Molly's Canasta Extravaganza

Welcome, Partner!
I'm Molly.
You've been paired with me for your Canasta & Cocktails adventure, which should work out nicely for both of us.
I'll be sharing a few canasta tips, recipes, and observations along the way.
Let's try not to embarrass ourselves.

Canasta Tips from Molly
Tip #1:
Pay attention to what everyone else is picking up from the discard pile. If Barnaby keeps grabbing red cards and pretending he's "not up to anything," he is absolutely up to something.

Tip #2:
A canasta is not built in a hurry. Neither is a respectable tomato sandwich. Patience is part of the process.

Tip #3:
Wild cards are valuable. Use them wisely. This is also true of coupons and chickens willing to carry heavy things.

Tip #4:
If you're holding seven different cards and no clear plan, you do not have a strategy. You have a collection.

Tip #5:
Never announce that you're winning until the game is over. The Canasta Gods are petty and enjoy teaching lessons.

Tip #6:
Keep your cards organized. A messy hand leads to mistakes. Ask Shirley. Actually, don't ask Shirley. She'll blame the chickens.

Tip #7:
The discard pile contains useful information. Staring into it dramatically every few minutes does not.

Tip #8:
If your partner suddenly starts making strange decisions, assume they know something you don't. If they continue making strange decisions for three rounds, perhaps check on them.

Tip #9:
Sometimes the best play is the one that prevents someone else from getting what they want. This principle applies to canasta and the last cinnamon roll.

Tip #10:
Remember that canasta is meant to be enjoyable. If the game becomes stressful, take a break, have a snack, and remind yourself that nobody has ever been chased by a goose over a card game. Probably.

Molly's Official Canasta Rule
"The purpose of canasta is to spend time with those you enjoy. Winning is nice, but if nobody laughed, had snacks, or told a story that wandered completely off topic, you're doing it wrong." 

~ Molly Tilton, who has never officially lost a game because she disputes several outcomes.

 

Here's a game night snack I love!

Molly's Cheddar Dill Cracker Spread

Molly says:
"If people leave the canasta table to refill their plate three times, you've done your job."
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon onion powder
A dash of black pepper

Directions
Mix everything together until well combined.
Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Serve with buttery crackers.

Molly's Advice
"Make it the day before. Almost everything in life improves after a good night's sleep except goats and Oinkers."

We can't forget the cocktail!

"A proper canasta night requires three things: good cards, good company, and a reasonable amount of mint. What constitutes a reasonable amount of mint is a matter of personal judgment."

Molly's Mint Mojito:
Ingredients
10 fresh mint leaves
¾ oz simple syrup
Juice of 1 lime
2 oz white rum
Club soda
Ice

Directions
Add the mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice to a glass.
Gently muddle the mint to release its oils.
Fill the glass with ice.
Pour in the rum and stir.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.

Molly's Advice:
"If you're pounding the mint into green paste, you've gone too far. The mint is a guest, not an opponent."

Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool before using. Keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Well, Partner, our canasta night has come to an end.
I hope you enjoyed the cards, the recipes, and our time together.

The other goats and I will be here when you're ready for another visit to the Hollow.

Until then, take care of yourself, spend time with people you enjoy, and remember that a good snack can solve more problems than most people realize.

~ Molly