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Yesterday's post offered a variety of themed refreshments based on this year's Best Musical and Best Play Tony Nominees. Today's will do the same for the Best Revival categories, as well as for every other shows which received nominations.
CATS: The Jellicle Ball: Cats and drag queens. 'Nuff said.
Cocktail: Cat's Pajamas
In a shaker with ice, combine 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz honey syrup (dissolve 2 parts honey in 1 part hot water), and 3/4 oz lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Mocktail: Add 3/4 oz honey syrup to a glass of lemonade with ice and stir well to dissolve. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Snack: Millionaire Shortbread
For the crust:
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups (250 g) flour
For the caramel:
2 (14-oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
250 g brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, sliced
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
For the ganache:
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
sea salt for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend past the edges of the tray. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Mix in egg yolks and salt. Add flour and mix on low speed until mixture starts to come together but is still crumbly. Press into the prepared tray to form an even layer. Bake for 23 to 28 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely on a wire rack. While the crust is cooling, prepare the caramel by adding the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup to a large saucepan and heat over medium heating, whisking constantly, until it comes to a boil. Continue cooking for 8 to 13 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, and turns a caramel color. Test the mixture by filling a glass with cold water and dropping a small spoonful of caramel into it. If you can form a soft ball, it’s ready. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until the caramel is mostly set. Once caramel is set, combine the chocolate bits and cream in a large heat-proof bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well after each increment, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Pour over the top of the bars, and spread evenly. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, if desired. Return pan to the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until the chocolate is set and firm. Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang from the parchment paper, slice into pieces, and serve.
Ragtime: The turn of the century, the jazz age, the beginnings of celebrity culture, and an amazing rotating turntable.
Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a coupe or martini glass and dip in sanding sugar. Chill to set. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 oz cognac (or brandy), 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec), 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 Tuaca (optional), and shake until well chilled. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Mocktail: Prepare as above but with the following ingredients: 1 oz orange juice, 2 oz white grape juice, 1-1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Snack: Rainbow Pinwheels
4 large wheat tortillas
1 cup hummus
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
2 carrots, shredded or matchsticks
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup purple cabbage, sliced thin or shredded
(Feel free to omit or substitute any ingredients)
Spread about ¼ cup hummus over each tortilla, not quite the the edge. Arrange the veggies on top of the hummus. Roll up each tortilla tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Slice crosswise into pinwheels and serve cold.
Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show: I don't even need to explain this one.
Cocktail: Dammit Janet
To a lowball glass of ice, add 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz rum, and 1/2 oz amaretto. Stir to combine, then slowly add a generous splash of cranberry juice, allowing to layer. Garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of mint.
Mocktail: Fill a glass of ice 3/4 full with cranberry juice, then add a splash of peach nectar and a drop or two of almond extract. Garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of mint.
Snack: Pigs in Blankets with Honey Mustard
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
14 oz cocktail weenies
1 Tbsp butter, melted
For the honey mustard sauce:
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp honey
1/8 tsp cayenne
pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out crescent roll dough and press seams together. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut in half the long way, then cut each half in half the long way. Slice each strip into 7-8 triangles. Place a cocktail weenie on the larger end of each triangle and roll closed. Arrange on prepared baking sheet, leaving room between each. Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients for sauce and serve with pigs in blankets.
Becky Shaw: A woman goes on a first date when all she wants to do is sit at home and drink hot chocolate while watching horror movies.
Cocktail: Espresso Spiked Hot Chocolate
Drizzle the inside of a glass mug with chocolate syrup. Add 2 oz espresso vodka (or plain vodka plus a splash of espresso or a pinch of espresso powder) and 5 oz prepared hot chocolate and stir. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a few chocolate chips.
Mocktail: Substitute a generous splash of espresso or strong coffee for the vodka.
Snack: Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn
1 (3.2-oz) bag plain microwave popcorn
½ cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 Tbsp light corn syrup
20 large marshmallows or 3 cups mini marshmallows
Pop popcorn and place in a large bowl, removing any un-popped kernels. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup and cook, stirring, until well blended. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until all melted, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix well. Spread popcorn out on parchment paper or a greased baking sheet and let sit for about 10 minutes to set up. Grease hands with non-stick spray and form into balls or clumps.
Death of a Salesman: Miller's classic play, in which Willy Loman tells his boss, ""You can't eat the orange and throw the peel away—a man is not a piece of fruit!"
Place a sugar cube in a lowball glass and wet it with a few dashes of bitters (Angostura or orange) and a splash of club soda. Crush the cube with a muddler or the back of a spoon and swirl it around the glass. Add a large ice cube or sphere. Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey and garnish with an orange twist, squeezing some of the juice into the glass.
