soufflés and sugar rims

I've been spending the last week at Watercolor in Florida with my mom, sisters, and my sister's kids. We have come every year around Memorial Day for the last 8 years. My nephew, Truman, was not even 2 years old yet when we came for the first time, and he is about to turn 9 years old!! I can hardly believe it. Every year, some of my favorite watercolor-esque things are bike riding through the development, lazy mornings on the porch, squeezing on my precious niece, and frog hunting with my nephews at night.

Last night we had a girls' night out for drinks and dessert. Per my sister Lesli's planning, we went to a restaurant called Fish Out of Water. She had told us about two essential things to try. The lemon drop martini and the vanilla soufflé. Pre-last night, I had yet to find a cocktail that I actually liked and souffles are not high on my dessert list either. I was a bit skeptical that they would live up to Lesli's praises. Boy, was I wrong. End result: the best cocktail and dessert to ever touch my lips. This is not an exaggeration. I repeat: No embellishments here.

First, the lemon drop martini. Fresh lemon peel and lemongrass infused vodka, with a sugar rim. You've never tasted a better sour and sweet combination. Next, the vanilla soufflé. Oh my... mouth is watering even as I write. The upper layer crusted to perfection, inside texture soft and smooth, and sea salted caramel poured over the top. Yummmm.....I am loving this new tradition.




*All photos were taken by my very talented sister, Amber Beckham. You can find more of her work at the link on the right.