344 Keeping the X in Xmas
/First things first. Is there a war on Christmas? No! But those that claim there is should probably just check on their self esteem. Likely the bigger problem is that some people don't want to admit that in an ever changing United States of America, Christianity may not be the dominating religion for much longer. People should enjoy the stories of many religious backgrounds just like we feel comfortable tasting the foods of many ethnicities. But here in the Zen Tiki Lounge we prefer to keep religion out of the tiki bar. So our annual Christmas podcast is more about the cocktails, gift giving and shenanigans.
Our drink on this show is the Sea Slug. Its creamy! Its refreshing! And, it may cure illness. Perfect for the holidays or any time of year. Mix one right away and enjoy the show.
From Left: Starshine holding the creepy Christmas baby, Pumpkin showing her vegan frown for SPAM, Kalani pretending she doesn't like processed meats and Sunshine having his fourth cocktail.
The holidays are complicated enough without having to track down 10 ingredients for a cocktail. Enough said. This little number is simple, tasty and filled with yuletide cheer. Xmas Helper is bright and red with just a touch of spice and vanilla. With so few cocktail ingredients to track down you may have time to make all your gifts from scratch with your own two drunk hands. Please don't use power tools while drinking ;) You may want to get the punch bowl ready and go big!
While in Hawaii on their honeymoon cruise, Sunshine and Husband had the opportunity to pick up a few treats from the islands. Our suitcases were filled with rum and liquor and to our surprise the customs folks paid no attention. One of Sunshines favorite treats is the Portuguese Sausage SPAM that he didn't actually purchase himself. A friend on the cruise ship was nice enough to gift a can so we can share with the friend when we got home. SPAM is very popular in Hawaii dating back to WWII when Hawaii suffered even more during rationing than the rest of the us on the mainland. SPAM become a popular way to have meat during hard times and the number of recipes using this often maligned pressed meat grew quickly. Sunshines favorite is SPAM masubi. Try making grilled SPAM and sticky rice as a quick and easy appetizer.
1 can SPAM any flavor sliced 1/2 inch thick
3 cups white long grain sticky rice (cook as directed on package)
Teriyaki sauce
Fresh pineapple chunks or mandarin orange segments
Toasted sesame seeds (optional to sprinkle in to as garnish)
First make rice according to direction on package and allow to cool to room temperature. Using a small ice cream scooper or large metal spoon, scoop and press rice into balls. Set aside. Grill SPAM until it gets crispy on each side. Cut SPAM into 2" x 3" pieces. Top with rice, drizzle with teriyaki sauce. Add fruit to the top and skewer with a pick so it stays together. Festive and salty. Perfect for your cocktail party.
One of the greatest thing about a gag gift exchange is receiving creepy items like this one. This crazy eyed baby doll was just sitting around for decades until wrapped up and given to Sunshine to go with all his rum.
