It’s Happy Hour Wednesday! What part of Pittsburgh will you be enjoying happy hour this weekend? Today we have a Strawberry Hennessy Cocktail and some Zucchini Garlic Bites for you to enjoy!

Strawberry Hennessy Cocktail Recipe:

Drink Ingredients:

• 2 oz Hennessy

• 4 oz champagne

• 2 oz strawberry syrup (you can use store-bought or make your own at home, see below)

• ice

• Fresh lemon and strawberries for garnishing

Strawberry Syrup Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound strawberries

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

Strawberry Syrup Instructions:

1. Prepare the strawberries by removing green leaves and cut them into thin slices.

2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.

3. Once boiled, turn the heat down and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Remove from heat. Blend the strawberries with a blender. (I used an immersion blender).

5. Strain the strawberry syrup through a sieve. (Make sure not to press the strawberries too hard, so your drink can stay clear.)

6. Let it chill.

Drink Instructions:

1. In a cocktail glass, add ice and fresh strawberries.

2. Pour in pour in Hennessy, Champagne, and strawberry syrup. Mix gently. Serve and enjoy!

Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded zucchini drained well

• 1 clove garlic grated fine

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tablespoon dried)

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil(or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

• pinch of salt and pepper

• tomato sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray. Set aside.

2. Use a box grater to grate the zucchini into a clean towel. Roll up the towel and twist to wring out the moisture.

3. Grate the garlic using the small holes on the box grater.

4. Add the shredded zucchini, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, chives, parsley, basil, oregano, salt and pepper to a medium bowl. Mix well to combine.

5. Shape a tablespoon of the mixture into your hands, pat into small balls, and place on the baking sheet.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes in the preheated oven until golden. Serve warm with marinara sauce. Recipe makes about 16 bites.