Sweet Chili Chicken Ramen

There is such a funny thing happening today...

It's a BLIZZARD. In the middle of MARCH. What a time to be alive.

Luckily, I have come armed and ready to face down this little big snowstorm. All we need is a warm blanket, a new show to binge on, and....and...and!

Sweet Chili Chicken Ramen!

Just look at this big bowl of happiness--I want to dive right in. There is so much to love, where do I even begin? When I first started imagining homemade ramen, I knew it had to start with beautifully charred, sticky chicken. A sweet chili marinade plus a super hot cast iron skillet get us exactly where we need to be. And what would ramen be without noodles? Well, it would be chicken noodle-less soup, but that's besides the point! We need noodles. I am partial to wide udon noodles, which you can find at any market or grocery store with a large international section. They are perfectly slurp-able but thick enough to hold up to the hot broth.

As for the supporting cast, it's all about big, bold flavors and crunchy, fresh veggies. Celery, ginger and garlic get the party started. A good, low sodium broth (vegetable, mushroom, beef, or chicken would all be great!)  gets amped up thanks to soy sauce, fish sauce and sriracha. Trust!

OH! Guys. I forgot the best part. I successfully soft-boiled a couple of eggs, right in the broth I was already cooking. It was scary, but I am confident that we can do it (because I did it! So you can too!)

Let me sum this up...I have been thinking about this ramen since the day I made it. I could eat it over and over again. It may not be perfectly authentic, but it is pretty darn close! Did you try this or another Gas Stove Girl recipe!? Be sure to show it off on Instagram using #GasStoveGirl!

Spiked Ginger Tea Lemonade

Who wants a cocktail!?

We are experiencing some super-chilly temperatures in Boston right now, and it is making me dream of sunnier days and relaxing by the pool.

This Spiked Ginger Tea Lemonade is the perfect way to transport yourself away from this late-winter cold blast to a warm, sunny locale of your choice! The cocktail combines one of the most refreshing beverages - iced tea lemonade - and adds a bit of spice with homemade ginger simple syrup plus an extra kick thanks to a bit of ginger liqueur and good 'ol vodka! I also finish it with a big glug of sparkling because I love the bubbly effervescence in each sip. This is a great cocktail to make for a party - everything gets mixed together in a big pitcher and can chill until you're ready to serve it. The longer it chills, the more enhanced the flavors become!

I created this cocktail in celebration of the 2017 "For The Love Of Cocktails" event in Las Vegas. This is a 72-hour fundraiser for breast cancer awareness that brings together the finest mixology enthusiasts for an epic 3 days of parties and events, showcasing some of the best craft cocktails Las Vegas (and the nation!) has to offer. The event supports the Helen David Bartender Relief Fund, which is an organization honoring its namesake Michigan bar owner--who amazingly beat breast cancer twice in her life--by providing bartenders in need with pre-cancer screenings. support, and more.

One of my favorite cocktail bars is Drink, located in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood. This concept is owned by Barbara Lynch, a Boston restaurant legend! One of the most interesting aspects of the cocktail menu at Drink is that they don't have one! Instead, patrons chat about their likes and dislikes with the bartender, who whips up something specifically tailored to that person. I think this creative style would make the team at Drink a great addition to an event such as For The Love Of Cocktails!

My Spiked Ginger Tea Lemonade is bright, vibrant, and a little spicy, much like the lifestyle is in Las Vegas. It is exactly the kind of drink I'd order on a Vegas vacation! If you are heading to Las Vegas for this event or any time, be sure to check out the Vegas.com travel deals page to help make your planning as carefree as possible! This site can help you with anything from flight deals to hotel packages.