Mocktail: Place half a slice of orange and a dark cherry in the bottom of a lowball glass and crush with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Add a large ice cube or sphere and pour in 3 oz apple juice. Top with 4 oz ginger beer. Garnish with another half slice or orange and another cherry.
Snack: Mandarin Orange Salsa
4 mandarin oranges, peeled, segmented, and sliced into quarters
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped cilantro (or parsley)
1 jalapeno, deseeded and finely diced
2 tablespoons lime juice
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips.
Every Brilliant Thing: A play about finding life's tiny pleasures.
Cocktail: Sparkling Amaretto Sour
In a cocktail shaker of ice, add 1-1/2 oz amaretto, 1 oz simple syrup, and 3/4 oz lemon juice. Shake and strain into a lowball glass with fresh ice or a large ice cube or sphere and garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.
Mocktail: Fill a lowball glass of ice with lemon seltzer. Add a teaspoon of orgeat (or a drop of almond extract and a splash of simple syrup) and a squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.
Snack: Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
Wedge or wheel of Brie
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or smooth)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (plain or candied)
6 rosemary sprigs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a mini-muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with mini cupcake liners. On a lightly-floured surface, lay out the crescent roll dough and seal the seams, then roll with a rolling pin. Cut into 24 squares and press into prepared tin. Cut Brie into small pieces and place a piece in each cup. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of pecans, and a single sprig of rosemary. Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Fallen Angels: Set in the 1920s in a wealthy household, decadence is the key word here.
In a shaker of ice, combine 2 oz gin, 1/2 oz lime juice, 2 dashes white creme de menthe, and a dash of Angostura bitters, and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Mocktail: Fill a lowball glass with ice and lime seltzer. Add a single drop of mint extract and a dash of Angostura bitters and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
If you're a lot more ambitious than I am, you can make them yourself using this recipe, but I would just buy them frozen at the grocery store.
Oedipus: A political family waits for election results, eating dinner and drinking champagne in anticipation of a successful outcome.
Cocktail: Champagne Margarita
Run a lime wedge around the rim of a champagne flute and dip in decorating sugar. In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine 2 Tbsp Rose's sweetened lime juice, 1 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1/2 Tbsp lime juice, and 3 oz champagne, and shake gently two or three times. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Mocktail: Prepare flute as above. In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine 1 oz each lime juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice, and 1/2 oz agave, orgeat, or simple syrup. Shake well and strain into prepared glass. Top with lime seltzer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Snack: Mini Shepherd's Pies
1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
1 small onion, diced
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup beef broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups mashed potatoes (instant reconstituted or fresh)
2 Tbsp butter
¼ cup milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Drain fat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in the frozen vegetables and remove from heat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into each prepared muffin cup. Spread or pipe a generous amount of mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the potato tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before removing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Chess: A chess tournament between an American and a Russian.
Fill a lowball glass with ice and add 1 oz vodka and 2 oz Kahlua, then slowly pour in 3 oz half and half.
Mocktail: Replace the vodka with milk and the Kahlua with strong coffee or espresso.
Snack: Chess Bars
Bottom Layer:
1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
Top Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Pour over crust and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Cool completely (or chill in refrigerator) before cutting and serving.
Punch: One punch leads to tragedy for two young British men and their families.
Cocktail: Cranberry Party Punch
In a shaker of ice, combine 1 oz citrus vodka, 2 oz cranberry juice, 2 oz lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Shake and strain into a lowball glass with fresh ice and top with 7-Up or Sprite. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries.
Mocktail: Omit citrus vodka; replace with a splash of orange juice if desired.
Snack: Cream Scones
2-1/3 cups flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, plus extra for brushing tops
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With a fork or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the egg, heavy whipping cream, and the vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form into a flat circle, about 1/2” to 3/4” thick. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal triangles. Place on the prepared baking tray, and brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and serve immediately.
Bug: The story of an abused woman descending into mental illness.
Cocktail: Moscow Mule
Fill a chilled copper mug or lowball glass with ice and add 2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 5 oz ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig.
Mocktail: Omit vodka or substitute lime seltzer.
Snack: No Bake Granola Bars
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup mix-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts
½ cup peanut butter
⅓ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, combine the oats and your 1/2 cup of mix-ins. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the peanut butter and of honey, stirring until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Pour the melted mixture over the oat mixture and stir until thoroughly coated. Using the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula, press the mixture into the prepared baking dish until tightly and evenly packed. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to cut. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 10-12 bars.
Marjorie Prime: An elderly woman's family tries to help her by getting her an AI companion who looks and acts like a youthful version of her dead husband.
