Gilligan and Ginger

If wedding stress is starting to get to you, take a trip to a deserted island at home. Make yourself a tropical cocktail, light some candles, put on some tropical music, and soak into a Ginger inspired spa experience.
Soak in a Ginger Bush Bath:
Ingredients:
6 cups water
2 tbsp ground ginger
1 three in piece of ginger, washed and chopped
3 large sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 1/2 tsp dried)
1 large sprig fresh peppermint (or 1 tsp dried)
3 tbsp lemongrass, fresh or dried

1.) Boil water in a kettle
2.) Place all ingredients in a 1o inch square of cheesecloth or muslin and make a sachet by tying with string (you can also place all ingredients in a large tea ball)
3.) Place in a large bowl, pour boiled water over it and steep for 20 minutes
4.) Fill tub with warm water
5.) Pour bowl of herb water and sachet into warm bath
6.) Soak in bath for 20 min
** This recipe is from the Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon in Jamaica-it "enhances one's quality of life."**



Refresh in a Ginger Shower Scrub:
Ingredients:
3 oz sugar or sea salt
1 oz almond oil
10 drops tangerine oil
8 drops grapefruit oil
1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger

1.) Place ingredients in a glass bowl
2.) Stir into a thick paste; bring into the shower
3.) Apply then rinse

**this recipe is from Naturopathica Holistic Health Spa in New York - it's rich in antioxidants to brighten the skin and the spirits "its uplifting and inhaling the high quality ginger is good for jet lag and depression"**

Happy Hour ~ Perfect Pear Martini

The "Perfect Pair" is a common theme in weddings. My sister made this cocktail at my Engagement party and it's really tasty! Thanks for the recipe Sissy!

The Perfect Pear Martini

INGREDIENTS:
2 parts Grey Goose La Poire
1/4 part Disaronno
1/4 part simple syrup
1/2 part lemon juice
pear slice for garnish
PREPARATION:
Place all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a pear slice.

Your Guest will go NUTS!

For my best friends wedding I create these cute little boxes of Cinnamon Roasted Almonds and Pecans. It is a simple recipe and fairly price conscious. Feel free to add your favorite nuts or change the combination. I purchased the little white boxes whole sale off the Internet, and the organza ribbon at a local craft store. Make the nuts according to how much you want to give per guest. For my friends wedding we gave each guest a quarter cup. After the nuts have cooled we placed them in small cellophane bags and placed them in the boxes with a little note that said "Thank you for being part of our special day!". I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my friend's guest did! (you can also include the recipe on a tag for a gift that can keep giving)

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds & Pecans
(makes 4 cups)

Ingredients:
1 egg white
1 teaspoon champagne or water
2 cups whole almonds
2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Lightly grease a sheet.
2.) Lightly beat the egg white; add champagne, and beat until frothy but not stiff. Add the nuts and stir until well coated. Mix the sugar, salt and cinnamon. and sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on the cookie sheet.
3.) Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Allow to cool, then store in airtight container.