A toast to a King and a Colonel

The Goblin King (Laura)

David Bowie died on January 13, 2016 from a battle with cancer.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to remember how he died, I want to remember how he lived.  While most people have been touched by his music, his talent extends further.  I think I was 11 or 12 when I first saw Labyrinth. One of my friends had it, and I was a young fan of Jim Henson’s work.  When Bowie came onto the screen, I was mesmerized. Growing up in a small town, he was not like anyone I had ever seen before. I wanted to be Jennifer Connelly.  I would’ve stayed in that labyrinth and ruled the goblins with him.  While I appreciate and often listen to David Bowie’s music, I will never forget The Goblin King.

 

So I raise a glass to David Bowie, The Goblin King and more….

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  • 6 Sliced pieces of a peach
  • Sprinkle of Brown sugar
  • 5 oz of White wine (something light like pinot grigio)
  • 1/2 shot of Brandy
  • 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream

Put peach slices, wine, and brown sugar in a pan and let it bake for about 10 min at 350°.  Take out and put in a blender with brandy.  Blend until smooth.  Put into a wine glass.  Whip the cream with mixer until desired consistency.  Lop over peach mixture.  Add a slice of peach for garnish.

 

Truly Madly Deeply Sad (Mimi)

As if this week couldn’t get any worse, this morning we woke up to the devastating news that the truly brilliant, madly accomplished, and deeply admired Alan Rickman passed away, also of cancer at the “young” age of 69.  Like Laura, I’m determined to remember him for the life he lived and the countless performances on stage and screen he so generously bestowed upon us.  His presence in any medium was always compelling.  Whether he was playing Hans Gruber in the original Die Hard (1988) or the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Alan Rickman imbued his “villains” with wit, intelligence (albeit maniacal), pathos, and passion.

Of course, one can say that about every one of his portrayals, from the underrated, beleaguered television actor Alexander Dane in Galaxy Quest (1999) to the recently deceased cellist Jamie in Truly Madly Deeply (1990).  And of all the characters in the Harry Potter franchise his Professor Snape was by far the most intriguing, complex and supremely watchable.   My favorite Alan Rickman performances, however, weren’t the brash, bold, dramatic ones, but rather the more subtle ones like his Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and his Steven Spurrier in Bottle Shock (2008).

The timber and cadence of his iconic voice is what I will remember the most about Alan Rickman, because even when he’s not on the screen his presence is undeniable.

Cheers to the late great actor!  I raise a glass of Rickman’s Potion in his honor–Bulleit Bourbon (depth), Owl’s Brew (English tea), Spiced Cherry Bitters (complexity), Ginger Beer (fizz & bite), Orange (brightness)

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  • 1.5 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
  • 2 oz. Owl’s Brew (The Classic)
  • 3-4 dashes Spiced Cherry Bitters
  • 4 oz. Chilled Ginger Beer
  • 1 Fresh Orange Slice

Combine the bourbon, Owl’s Brew, and spiced cherry bitters in a cocktail shaker with 3-4 ice cubes.  Shake the blend, then strain liquor into a chilled martini glass.  Top off with ginger beer and garnish a slice of fresh orange.

I’d like to end with a smile…courtesy of a wonderful man who knew how to laugh at himself.