Fresh Mint Mojito

The Mojito was the topic of much discussion while we were in Wilmington for the Clinical Foundation Program. Several of us went to a Cuban restaurant to get the 'authentic' version of the drink. Some of those in attendance tried a Mojito for the first time! Upon my return to austin I learned that my good friend, Sujata, has had an overwhelming mint crop in her garden this year. She suggested a Mojito party to use up her fantastic mint. I agreed, and we tested various recipes. Here is my favorite.

12 fresh mint leaves
2-3 tsp simple syrup (or 4 tsp sugar)
1.5 oz light rum
Juice of 1/2 a fresh lime
Ice
club soda or sparkling water

Put the clean mint leaves and the simple syrup in the bottom of a chilled glass. Muddle the mint leaves. Add the lime juice and rum. Add ice and club soda to fill the glass. Stir gently. Garnish with more mint and a lime wedge. It is best to drink a mojito with a straw, otherwise you have to fight with the mint leaves to drink it!

If you prefer a more tart drink use a whole lime, and less simple syrup. If, like me, you like your drinks sticky sweet, then up the sugar and reduce the lime.

Although you can use sugar to sweeten this drink, the simple syrup is easy to make, and in my opinion, completely worth the effort (you can also buy it pre-made at any liquor store).

Simple Syrup Recipe (provided by Joey)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp cream of tartar

Place sugar and water in sauce pan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved. Add the cream of tartar, stir until it dissolves and then turn off the heat. Allow mixture to cool slowly. The cream of tartar stablizes the syrup so that it does not recrystalize, and it will last longer. It is not a necessity, but it makes it easier to make more simple syrup than you need and store it in the fridge for later use.

Spinach / Strawberry Salad

Dressing
½ cup Sugar
2 T. Sesame Seeds
1 T. Poppy Seeds
1 ½ teas. Minced Onion (Red is best)
¼ teas. Worchestire Sauce
¼ teas. Paprika
½ cup Oil (I usually use EVOO)
¼ cup Vinegar (My favorite is Balsamic but anything would work)

Mix all together.

2 - 10 ounce bags of spinach.
1 pint strawberries (hulled and quartered)

Do not pour dressing over salad until just before serving. Use all the dressing and toss evenly.

Delicious.