Episode 140: John Blackburn's A Scent of New-Mown Hay

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Criminy! The Mikes forage for some insights and witticisms about John Blackburn's first novel, and return home empty handed (and covered with ticks). They wonder about first-novel awkwardness and hope for better in later books.

It's Cocktail Time!

A Fungus among Us

In a shaker, combine

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 table spoons orange juice

• 1/2 teaspoon mushroom powder (such as oyster mushroom)

• 3 tablespoons mescal

• 1 tablespoon triple sec

shake with ice and pour into margarita glass rimmed with salt.

Episode 139 Michael Talbot's Night Things

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Pack the station wagon, head to the Adirondacks and join The Two Mikes as they vacation with Michael Talbot's  Night Things.  Is that a Fallen Angel under your covers or are you just excited to see us?  Do yourself a favor and head straight to the rental agent and demand better accommodations.

It's Cocktail Time!

The Adirondack Moonrise

2 shots blended Canadian Whiskey

3 Tablespoons maple syrup

1 Tablespoon wild blueberries

1 lemon wedge

Splash of seltzer.

Muddle the berries, lemon and maple syrup in an Old Fashion glass. Fill with ice and pour in the whiskey and seltzer.  Stir well. Garnish with lemon.

Episode 138: Michael Talbot's The Bog

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The Mikes get their hands dirty and moist digging into Michael Talbot's second novel. We learn about what bog tannins can do to human remains (preserve them) and what hanging out with a demon can do to a sorcerer (preserve them). 

It's Cocktail time!

The Bog Body

In a cocktail shaker, combine:

• 1 1/2 shots scotch (something peaty)
• 1 shot Mirto liqueur (myrtle liqueur)
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• sprig of crushed fresh thyme

Shake with ice and pour into a tumbler of ice. 

Fill glass with ginger beer and garnish with lemon slice. 

Episode 137: Michael Talbot's A Delicate Dependency

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Solve all the mysteries with all the Mike's as they bite into The Delicate Dependency.  Something is certainly catching and hopefully it is not an invulnerable virus. Perhaps you'll ride a Dodo bird through the orchid green house or maybe you'll just walk out the door and head on home. Those silly vampires, what they won't do. 

It's Cocktail Time!

Hot House Flower 

One bottle of Kava

Equal parts half cranberry juice and pomegranate juice

Two big glugs of Cointreau 

A healthy splash of Orange Blossom Water

Pour into a large iced pitcher, stir, decant into Champagne flutes and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Chin Chin.