It’s National Rum Day, and we’re spending it with Wicked Dolphin Rum!

There’s not a more perfect beverage for a weekend afternoon in the South than sweet iced tea. Unless of course, you add a few peaches and a little spiced rum!

If you ever want to be the most popular person in your neighborhood, give this a try on your front porch. Even the mailman was especially nice to me this afternoon during his daily delivery. I think he was waiting for an invitation, but this was too good to share 😉

What an awesome summertime lunch!

How many times have you heard the story of an idea arising after a few good cocktails?  Plenty. But have you heard the story of an idea being sparked by a horrible cocktail? That’s just how it happened for JoAnn Elardo, Founder of Cape Spirits, Inc., makers of Wicked Dolphin Rum.

Having recently sold her business in Eastern Europe and relocating to Cape Coral, Florida, JoAnn had been contemplating her next business venture. She knew she wanted to be in an industry she would be passionate about and while reading one night, took a sip of a terrible cocktail. After looking at the rum bottle and seeing it was produced by a non-local, large manufacturer, and knowing over half of the sugar produced in the United States is produced in Florida, she thought, “Why isn’t there a great local Florida Rum?”  Being a true entrepreneur, the idea sparked a drive in her to create Wicked Dolphin, “Florida’s Craft Rum.” The rest is wicked history!

A few hours and a few Wicked Dolphin Spiced Rum Peach Teas later, it was dinnertime and I had a great idea. I enjoyed the Spiced Rum so much in the tea, I thought, why not incorporate this into dinner and be just a little more Wicked 😉 So, we did. Because we can!

Thick cut bone-in pork chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pears in an incredible Spiced Rum glaze…Just. Wow. I can’t even!

On second thought, yes we can…and so can you!

Happy National Rum Day y’all! Dare to be a little Wicked!

Wicked Dolphin Spiced Rum Peach Tea

• 1.5 ounces of Wicked Dolphin Spiced Rum
• 2 tbsp. peach flavored syrup
• 1 cup chai tea
• 2 shakes of peach bitters
• 1 mason jar full of ice – Yes, this is required 😉

Directions

Mix rum and syrup. Pour into cup of tea, then pour over ice. Enjoy!

Wicked Spiced Rum Bone-in Pork Chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Pears

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 4 pears, removed from core and cubed
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup Wicked Dolphin Spiced Rum
• 3 tbsp. Tupelo honey
• 1 tbsp. vanilla
• 1 stick butter
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon sugar
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Good olive oil

    

Directions

Brine pork chops in Wicked Dolphin Spiced Rum Peach Tea for about 3 hours. This will ensure ultimate flavor and juiciness. (This step isn’t required for this recipe to be delicious, but highly recommended.)

Place sweet potatoes and pears on a roasting pan, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 40 minutes at 400 degrees.

Add butter to a skillet. Melt and allow butter to brown over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Add Wicked Dolphin Rum, vanilla, honey and cinnamon sugar. Stir. Add roasted potatoes and pears and toss to coat. Cover and keep warm.

Remove chops from brine, salt & pepper as desired and grill for 20 minutes or until done depending on your grill heat and temperature, and thickness of your chops. Plate chops and top with vegetable fruit medley and additional sauce. Enjoy!

Life is too short to eat ugly food y’all…

…and to not be a little Wicked.

 

• A very special thank you to Cape Spirits & Wicked Dolphin Rum for providing the rum and ingredients for this post, however all thoughts, opinions and drooling are all mine 😉