Dangerously Cute

Tiny G loves mealtime, and until recently he was a pretty clean little eater. But then he discovered how to blow raspberries, which he likes to do when he has a mouthful of mushy peas. I’ve learned to keep my distance when he strikes up the band, and keep him covered with a wipeable bib. My favorite is this handmade, vinyl-covered (for easy wiping) skull-and-crossbones number from Sheriff Peanut, available through Mahar Drygoods. By the way, if you haven’t visited Mahar Drygoods, it’s an “online outpost of vintage and artisan-crafted curiosities for children.” I love it, and it’s a great place for gifts that are both functional and well designed. And the owner is so nice. He will gift wrap items in recycled kraft tissue and kraft paper and tie with red-and-white kitchen twine. I might need to “gift” Tiny G with one of these light switch plates, made from vintage wallpaper:

Pimm’s Cup

My dad called last week to remind me that yesterday was Race Day. No, we’re not talking about The Tour de France, Kentucky Derby or Indy 500, but the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race (my dad’s college was St. Catherine’s, so the Oxford victory yesterday was the outcome hoped for). What better excuse to make a mint-filled pitcher of Pimm’s Cup, the traditional English cocktail of Pimm’s No. 1 liquor, bitter lemon soda, strawberries, fresh mint, cucumbers and orange slices! (I also like to add blueberries and a splash of gin.) When we lived in England as kids, they’d serve these marvelous cocktails at weddings and boat races. Kids got the unleaded versions with no Pimm’s, but truth be told we were missing the the best part, and that’s letting the fruit soak up the booze and eating once the cocktail is finished. 

Tiny G and I went to the Larchmont Farmer’s Market yesterday, and got a bunch of beautiful berries and mint. And my husband picked up some Fever Tree bitter lemon at Whole Foods. Then I mixed up a pitcher, and took it across the street and knocked back a glass or too with my neighbor Alyssa. It’s a cocktail that is greatly enhanced by sharing.

PIMM’S CUP

Makes one pitcher, or four cocktails

1 cup Pimm’s No. 1

4 6.8 ounce bottles Fever Tree Bitter Lemon

Splash of London Dry gin 

Cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

Strawberries and blueberries

Orange slices

Fresh mint

Fill a pitcher with ice. Add Pimm’s, bitter lemon, cucumber, fruit and mint. Stir gently and serve.