Mother’s Day Brunch Part 4: one more cocktail idea

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Sometimes you just need a big pitcher of Margaritas to pass around the room.  Here is a great twist to turn your margarita into a killer Pineapple treat.  Enjoy this one with a crowd.

Ingredients
2 cups lime juice, about 20 limes
2 cups white tequila
2 cups Triple Sec
2 1/2 cups fresh pineapple juice
Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish
Directions
Combine the lime juice, tequila, Triple Sec, and pineapple juice. Fill a cocktail shaker 1/2-way with ice and fill 2/3 full with the margarita mixture. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into glasses. Decorate with fresh pineapple slices and serve ice cold.

Mother’s Day Brunch Part 3 : Let’s talk cocktails

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No great brunch can be truly great without a fantastic cocktail.  Try this one out this weekend.  It’s a Peach Ginger Bellini and it is fantastic.
Ingredients
For the ginger simple syrup:
1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger, with skin
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups cold water
For the peach puree:
10 ounces semi-frozen peaches
1/2 cup ginger simple syrup
For serving:
Ice cubes
1 bottle Champagne
Directions
Begin by making the ginger simple syrup. Peel and grate the ginger. Add it together with the sugar and cold water to a saucepan. Bring it to the boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain, discard ginger pieces and set simple syrup aside.

In a blender add frozen peaches and ginger simple syrup. Blend until completely pureed then place into the refrigerator to cool.

For serving:

Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and fill half way with peach puree. Top off with Champagne and shake vigorously to combine. Pour into Champagne glasses and repeat process as needed.

More Mother’s Day brunch ideas

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With the Mother’s Day weekend approaching this weekend let’s take a look at another great brunch recipe for French Toast.  Get more great ideas from the Food Network website today.

 

Total Time:
30 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or milk, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. Heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, dip 6 thick slices white bread, challah or brioche in the egg mixture and cook in the skillet until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side, adding more butter as needed. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until puffed, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet until browned, about 5 minutes. Drizzle the French toast with the browned butter and maple syrup.

Make a homemade Mother’s Day Brunch

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We have put together a few ideas for you if you are more the type of person who wants to make something special for mom and home versus jumping onto OpenTable.com and head out for brunch.  We will be spotlighting a few great ideas that we found over at the Food Network.  Today we are looking at some delicious Maple-Pecan Scones.

Ingredients
For the scones:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
1/4 cup pecans, plus more for sprinkling
1 large egg
3/4 cup heavy cream
For the icing:
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Splash of strongly brewed coffee
Dash of salt
2 teaspoons maple flavoring or maple extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt.

Cut the cold butter into small pieces. Cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles crumbs.

Now finely chop the pecans and stir them into the flour mixture. Mix the egg and cream together. Add the mixture to the bowl and stir until just combined.

Turn the mixture onto a cutting board. The dough will be very crumbly, but do not let your heart be troubled. With your hands, push the mixture together into a large ball. Do not knead or press too much; you want to leave that gluten alone!

With a rolling pin, very gently roll out the dough into a 10-inch round, about 3/4 inch thick. With a sharp knife, cut the round into 8 equal-size wedges.

Transfer the wedges to a baking sheet lined with a Silpat baking mat. (Or just spray the pan with cooking spray; either one will work!) Bake the scones for 22 to 26 minutes, until they’re just barely starting to brown. Do not allow the edges to become dark or the Red Coats will come and get you. Allow the scones to cool completely before icing.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir the icing ingredients until smooth. Pour generously over the scones and sprinkle with pecans. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Live at the MN Zoo July 8th : Great Big Sea

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Great Big Sea

Monday, July 8
@ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN
Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | All Ages
Ticket Price: $38.00 (Reserved) & $50.50 (VIP Box Seat)
On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM

An Evening with Great Big Sea 
Hailing from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea is best known for performing energetic rock interpretations rooted in the melodies, rhythms, and timbres of Newfoundland traditional music. They’ve received a number of Juno Award nominations, including Best Roots & Traditional Album, Best Video, Group of The Year, and Entertainer of the Year. While musical fashions have come and gone, Great Big Sea has maintained an unswerving commitment to the original ideas – a belief that a marriage of their own creativity and the joyous folk music of their home in Newfoundland would be an unbeatable combination. To celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary, Great Big Sea have personally compiled XX, an amazing box set that captures the many highs in a storied career that has produced ten full- length CDs, two DVDs, and thousands of energetic and entertaining performances.

 
TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket Prices: $38.00 (Reserved) & $50.50 (VIP Box Seat) 
Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee

Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com

www.greatbigsea.com

Live at the MN Zoo July 7th : Los Lobos / Los Lonely Boys

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Los Lobos / Los Lonely Boys

Sunday, July 7
@ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN
Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | 18+
Ticket Price: $56 Reserved Seating / $68.50 VIP Box
On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM

Since Los Lobos released their debut album Just Another Band from East L.A. in 1978, they’ve repeatedly disproved that title, consistently evolving artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots. Grammy- winning Los Lobos is an eclectic band in the best sense of the word, drawing equally from rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music. A rare example of longevity in a volatile music world that stresses style over substance, Los Lobos’ lineup has remained the same since 1984, when saxophonist/keyboardist Steve Berlin joined original members Louie Pérez, David Hidalgo, Cesar Rosas and Conrad Lozano, each of whom had been there since the beginning in 1973.

