a toast to great neighbors

Once September arrives we like to host a little backyard party for the neighborhood.  It’s a great time to reconnect and catch up on summer adventures.  Everyone brings a little something to snack on and here’s what we served up.

This festive recipe for ladybug crackers called for black paste food coloring that I couldn’t find so super small diced olives had to work for the spots.  Luckily Iitu is the master of splicing and dicing.

Next on the list… super tasty cider sangria that turned out to be a big hit.

Here’s what you need:

1 bottle (standard size) of pinot grigio
2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
1 cup club soda
1/2 cup ginger brandy
2 honey crisp apples, chopped
2 pears, chopped

I served it over ice for slightly lighter taste and the crunchy apples and pears were also great to munch on after finishing the delicious drink.

It was a most lovely afternoon filled with great conversations,  lots of laughter, a few new introductions and many old connections too.

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