3 App's in a Snap

In a pinch for an impromptu party? These 3 appetizers, pulled from the Junior League of the Palm Beaches' cookbook "Worth Tasting," can be made in an instant. Even better... each recipe uses only a few ingredients that may already be taking up space in your spice rack and pantry.

Texas Pepper Pecans
1 lb pecans
1/4 c butter
Spices-- 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 1/2 tsp Tabasco, 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper

Melt butter and mix with spices. Toss pecans to coat. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Yields 2 cups.

Kalamata Olive Tapenade
25-30 Kalamata Olives
3-5 Garlic Cloves
1-2 tbsp Evoo
Freshly ground pepper

Drain olives; discard stems and pits. Blend in food processor with garlic and evoo. Season with pepper, and serve with pita chips or warm bread toasts.

Carolina Caviar
2 cans (15 oz) black beans
1 can gold & white corn
1/2 c balsamic vinegar
1/3 c olive oil
1 tbsp spicy mustard
1 diced red bell pepper
1 diced red onion
1 bunch cilantro
diced jalapenos to taste

Combine all ingredients. Chill for at least one hour, storing for up to 3 days. Serve with tortilla chips.

And a gratuitous "Texas" pecan shot... these were our fave! Sweet and spicy, always a perfect combination ;)

xo,
M&M

It's National Margarita Day!!!

Around here, this could qualify as everyday-- but we will still celebrate, nonetheless!

10 new Margarita Recipes on the rocks or frozen...

.... some sweet treats from Hostess with the Mostess

And stop by Rocco's Tacos newest location in Palm Beach Gardens to celebrate this monumental day in cocktail culture!

xo,

M&M

Artigras 2012

The 27th annual Artigras festival was held this past President's Day weekend at the Abacoa Town Center in Jupiter, FL. The event hosted over 300 artists who showcased ceramics, paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, and much more.

We had the pleasure of meeting unique artists from all along the eastern seaboard, as well as a group of amazing local artists from South Florida who we will be featuring VERY soon!

xo,
M&M

Sin... less!

There's an amazing new product in the low-cal cocktail game. Based out of Atlanta, GA, Sin<less Margarita Mixers are all-natural, and only ~ 5 ~ calories per serving. The mix is SO fresh, in fact, it's kept in the refrigerated section, since it's lacking the preservatives to keep it on the shelf.

photo courtesy Sin<less

Like any good margarita, a little bit of this... and a little bit of that... can't hurt. We suggest adding your favorite fruit juice (oj, pama, and/or lime), and a splash of orange liqeuer to make it more authentic.

But you can't beat starting with a base of 5 calories, versus the regular mixers that easily start at 100 calories for just one cocktail.

Bottoms up!
xo,
M&M

Mmm... Chipotle Rock Shrimp Tacos

South Florida has quite a few options when it comes to Mexican cuisine. But there's no need to be a native to enjoy this spiced up version of a coastal favorite. The M&M test kitchen has whipped up this no fuss version to enjoy wherever you may be...

You'll need: 

• 1/2 lb fresh rock shrimp
• 1-2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• juice of 1 lime, divided
• splash tequila
• 1/2 tsp each -- cumin & kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp each -- cardamon, coriander, & chipotle seasoning
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/2 roma tomato, finely diced
• 1/2 jalapeno, finely diced
• preferred shells & toppings

1. Heat evoo in pan on med-low heat. Add shallots & cook 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, saute 30 seconds. Add 1/2 lime juice & splash of tequila, cook 2-3 minutes. 
2. Add shrimp, seasonings, diced tomatoes, & jalapenos. Cook 4-5 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Add remainder of lime juice to deglaze.
3. Remove pan from heat, let sit for 2 minutes so sauce thickens.

Spoon shrimp & a bit of sauce into warm corn or flour tortillas, adding the toppings of your choice.

Enjoy... with your favorite margarita, of course! 

xo,

M&M

Hooked On You

Valentine's Day isn't all about the ladies... guys need some lovin' too. When flowers and candy just won't do, here's a thoughtful gift for your honey you both can enjoy all year long.

The "Ring Game"is a staple of the island life, found in any respectable tiki bar or watering hole. All you need is a ring, a hook, & some fishing line... and preferably an endless supply of margaritas... and you'll be entertained for hours!

You can DIY your own ring game, like so...

Or, for a more professional look, purchase an official, regulation size game from "Bimini Ring," based out of Jupiter, FL, for under $20. To go that extra mile, they'll custom create a game using a monogram or image special to you...

To get your valentine hooked up, click here!  

xo,

M&M

Local Artist ~ Ben Hicks ~

Who better to capture the beauty of the Palm Beaches and beyond than local photographer, Floridian, and dear friend, Ben Hicks.

Sole proprietor of Boca Raton Photography & Design, specializing in everything from waves to weddings to web design, Ben has made an art form out of his adventures across the globe.

Some of our favorite photo's, though, were shot just down the road off our local Palm Beaches...

Ben is also resident photographer for the "Surfers for Autism" organization, a "not for profit dedicated to the introduction of the sport of surfing to children with special needs."

To see more of Ben's amazing work, and keep up with his many adventures, be sure to visit his website & blog. To learn more about "Surfers for Autism," and become involved in an event near you, click here!

xo,

M&M

DIY: Bamboo Placemat Wall Hanging

This first DIY post is an easy... and super inexpensive! way to bring some island spice into your home. The entire project costs under $10, and can be made in under 10 minutes!

You'll need the following:

- Bamboo Placemat (purchased from Pier 1 for about $2.50)

- Faux flowers & greenery (purchased from Z Gallerie for about $2.50/piece)

- Fishing line

First, trim the faux stems to the desired length for your placemat.  Then, place greenery behind flowers, and secure the pieces together with fishing line.  Finally, secure the top and bottom of the stems to the bamboo mat... and you're done!

The finished product is lightweight, which makes it easy to hang on any wall for a quick fix of island flair. To add extra dimension, wrap a slightly larger piece of plywood or canvas with burlap, or make a few and line them along the wall. 

Inspired island art, in an instant!

xo, 

M&M

Welcome! Aloha! Bienvenidos!

The salty scent of the sea, the soft sand between your toes, the sweet & sour taste of a margarita ~~ all things that inspire us to bring the islands
closer to you...

Through coastal decor & design ideas, to everything from boutiques, beaches and bars on our island, and beyond, you'll always be able to take a little bit of the ocean with you, wherever you go.

So relax, unwind, and find your inner mermaid,
so you too can create something truly
Island Inspired.

Welcome to the World of Mermaids & Margaritas!