on the "Jockey in the pink shirt."

Mint Julep with homemade mint simple syrup. Thanks Galen!

Gray's shirt describes my Mother's Day perfectly.

Fabulous Drew!

One of my favorite summer dinners.
Recipe to follow.

My favorite summer drink!
Recipe to follow.

We had such a wonderful Derby/Mother's Day weekend!

Mother's Day started with breakfast (made by Drew and Gray) on our patio (it was an 85 degree day.) Then, the best gift...Gray took an almost 2 hour nap. This allowed me a little time to relax in the sun and read my US Weekly (trashy, I know.) Drew surprised me with a spa day that I am so anxious to use. The thought of being pampered for 4 hours makes me so, so giddy.

We decided we would spend the afternoon buying/planting some new flowers. It was so nice. Gray then took ANOTHER 2 hour nap! He must have known it was Mother's Day. What a sweetie! Our dinner and drinks were the perfect ending to the perfect day. They are the perfect recipes to welcome summer. Hope you enjoy them!

Chicken Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo
• 3 cups chopped chicken breast (we buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the breast)
• 1 1/2 cups trimmed arugula
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
  
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

Preparation

• Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well.
• Combine pasta, chicken, and the next 7 ingredients (through olives) in a large bowl; toss well.
• Combine vinegar, oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle vinegar mixture over pasta mixture; toss well to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

Enjoy.

Drew's version of the Mike-a-rita

Ingredients

• equal parts (a shot or a little more, depending on your taste)premium tequilla and orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
• splash of Simply Raspberry Lemonade
• splash of soda water
• 5-6 raspberries
• 3-4 mint leaves

Preparation

• Muddle raspberries and mint, add tequila, liqueur and lemonade and stir.
  
• Fill glass with ice and add a splash of soda water. Gently stir again.
  
• Garnish with raspberries and mint.