Let me start by saying that this post is a little bit random. But so is my life right now - sort of all over the place - and I kind of like it that way. I just returned from a quick work trip to New York and after finishing shooting early one afternoon, I retreated to my favorite place in the city: The Frank Guggenheim Hall of Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History. If you've never been in that room, it's dark and quiet save the gentle illumination of the mineral cases, and the hum of Mineralogy 101 voiceovers. It's my happy place in the city. I sit on one of the many sprawling geometric, carpet covered steps, and breathe. It calms me, centers me and makes me whole once more. I've also had my new book, Gem and Stone: Jewels of the Earth, Sea and Sky on my mind a lot lately (our original title Lustre was changed) and can't wait to share more about it as we get closer to the publication date this Fall.

 

I've also had Celt on my mind a lot as well. I want to start a project this year to really delve deeply into our ancestry origins, most of which is Irish, Welsh and Scottish. I've been reading a lot of Irish and Scottish history lately and we are learning Gaelic as a family. My children indulge these interests lovingly and with their own passion - we'll see how long their fascination lasts!

So random, yes. But coming from my heart. And on that note, I give you The Bonnie Prince - named for Charles Edward Stuart, who was also called The Great Pretender, though many believed him to be the rightful heir to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland. And set in front of a backdrop of Pyrite - a print from my book. Random, but sweet and delicious.

 

THE BONNIE PRINCE

1 c. brewed Prince of Wales tea

2 T. honey

2 oz. of Hendricks Gin

1 oz. extra dry vermouth

6-8 dashes of Angostura bitters

juice from 1 orange

slices of orange for garnish

Brew the tea and steep for 10-15 minutes - the stronger it is, the more the flavor will come through in the cocktail. While it is still fairly warm, stir in the two tablespoons of honey until it dissolves.

Combine the tea and honey, gin, vermouth and bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake! Pour into a small rocks glass and garnish with a slice of orange.

Tunes from some of Scotland's best...

THE BONNIE PRINCE

Whistle For The Choir : The Fratellis

So In Love With You : Texas

Swim Until You Can't See Land : Frightened Rabbit

Charles : Skids

Athol-brose : Cocteau Twins

Take Me Back to the Islands : Idlewild

Burns Night : Calvin Harris

Know Your Quarry : Biffy Clyro

Lots Sometimes : Glasvegas

I Know Where The Summer Goes : Belle & Sebastian

Don't You (Forget About Me) : Simple Minds

I'm Your Villian : Franz Ferdinand

At The Burnside : The Twilight Sad

Honey : Mogwai

Listen here.

P.S. Heading out on Wednesday for Marrakesh to teach our Instant Love workshop! Have you pre-ordered yet? You can also give us love on our new FB page. See you soon with inspiration, recipes and music anew!

 

Comments

[Toni]

Wow Jen, you are quite the world traveler! Wishing you very safe travels and loads of fun!

btw, I had a dream last night that we met and you had adorable Eve with you. I had the cutest little kitten and you took an instagram of it curled up in my hands! so funny :)

[Miss Pickering]

I need to go to this room.

I also need to make this cocktail, tea and gin. What's not to love?

Safe travels.

[Claudia Annie]

wow che delizia! Meravigliosa, questa ricetta :) Un bacio!

[ryan]

I'm surprised you didn't put any will oldham (aka bonnie prince billy) on that mix! :)

[Iris @ the yummyblogsisters]

great playlist! makes me homesick for the time when I lived in scotland. There's bottle of Hendrick's gin in my cupboard...