Raspberry Sgroppino

Wait – what? Is 2013 almost over? ALREADY?! How did that happen? I can’t believe it’s almost 2014! Only a few more hours to go!

Time flies when you’re having fun, right?

And I know it’s been a great year for me! Not only have I finally started a food blog (last March), but that same food blog (aka: this one) has been viewed more than 12.000 times this December alone! I’m so proud! Thanks so much trusty readers for taking the time to read about all the crazy (and not-so-crazy) things that happen in my life and for actually trying some of my recipes too!

And to think: just last year there was no blog!

It’s amazing what you can do once you set your mind to something…

Yes, it’s been a good year for me.

My precious baby niece was born, I finished all the courses in my master’s program – which means that I don’t ever have to sit in a classroom again! – I learned to play ‘Just Like Heaven’ on the guitar and the Rocking Rebel and I welcomed our very own precious little girl into our home! Our little puppy, Lucy!

Right now, Lucy is lying in her usual spot right beside the fireplace, gnawing on one of her toys with her brand new, adult teeth.

Oh no, she is no longer that little 8-pounder we picked up at the breeder’s!

In fact, she’s turned into a little mischievous dog who loves to stalk us, jumping in front of our feet as we try to move around the house.

Which makes for interesting (and sometimes dangerous!) cooking, I might add…

However, she’s also the sweetest, cutest dog ever! I mean, mischievous is good in pups, right? Plus, we’re training her to be a hunting dog (because, well… she is a hunting dog) and she’s doing great! So far, she has learned to sit, lie down, stay, wait and retrieve things!

I took this picture of her a couple of days ago…

Looking up at the sky like a perfect little, amber-eyed princess…

Or rather, looking up at the Rocking Rebel, waiting for him to throw the ball.

Look how big she has gotten!

And she’s still only a pup!

Yes, it’s been a great year…

And what better way to celebrate the past year than with a raspberry sgroppino!

A sgroppino is an Italian cocktail, made with sparkling wine, a little vodka and lemon sorbet. I decided to do a little spin on the traditional sgroppino recipe and make a raspberry version instead. Because – obviously – pink is a lot more festive than white, the color of a traditional sgroppino.

Because sorbet is used, sgroppini (plural of sgroppino) have an almost milkshake like texture and are freezing cold, so sip with care to prevent a serious case of brain freeze!

So, Happy New Year everybody! I hope you all enjoy a lot of love, friendship, health, great food and beautiful adventures in 2014!

Oh, and last but not least, I’d like to thank my pyrotechnician for those great pyrotechnics!

Enjoy!