Raspberry Gin Fizz

Let's call up our closest friends, fire up the grill and drink this fruity, summer cocktail.

This Raspberry Gin Fizz is bubbly and a bit sweet, and every bit boozy. This is the perfect house cocktail for any and every summer celebration. Put this cocktail in your biggest carafe or pitcher and get the party started!

I always recommend enlisting your most trustworthy feline to watch over the beverage...

It starts with every fruit you can think of. A combination of sliced oranges, grapefruit. lemons and limes along with raspberries and pineapple chunks are soaked in a pint of gin lemon juice and a bit of water then chilled for a few hours--fruit infused booze is great booze after all!

For that great fizz, just before serving, pour in club soda and a whole bottle of champagne. Don't forget the sweet and wonderful Chambord for the perfect hint of sweetness. Pour into glass filled with a bunch of ice. Put on your sunglasses, sit back. relax and enjoy the summertime! {Drink Responsibly!}

Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Pesto Pasta

I need to talk to you guys about these meatballs, on account of they are out of this world!

I don't have a very long history of meatballs here on Gas Stove Girl (but these Greek meatballs and mozzarella stuffed ones are glorious), but these Turkey Zucchini Meatballs will be a regular in our dinner rotation. They are light yet perfectly filling and chock full of good flavor.

Unlike most turkey meatballs you've had before, these meatballs are JUICY, not dried out and dull. The secret, as you may have guessed, is shredded zucchini. The zucchini is the perfect complement to lean ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. I cook these in my cast iron skillet, as this gives the meatballs the perfect golden brown crust. They are finished in the oven until juicy meatball perfection is achieved. Doesn't this golden brown sear make your mouth water?!

LOOK AT IT!

These are a perfect summer appetizer - I'd serve them with a cool greek yogurt dipping sauce - but last night, Cory and I enjoyed these with whole wheat pasta tossed with fresh made pesto. We both devoured our dinner, and I suspect I'll get a request to make this dish again sometime soon!