Vote for a New Orleans Party (+ get a cocktail recipe for French 75)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 

I'm thrilled to let you know that Lighthearted Locavore advanced to round #3 of the Foodbuzz Project Food Blog contest. Votes are now open for my authentic Creole Dinner Party. 

VOTE NOW BY CLICKING HERE

As a thank you for voting, here's a close-up copy of the menu (click to enlarge):

And, my recipe for the delicious French 75 cocktails.....

2 ounces Farmer's Botanical Organic gin
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
1/2 ounce lemon juice
5 ounces Brut champagne
 

Shake well with cracked ice in a chilled cocktail shaker, then strain into a champagne glass and top off with a good quality but not super expensive champagne.

As a locavore, I prefer to buy organic, sustainably grown products whenever I can. Farmer's Botanical Gin is handcrafted in the US with love. It's the quintessential small batch, sustainably grown gin product with juniper, elderflower, lemon grass and other herbaceous flavors. I was introduced to the product by my friend Joe, who's company also makes Crop Organic Vodka (my fave is infused with cucumber). French 75's are an elegant cocktail and fun way to kick off an New Orleanian or French meal. 

A relish tray is so 1950s and so sensible before a big meal. A few little nibbles -- some local some not-- to go with your cocktail, light, tasty and just enough to hold you over and not fill you up. I served local carrots and celery, Greek olives and New Jersey PICKLES! My old and dear friend from my advertising days, John O'Malley, is making delicious Senor Juan hot and spicy pickles that pack a nice crunch -- these pickles have a perfect amount of heat. He  procures local, New Jersey cucumbers in season (from Frank J. Fichera Farms in Salem).