There are many claims to the invention of the Margarita, but the prevailing credit goes to Margaret “Margarita” Sames, a wealthy Dallas socialite. As the story goes, the cocktail was born over the Christmas holiday in 1948. According to an interview in 1994 in the San Antonio News-Express, published in the town where Mrs. Sames had retired on the 45th anniversary of the cocktail:

Margarita and her husband, Bill, invited some friends from Dallas to visit them in Acapulco. Their cliffside hacienda was under construction, so they borrowed a home from a local friend, with luxurious grounds and a pool with a swimming bar. Sames wanted to make a refreshing drink that could be enjoyed poolside before lunch. “After all, a person can only drink so many beers or so many Bloody Marys, or screwdrivers or whatever,” she said. “I wanted to make up a new drink.”

Margarita had initially tried to invent a rum drink, inspired by her visits to Cuba, but had no success. Tequila was her favorite spirit, so she turned there. Having tasted and enjoyed the orange-based French liqueur Cointreau, she decided to combine the two. At the time, she said, there were no mixed drinks using tequila, which was served in classic style in a shot glass, with salt and a slice of lime.

Margarita Sames was 35 years old when she invented the cocktail that would become America’s favorite. No matter what your age, as long as you’re of drinking age, you too can invent an immortal cocktail. Just be sure to do a lot of blogging about it, so there won’t be any question years from now, that it started with you.
 
  

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on March 2nd, and will receive one five-pound box of the Nuovo pasta of his or her choice.

From the top: Portabella & Asiago Ravioli,
Gorgonzola & Sundried Tomato Girasole and
Roasted Vegetable Pansotti.

– Avocado Shrimp Boats
– Cardamom–Scented Tropical Fruit & Marshmallow Skewers with Apricot Sauce
– Garlicky Grilled Pizzas with Grilled Shrimp, Feta, and Sun Dried Tomatoes
– Grilled Chicken and Roasted Pepper Panini
– Grilled Greek Feast
– Grilled Mango-Citrus Chimichurri Shrimp

According to The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, 58 percent of grill owners use their grills year round. So, check out the recipes, download your favorites and get grilling!

Learn about this rare artisan cheese.

Menuet, the cheese, is named after minuet, the
dance. Originating in France, this Menuet is made
by Dancing Cow Cheese in Vermont.

Red Carpet Fizz.

– Smoked Salmon Blinis
– Butter Lettuce Salad with Mandarin Oranges
– Slow Braised Short Ribs
– Pan-Roasted Chicken with Whole-Grain Mustard and Port
– Spring Risotto
– Molten Lava Chocolate Cake

– The Red Carpet Fizz
– The Ultimate Accolade
– The Golden Rush
– Plus Non-Alcoholic Beverages

And, there are party planning tips, shopping lists and games, Oscar ballots, Oscar Trivia and other games. Oscar Bingo, anyone? http://www.oscars.org/partykit