Party Girl

It is well documented that I will use any excuse to throw a cocktail party.

And Valentine's Day definitely qualifies as "any excuse" so last night I had a Ladies Only cocktail party with appetizers, decorations, and little take-home gifts (a small travel candle in a pink bag). The hit of the party was definitely the sparkling pomegranate cocktail, and the baked brie so those are the recipes I will share with you. Both really easy, both perfect for a Valentine's Day celebration.

Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

2 bottles of cava (or other sparkling wine)

32 oz of 100% Pomegranate Juice (recommended: Langers All Pomegranate)

Combine, stir and serve out of a glass pitcher! It is deep pink, sparkling and gorgeous.

Baked Brie

One 1lb of wheel
1 sheet of puff pastry (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)

1 Egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll the sheet of puff pastry out until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Cut away about a 1/4 inch strip. Place wheel of brie (with the rind still on!) in the center and "wrap" it in the puff pastry. Place seam side down on a cookie sheet and use the left over strip to cut out decorations for the top (I used hearts). If not baking immediately, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Otherwise, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the egg-wash over the surface of the pastry-covered brie. Bake for 20 minutes, and let sit at least 20 minutes before serving with crackers, mini toasts and fruit.