It's the end of a long, hard week. TGIF. We don't have to be up tomorrow at dawn so we can relax into the evening. As often as my husband and I can on Fridays, we do just that.

Sometimes we take in an early movie and go out for a quick bite. Sometimes we stay in and pop in a DVD. Unlike Saturday or Sunday, when we've got more time to food shop and prepare, Friday night's menu needs to be fast and fun! I have some recipes for you this week that are just that.

Enter AARP VIVA's Cookware Sweepstakes.

So fry up the egg rolls and shake up the cocktails. Once you start the lo mein, get the movie ready to go, because dinner is nearly done and a good night is just minutes away.

French Gimlet
Serves 2

If there's ever a night to enjoy a good cocktail, it's Friday. A French Gimlet is the perfect blend of all my favorites — gin, St. Germain and lime juice. If you don't have a bottle of St. Germain in your stash, buy one. Unlike a lot of syrupy liqueurs St. Germain — floral and not overly sweet — will not fade in the closet over the years. Made from wild elderflowers, it partners well with the gin's juniper while lime juice balances the sweetness. Shaken over ice, this drink is bracing, yet fresh, perfect with the appetizer and main course to come.

1/2 cup gin
1/4 cup St. Germain (elderflower liqueur)
2 tablespoons juice from 1 large lime

Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker; shake well. Strain into a coupes or martini glasses and serve.

Next: Quick vegetable egg rolls. >>