THE UPS AND DOWNS OF FEBRUARY
What a month February was! We had a lot going on in my household, with ups and downs all month long! The weather temperature was going up and down like a yo-yo, one day it was 65 degrees, the next it was 18 degrees!
Then we moved my mother into a lovely Assisted Living Community across the street from where she lived and boy, were there ups and downs with that! Leaving her home was so hard, but our family was so comforted by the fact that she will be so well taken care of and still just as close by as she was in her home! We all live within a few miles from Mom, and how wonderful is that! Yet Mom is having a tough time of it, going from a 3-bedroom rancher to a deluxe suite apartment, and misses her friends and daily routine. Mom’s a strong woman, and has given so much to so many over her years, as a wife caring for my Dad during his 9 year illness, and as a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and career nurse. I know she will eventually adjust and come through this change even stronger.
Our family also lost our dear Aunt Mary who lit up everyone’s day with kindness, love and compassion. She taught us all the meaning of what love really is, never judging anyone, always being humble and unassuming, and doing for others like it was just the way you lived. It was a bittersweet good-bye, knowing she would be at peace after suffering from dementia in recent years, and also feeling the sadness for the void she leaves in our hearts everyday.
TOASTING TO BEAUTY AND WARMTH
I selfishly needed to wind down the month of February and I wanted to toast to Aunt Mary and my Mom with a heart filled Chocolate Raspberry Cream Martini. With Godiva’s Chocolate Liqueur, Di’Amore Raspberry Liqueur, Half and Half and fresh Raspberries, you have a luscious, frothy cream cocktail that warms your insides with a chocolatey goodness!
SPREADING THE LOVE
So as we close out February and think about marching toward the Spring season, possibly with some more ups and downs, keep in mind the beauty and warmth that surrounds you in so many ways and keep it close to you when you need it most! So Mom and Aunt Mary, here’s to you! Love you more than chocolate and martinis! lol.
Until next time,
Let’s get cookin’, bakin’, and entertainin’,
Madeline
Chocolate Raspberry Cream Martini
Equipment
- 1 Martini Shaker or Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 2 ounces Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
- 1 ounce DiAmore Raspberry Liqueur
- 1 ounce half and half or whole milk
- fresh raspberries for garnish
- peppermint, chocolate or red jimmies for garnish
Instructions
- Fill martini shaker with ice.
- Rim martini glass with garnish. Get creative!
- Measure out chocolate liqueur, raspberry liqueur and half and half according to the amounts and pour into shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Pour into martini glass and drop in a few fresh raspberries!
Notes
Well, this made me teary… and determined to make the drink in honor of the very same women — Aunt Louise and Mom! You know I heartily embrace “easy”, and this recipe is right up my alley! Thanks so much, Madeline!
Always wonderful to share good food and drink with my wonderful cousin, especially in honor of our Moms! Love ya!