A Wild One: Cafe Brulot

It's been a hot minute since I've mentioned the Ks.  Which is not to say we don't see them, but lately our visits have been centered around our children's birthdays.  In November K4 turned 1!  And the Ks are phenomenal about first birthday parties.

This had a very girly bohemian feel to it, with lots of flowers, feathers, wood, and lace.   

 

And there was lots of entertainment for the small guests.  Even the super small, like Thatbaby were enthralled by the musician who led the kids through song and musical instruments. 

And after came the bubble lady.  Because what kid doesn't love bubbles?  She explained how bubbles worked, and did various demonstrations of different bubble shapes, sizes, and properties.  The highlight was when she had the bubble completely surround the birthday girl.

It became even more exciting when each of the guests had their own turn at being bubbled.

The kids were also let loose to make their own bubble creations. Thatkid and K3 had a blast trying out all the different bubble wands and chasing each other around.

It's funny, K3's first birthday party was a rainy April day.  Which is a little surprising in Southern California.  On the other hand, K4's birthday was a sweltering hot November day.  Also surprising.  It took forever for winter to hit this year, but we are officially there with a vengeance.   It is so cold and rainy!  All I want to do is curl up under a blanket with a warm drink, before a roaring fire.

The fire is out since our firepit is outside.  But I got a beautiful, soft blanket for Christmas (from my favorite cuddle-buddy, Thatkid) and a hot drink is always just a few moments away.  Thatboy loves to curl up on the couch and watch the rain out our windows.  This is the perfect rain sipping beverage.  Coffee is already a "warm you up" kind of drink.  The addition of brandy and curacao add some sweetness, but also a little bit more to warm you up from the inside.  Think of it as your own personal St. Bernard, to save you on these cold winter nights.

Cafe Brulot (From the Fannie Farmer Cookbook)

1 1/2 inch stick cinnamon

5 cloves

3 Tbsp slivered orange peel

3 Tbsp slivered lemon peel

2 lumps sugar

1/3 cup brandy

2 Tbsp curacao 

3 cups hot after-dinner coffee

1.  Put the cinnamon, cloves, orange, and lemon peels, and sugar in a chafing dish or brulot bowl with a flame under and mash together with the back of a spoon or a pestle.
2. Add the brandy and curacao, and when hot, ignite.  
3. Stir to dissolve the sugar, the gradually add the coffee.  Serve in demitasses.