French 75 + Broiled Citrus (Set the Table turns 2!)

Set the Table turns 2 today! Actually, this is my 6th year of blogging but my 2nd blogging in this space. It all started so innocently as a way to communicated with my family and friends. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I think it's safe to say that food blogging has become something I can't live without. It has connected me with so many wonderful people and has helped me to connect with passions I didn't know I had. Much of the joy I feel for this crazy fun (and sometimes ridiculously difficult) thing I've been sucked into is thanks to all of you. Readers and fellow bloggers bring a smile to my face each and every day and I feel so blessed by that not-so-little gift. Because when it comes right down to it, I think all we can ask for is to have people in our lives who give us a reason to smile and help empower us to do what we love. So I'd like to raise a glass (preferably filled with this bubbly, fun French 75) to 2 years of Set the Table.

I have to be honest and say that I almost missed my blogiversary entirely. The past few weeks have been a little ridiculous. Riley got the flu and was sicker than I've ever seen him. Braden came down with RSV and consequently was sent to the NICU with bronchiolitis. I had a sinus infection that still hasn't quite left me alone. And now Riley has a double ear infection. As if life with a new baby weren't challenging enough, the big guy upstairs decided to give us a bit more to struggle through. We are all doing fine but I won't lie- there were times when I couldn't imagine how we would ever climb out of that hole. Fortunately, we had a lot of help with food, laundry, and keeping our spirits as high as possible thanks to our amazing family and church family. Without their help, I'm quite certain I would be crying under the covers right now. Community is important, people. Don't ever forget that.

I've mostly been taking baby steps to get back into my usual routines. I find that the more I introduce my 'old' habits into our new life as a family of 4, the better I feel. Putting together this blog post is a perfect example. I may not have everything figured out, but little things like this help ground me and remind me that I am more than the spit up on my ratty old t-shirt and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. I love being a mom and wouldn't change it for the world, but to be the best mom I can be I need to stay connected to who I am apart from that.

Thanks for being patient with me while I figured out how to make that happen after so many unexpected bumps in the road.

This French 75, garnished with broiled citrus slices, is so beautiful and fresh that it will bring you out of your dark winter haze in no time at all. The playful bubbles paired with the deep flavor of broiled citrus (if you haven't tried broiling citrus you need to get on that now) make the perfect cocktail for this awkward transition between winter and spring. Spring is coming, you know. I promise. This cocktail might help it come a little faster...

Here's to another year, more new recipes, and even more new friendships from Set the Table! 

French 75 + Broiled Citrus

Makes 1 cocktail

2 oz gin

4 oz chilled champagne

1/2 oz broiled lemon juice (instructions below)

broiled citrus slice

In a champagne flute, add the gin and lemon juice. Top with the champagne and garnish with a citrus slice. Enjoy!

Broiled Citrus

1 lemon, sliced

1 orange, sliced

1 orange cut in half

1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Arrange the slices on a parchment lined, rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the citrus slices and orange halves with the sugar and place under the broiler and cook until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn!