We’re in the home stretch! Daylight savings and spring are right around the corner! In the meantime, cozying up with a yummy drink in a pretty glass, and spending a little time in the kitchen during these last weeks of winter is sounding pretty good to me right now!

To get this party started, look no further than Patron Extra Anejo Tequila! It has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, and it tastes a lot like whiskey, which was a surprise to us! It can be used as a substitute for whisky in cocktail recipes or drink it straight with or without ice. While you’re on the Patron website, check out their Cocktail Lab for specialty recipes tailored just for you! Available at Total Wine for about $40.

I‘ve been loving these little perfectly portion-controlled crystal Dorset Shot Glasses from Williams-Sonoma for sipping my newfound Patron Extra Anejo! Or if you like it on ice, my hubby loves the matching extra-large Dorset Triple Old-Fashioned Glasses $29.95 each and $19.95 per shot glass.

For a little extra something special, we’ve been cooling our drinks down with these Ice Sphere Molds. Bartenders like using spheres because there is less surface area than cubes, which means you still get the chilling effects, but your drink will be less diluted. Sounds good to me! Williams-Sonoma $21.95

I admit, I’m a little late to the game on this one, but I just bought my first cast iron skilled a few months ago…and boy, was it a game-changer, especially when it comes to cooking steaks! They come out perfect every time! 12 Lodge Skillet $29.95 They also sell a Silicone Handle Holder which is really handy and easier than using a kitchen towel!

Or if you want to go with more of the rugged cowboy vibe, they even have a Nokona Leather Handle Holder made from premium stitched ball glove leather! $29.95

I’ve been eyeing the high-end, fancy cast iron Le Creuset and Staub Enameled Dutch Ovens for quite some time, but since I love our cast iron skillet so much, I’m going to give the Lodge Dutch Oven a try first. 5 quart $54.95

The first recipe I’ll be trying in my new Dutch Oven will be none other than the classic Beef Bourguignon! I have a recipe I’ve used for years, but I happened upon this Ina Garten recipe that has over 1,000 reviews with an overall 4.7-stars. This recipe calls for diced onions, but if I can find them, I like using peeled pearl onions from the freezer section at Trader Joe’s. 

I’m definitely looking forward to spring, but in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the last few weeks of winter 😊