Cocktail: Gibson
To a cocktail shaker of ice, add 2-1/2 oz of gin (or vodka) and 1/2 oz dry vermouth and shake until well-chilled. Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cocktail onion (or three, but never two).
Mocktail: Save the water from boiling potatoes and use to replace the gin or vodka, and add a splash of onion brine.
Snack: Savory Herb Shortbread
1-1/4 cups flour
1 cup shredded Parmesan
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup butter, room temperature, cut into chunks
whole fresh herbs for laminating onto the dough, optional
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except whole herbs using a pastry blender until it forms a crumbly mixture. If the dough does not come together, add water 1/2 tsp at a time. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and bring together into a smooth flat disk, kneading if necessary. Wrap the disk in the plastic and refrigerate for an hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough to about 1/4- to 1/8-inch thickness. (You can do this between two sheets of waxed paper to minimize sticking.) To laminate herbs onto the surface of the dough, lay them out onto the dough, leaving space between. Put the waxed paper back over the top and lightly roll with your rolling pin to press the herbs right into the dough. Use a 2 inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles and arrange on a baking sheet. Reform the leftover dough, roll, and repeat until all the dough is used. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until just starting to turn pale golden around the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the pan, then remove to a rack. The shortbread will firm up as it cools.
Waiting for Godot: Irish Playwright Samuel Beckett's classic story of two tramps waiting for someone who never comes.
Cocktail: Irish Whiskey Ginger
Fill a tall cocktail glass with ice and add 1-1/2 oz Irish whiskey and 5 oz ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Mocktail: Substitute ginger beer for the whiskey, or omit and add a few dashes of ginger bitters.
Snack: Chickpea, Carrot, Broccoli, and Apple Salad
For the salad:
1 head broccoli, very finely chopped
1 (15-oz) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups diced sweet apples (about 2 medium apples)
1 cup matchstick cut carrots
⅓ cup diced green onion
⅓ cup craisins
⅓ cup chopped pecans
½ cup chopped flat leaf parsley
For the dressing:
3 Tbsp olive oil
1-½ Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
½ Tbsp honey
1 tsp minced garlic
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
In a large bowl, toss together all salad ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients and adjust seasonings to taste. Drizzle over salad and toss to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Joe Turner's Come and Gone: Set in a Pittsburgh boarding house, where rent includes "three hearty meals a day."
Cocktail: Pittsburgh Boilermaker
Take a shot of whiskey and chase it with a cold glass of draft beer.
Mocktail: O'Doul's.
Snack: Ham and Egg Gravy on Biscuits
1 package refrigerated biscuit dough
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 cup diced onion
6 Tbsp butter
1 cube chicken bouillon
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
6 Tsbp flour
3 1/2 cups milk
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
Bake biscuits according to package directions. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat, then saute ham and onion for 3-4 minutes, until onions are tender. Stir in bouillon, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth; gradually stir into the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Gently stir in the eggs and parsley. Split biscuits horizontally and spoon gravy over biscuit halves.
Dog Day Afternoon: A 1970s bank heist on a sweltering summer day.
Cocktail: Frozen Mint Julep
Make mint syrup by heating 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan until boiling. Cook, stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup rinsed, chopped, and packed fresh mint leaves to a heatproof bowl and pour sugar water over. Allow to cool completely. Store in refrigerator (with mint). Strain out and discard mint before using. To make drinks, add 4 ounces mint syrup, 5 cups crushed ice, and 4 ounces bourbon to a blender and process until smooth. Pour into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with mint sprigs.
Mocktail: Replace bourbon with iced tea.
Granny Smith apples
canned chicken
mayonnaise
craisins
celery, chopped
candied pecans
salt and pepper, to taste
Drain the canned chicken and break it up with a fork. Stir in mayonnaise, celery, craisins, and salt and pepper to desired taste and consistency. Core the apples and slice thinly. Top each slice with a large scoop of chicken salad and top with a few pecans. Serve immediately.
The Fear of 13: A man is imprisoned for decades for a crime he didn't commit.
Cocktail: The Prison Blues
To a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 oz creme de violette, 1 oz coconut rum, and 3/4 oz tequila or gin. Shake well and strain into a Mason jar or martini glass.
Mocktail: Fill a tall cocktail glass with ice and toasted coconut seltzer. Add a teaspoon of orgeat, a dash of grenadine, and a drop of blue food coloring and stir gently to combine.
Snack: Balsamic Bruschetta
1 loaf French bread, cut into ¼-inch slices
1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp olive oil, divided
8 roma or plum tomatoes, diced
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
1 oz grated Parmesan
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp fresh black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush bread slices on both sides with 1 tablespoon of oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 5-10 minutes, flipping slices halfway through. While bread is toasting, in a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and garlic. Mix in balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Spoon onto toasted bread and serve immediately.
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