Cookbooks + Cocktails: Farmer Bob Gets Creative in the Office

Farmer Bob was busy over the holidays, both in and out of the kitchen. So much so that I didn't document any of his wonderful food or holiday preparations -- hence, no blog posts since early December. At his public relations and marketing agency Frause, "making spirits bright" was also in high gear.

Twenty-four members of the Frause team in Seattle and Portland put on their chef's toques and created a cookbook, Well-Said. Well Fed. Described as "A gastronomic collection of stories and recipes from the hungry minds at Frause," I was asked to be the editor of the book. And I do  have some favorites that jumped off the screen into my cuisine dreams. 

Well-Said. Well-Fed. is arranged in five sections: Cocktails, Appetizers and Salads, Entrees, Sides and Desserts. Among the 63 recipes are The Eastlake Cocktail, created by Nathan Hambley; Banh Mi Sliders by Viet Nguyen; Lauren Kriegler's Brined Roasted Rosemary Chicken; Emily Nauseda's Garlic Basil Mashed Potatoes; and Grandma Schweitzer's Sugar Cookies by Kate Hudson. 

And yes, Farmer Bob contributed a few of his seasonal favorites: Holiday Cranberries with Port; Holiday Roast Turkey; Grand Marnier, Apricot and Cranberry Stuffing; and Apple-Filled Acorn Squash Rings with Curry Butter. The 72-page book was created on Blurb. 

"Farmer Bob and the rest of the folks at Frause really know how to cook up a good time. Like their campaigns, these recipes are tasty and sure to make a splash. Now get in the kitchen and start cooking!" -- Thierry Rautureau, The Chef in the Hat

When it came to the holiday Christmas card, Frause kept the cuisine theme going, but this time with a cocktail greeting. It was a simple card incorporating the photo above and this recipe. Salute!

Frause 75 Holiday Cocktail*

.5 oz lemon juice

.5 oz grenadine syrup

.5 oz simply syrup (1 part sugar to 1 part water, dissolved over heat)

1 oz gin

3 oz sparkling wine

6-8 pomegranate seeds

Rosemary sprig

Shake lemon juice, grenadine, simple syrup and gin over ice.

Pour into flute.

Fill glass with sparkling wine.

Drop in pomegranate seeds.

Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig.

*More than one required to assure lasting good fortune.

Photos by Sue Frause