Hailing from San Antonio, Los Lonely Boys are a sibling trio whose music draws equally from rock, blues, Tex-Mex, conjunto, and tejano. Their self-titled debut album, recorded in 2003 at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio, produced a multi-chart gold single Heaven, sold millions of albums, won a Grammy and racked up reams of critical acclaim. They even went on to open for The Rolling Stones. After proving themselves as a musical success story in the last decade, Los Lonely Boys are now carving out their legend with their fourth studio album, Rockpango(a made-up Spanish word that the band translates to English as “rock party”. And that’s what Los Lonely Boys provide in concert – a full scale Tex-Mex American roots rock party.

TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket Prices: $56.00 (Reserved) & $68.50 (VIP Box Seat) 
Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee

Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com

www.loslobos.org 
www.loslonelyboys.com 

 

Live at the MN Zoo: An evening with Cheap Trick

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Cheap Trick

Saturday, July 6
@ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN
Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | All Ages
Ticket Price: $65.00 (Reserved) & $77.50 (VIP Box Seat)
On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM

An Evening with Cheap Trick 
Cheap Trick may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the ‘70s they’ve been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, and The Flame, Cheap Trick are a musical institution. Anyone familiar with Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report will note that Cheap Trick wrote and performed the theme song. The band’s extensive history includes more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards. The band was also ranked No. 25 in VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.Their most recent release, The Latest, has garnered glowing reviews worldwide and continues Cheap Trick’s reign as power-pop progenitors as they continue their legacy of over 35 years in the music industry.

TICKETS INFORMATION
Ticket Prices: $65.00 (Reserved) & $77.50 (VIP Box Seat) 
Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee

Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com

www.cheaptrick.com

 

Live at the MN Zoo July 5th: Dark Star Orchestra

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Dark Star Orchestra

Friday, July 5
@ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN
Doors 6:30 | Music 7:00 | All Ages
Ticket Price: $30 Reserved Seating / $42.50 VIP Box
On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM

Summer Tour 2013 
Continuing the Grateful Dead Concert Experience

Dark Star Orchestra shows are built off the extensive catalog of the Grateful Dead. On any given night DSO will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use the catalog of original songs to create a unique set list for the show. DSO’s determined commitment to “raising the Dead” has drawn nationwide attention and encourages fans both young and old to share in the experience. Grateful Dead classics are performed in the same way an orchestra interprets the music of classical composers. The composer spirit is derived and channeled as the players capture the excitement and innovation of the original performances and compositions. Continuing a long and strange trip since their humble beginnings, DSO has been touring nationwide for over 15 years to the tune of nearly 2200 shows since their formation. DSO will bring out the Deadheads to Music in the Zoo on July 5.

TICKETS INFORMATION

Ticket Prices: $30.00 (Reserved) & $42.50 (VIP Box Seat) 
Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee

Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at 

www.darkstarorchestra.net

Live at the MN Zoo June 30th: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

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Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

Sunday, June 30
@ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN
Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | All Ages
Ticket Price: $60.00 (Reserved) & $72.50 (VIP Box Seat)
On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM

Pat Benatar has always been a rule-breaker and a trailblazer. She remains a bold and distinctive artist both on stage and on record. And now, after more than three decades in rock ‘n’ roll, she’s a bona fide living legend. Songs like Love Is A Battlefield, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Promises In The Night, and We Belong are as unforgettable now as they were at the dawn of MTV. Neil Giraldo began his career as a key member of the Rick Derringer Band. In 1979, he was introduced to the up and coming singer named Pat Benatar. Shortly afterwards, the world was introduced to Benatar & Giraldo’s enduring partnership and rock ‘n’ roll love affair via her platinum debut album, In The Heat Of The Night, which included the classic Heartbreaker as well as the Giraldo-penned hit We Live For Love. The following year, they cemented their place in music history by being the first female and first guitarist, respectively, to ever appear on MTV, with the video for You Better Run taken from Crimes of Passion – an album that also included the Grammy-winning, gold certified single Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket Prices: $60.00 (Reserved) & $72.50 (VIP Box Seat) 
Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee

Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com

www.benatargiraldo.com 

Live at the MN Zoo June 23rd : The James Hunter Six

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The James Hunter Six

Sunday, June 23
@ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN
Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | All Ages
Ticket Price: $33.00 (Reserved) & $45.50 (VIP Box Seat)
On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM

English singer James Hunter has an abiding passion for American soul music of the late fifties and sixties. For years, he was one of the best-kept secrets in British R&B and soul. In the early 1990’s, Hunter was hired by Van Morrison as a backup singer and spent the next several years with him. In 2006, his first US album, People Gonna Talk, was released and became an airplay staple. By the end of the year, the album charted at Number 1 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums charts, appeared on severalTop 10 Best Albums of the year lists, and earned a Grammy nomination. His next album The Hard Wayearned even better accolades and also charted at Number One on Billboard. Earlier this year, James Hunter and his equally talented and road-tested band (now known as the James Hunter Six) released their latest album Minute By Minute, which is being hailed his finest album to date. The James Hunter Six is now criss-crossing North America in support of Minute By Minute.

TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket Prices: $33.00 (Reserved) & $45.50 (VIP Box Seat) 
Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee

Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com

www.jameshuntermusic.com