The Millionaire’s Holiday?

And what brings that to mind? Simple, today is April 15th — tax day — and I have just returned from my accountant.

“O.K. folks, but remember your manners. No stampeding. Walk slow, like you do when you come to pay your taxes.” Harry Holman as Mayor Hawkins in Frank Capra’s “Meet John Doe.”

If you are the host with the most among your friends, consider throwing a tax day party tonight where everyone brings something and you provide the main course. It’s a tradition in our family that you serve chili on tax day– with more beans than meat. They’re cheaper, after all. For a packaged mix, I like Wick Fowler‘s 2-Alarm Chili made extra spicy. Serve the leftovers over a baked potato for an easy, satisfying and low-fat, high-energy lunch tomorrow.

“Lemme have a bowl of …. coffee, huh?” says Bing Crosby to a waiter in “Holiday Inn.”

But if you’re in need of a little stronger pick-me-up after signing on the dotted line, let’s all swing on over to Monte Carlo, tax-free haven of the wealthy and don’t they know it.

(from American Bar by Charles Schumann)

1/4 – 3/4 oz of fresh lemon jiuce
1/4 oz. white crème de menthe
3/4 oz. gin
Champagne

Shake first three ingredients over ice in a shaker. Strain into a Champagne flute, top up with Champagne. Repeat. Laugh all the way to the bank.

And for you students who won’t pay taxes this year and may even qualify for a rebate, some investment advice: Save it! You’re going to want some very good clothing, art and furniture in the near future. Save enough and you won’t have to compromise. Start your easy and elegant life bank account today. You’ll be surprised how fast small monthly contributions add up.

In the meantime contributions to the Easy and Elegant Whiskey Relief may be sent care of the editor.