SPICED GIRLS

While many celebrates Mother's Day this weekend (a big YAY to all Moms out there), we get a rare opportunity to toast a dear friend for entering the sixth decade of her fabulous and sizzling life.  The menu for such occasion requires some elevating: everything spiced up just a bit, enough to awaken the senses that this isn't your average number the same way our friend is far above the average 60 something.  Judging by her life, the rest of us not yet there certainly have much to look forward to.  Here's to the extraordinary women in our lives - moms, girlfriends and all!

Spicy Citrus Cocktail

Spiced Pita Wedges

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Mustard Green Salad

Spicy Butternut Squash Turkey Mac & Cheese

Easy Apple Spice Cake

Recipes

Spicy Citrus Cocktail

1 shot vodka

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of 1 orange

Juice of 1 lemon

Dash of cayene

Dash of Tabasco

Club Soda

Spearmint leaves

1. In cocktail mixer, mix all ingredients except spearmint leaves over ice cubes.

2. Strain to cocktail glass, garnish with spearmint leaves.

Spiced Pita Wedges

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Mustard Green Salad

1 bunch mustard greens, chopped

2 large shallots

2 bosch pears, sliced

juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1. Place mustard greens, shallots and pear slices in large bowl.

2. Drizzle with olive oil & lemon juice.

3. Add salt and pepper, then toss together.

Spicy Butternut Squash Turkey Mac & Cheese

1 lb rigatoni

1 pkg turkey bacon

1 medium onion, chopped

2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and diced

3 cups milk

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp flour

1/2 lb smoked chili cheddar or pepperjack, grated

1/2 lb gruyere, grated
dash of red pepper flakes

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1. Cook rigatoni until al dente, set aside.  Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 F.

2. In a skillet, cook turkey bacon until crispy, remove from skillet, diced and set aside.

3. Using the same skillet and bacon fat, cook chopped onion until caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.

4. In a large sauce pan, cook diced squash and milk on medium heat while stirring often until squash becomes tender and mushy.

5. Lower heat, then add flour and red pepper flakes, stir until thicken and well incorporated.

6. Add half of cheddar and half of gruyere to sauce, continue cooking on low heat until cheese melted into sauce.

7. In a large bowl, mix together cooked rigatoni, turkey bacon, caramelized onion and cheese sauce.

8. Pour to greased 9"x 12" baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and dot with butter.

9. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes.

Easy Apple Spice Cake