I think everyone feels like they are always the one doing the inviting.

We feel that we are always the one asking so-and-so to coffee, scheduling play dates, or doing the hosting.  

Of course, if we all think that, someone must be mistaken.  But it’s not us.  It’s definitely not us. 

I had been feeling like that for a while - like I was the perpetual initiator.  

Then, someone invited me to join them for an afternoon of frappuccinos and pedicures, and I had a little celebration before replying to that marvelous text. 

It was the little happy jolt that I needed and it completely made my week.

My nails now look fabulous, by the way.  It’s still too chilly to wear flip flops here most days, but if you would care to see the proof I’d happily take my socks off for you.  You’re welcome.

Though I am well aware of the fact that much of my “perpetual initiator” feelings are not exactly grounded in truth, it was so very nice to be the on the receiving end of the invitation. 

After a bit of careful, cookie-fueled self-examination, I realized that the most wonderful part of this invitation was the fact that I did not have to think at all.  A lot of my interactions with people are co-planned, we throw dates and ideas back and forth until something finally makes its mark on the calendar.  This is just fine, but it was luxurious to be able to simply say “yes,” provide my coffee order, and just show up.  That was the truly special part - no thinking required. 

So, let’s do some inviting and give a few of our favorite people the happy jolt that comes with receiving a no-coordinating-required kind of invite. 

May I suggest that you invite them over to try out a new recipe?  Like this one?  You really should… 

You know what a fan I am of the mocktail.  I spent most of last Summer blending, juicing, and squeezing, in order to drink my Summer through a straw.

Though this drink does contain wine, the majority of the alcohol is cooked off during the poaching process.  So, it's cool if you would like to drink one (or three) of these on a Monday afternoon.

The flavors here are so elaborate, yet so delicate.  The gentle notes of pear, sauvignon blanc, ginger, lemon, and apple will bounce around your palate in one glorious ode to Springtime. 

Now call your friend and make her/his day.  Happy jolts for everyone. 

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie

Poached Pear Spritzer

makes six 6-ounce servings

- 1 cup water 

- 1/2 cup dry white wine, I used a Sauvignon Blanc (chilled) 

- 5 slices fresh ginger, peeled

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

- 2 medium Bosc pears, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 

- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 

- 16 ounces sparkling apple cider*

- lemon slices, for garnish 

Combine water, wine, ginger, and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Stir often, until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Add pears to the simmering syrup and cook for 10 minutes, or until fork-tender.  

Remove from heat and pour the contents of the pan into the pitcher of your blender.  Blend on high until smooth.  Allow to cool in the refrigerator. 

When ready to serve, fill six, 6-ounce glasses with ice.  Fill each glass halfway with pureed pears and top with 1/2 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.  Slowly fill the glass to the brim with sparkling apple cider (about 2.5 ounces per serving) and stir to combine.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy! 

*You can find some variation of sparkling apple cider at most any grocery store.  I prefer the Trader Joe’s brand, but any brand will do.