Vodka with Lemonade

Hello again!!! This drink is simple to make, pleasant and refreshing!  I just wanted something with a little hint of tart and sweet and that's what this drink is..  I am a light on the alcohol gal so here is my verison of Vodka with Pink Lemonade.  Enjoy!  Happy Entertaining!!!!!  Plus+ this...You can try cherry vodka with pink lemonade for a nice touch!

1 oz.Vodka
1 full tablespoon Pink Lemonade mix
8 oz. water
2 Maraschino cherries
2 tsp. Maraschino juice
Lots of ice
Lemon slice

Blueberry Soda! A nice new summer beverage!

I saw this in the Sunday newspaper and it caught my eye.  I like to make different refreshing summer beverages. Most are alcohol free as this one is but I do like the fru fru ones too!

  When I saw this recipe for Blueberry syrup I couldn't wait to make it and also make Blueberry Soda.  Doesn't it sound interesting?  I think it did so I am sharing the recipe with you. Enjoy!

7/4/13

Straining the blueberries was a little messy but all in all it was easy to do!

Beautiful color, taste and texture  I may even try a little on vanilla ice cream!!!!!

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

1 cup sugar

9 T fresh lemon juice

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the blueberries, sugar and lemon juice.

Bring to a simmer slowly, stirring until all of the berries have popped, about 10 minutes.  Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.  Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, remove the mixture from the refrigerator.  Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer.  Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Blueberry Soda

For one drink, fill a tall glass with ice cubes.  Add 3 T of the Blueberry syrup, top with seltzer or I'm going to use club soda and mix gently.  Top with a lemon slice and a few blueberries as a garnish. 

Pineapple Whip

I made this wonderful refreshing dessert today. I didn't exactly follow the recipe to the tee.

I made it using frozen pineapple lol and it sure was a lot easier.
The frozen pineapple was sweet ( I tasted it before I processed it) but added a little pear juice to it while processing it. It was absolutely fabulous and my  hubby had seconds.

Enjoy!

1 pineapple (I used bagged frozen pineapple from Aldi's)

1/2 cup coconut milk

Sweetener if needed
Pear juice if needed to thin

1. Peel, core and cut one fresh ripe pineapple into chunks. Spread chunks on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (for at least 24 hours).
2. Place frozen pineapple chunks in a food processor together with ½ cup of coconut milk. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Taste the pineapple whip and add sweetener to your liking. If the pineapple wasn't super ripe and sweet, I will add a little pear juice but honey, maple syrup or agave would work. Process once more to incorporate the sweetener.
4. To achieve a soft serve-like look, fit a piping bag or ziploc with a large open star tip. Fill the pineapple whip into the bag and pipe into serving bowls in a swirling motion.

Note:  I used an ice cream scoop to dip ours instead of piping it.  You do what's convenient for you.

From my happy kitchen to yours,

The BEST Summer Cocktails

These HAPPY BEVERAGE suggestions are a few favorites of mine for Summer Cocktails.  There are dozens more but on the top of my list are the frozen ones and you can't miss serving a glass of fruit sangria which is one of my favorites. 

  
When we decide to do a little entertaining I will pick one or two of this type fun beverage for a  summer HAPPY beverage.


l. Tommy Margarita.  The healthier version is made with tequila, agave syrup and fresh lime.

2. Mojito.  This refreshing Cuban cocktail is made with white rum, sugar, meddled mint leaves and soda.

3. Summer Breeze (I remember this one)  Great as a punch, this concoctions has vodka OJ, cranberry juice and fresh fruit.

4. Gin and Tonic.  Give it a herbal twist with a garnish of a sprig of rosemary.

5. Raspberry Beer.  Mix beer, frozen raspberries and raspberry lemonade in cute glass jars.

6.  Collins Cooler:  Tangy and refreshing; vodka, grapefruit juice, tonic and lots of ice, garnished with fresh grapefruit.

7. Whiskey sour:  Add a good amount of ice and take out the egg white to focus on the lemon zestiness.

8.  Frozen Daiquiri : 

The frozen, blended version of the original Margarita. This version has a nice, light sour lime taste but there are many more variations with almost any flavor you may want.
Ingredients: tequila, triple sec, lime juice, sour mix.

9. Melon Margarita:
  
Ingredients
1-1/2 ounces Patron Silver tequila
1 ounces fresh lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 ounces orange juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar
5 watermelon cubes
1 small watermelon wedge

Muddle the watermelon cubes in the bottom of a shaker glass. Add ice, Patron, lime juice, orange juice and agave syrup. Give it a good shake for approximately 10 seconds. Strain and pour into large rocks glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

10:  Pina Colada:

   2 ounces white rum
   6 ounces pineapple juice
   1 1/2 ounces cream of coconut
   1 oz. heavy cream
    Pineapple wedge for garnish

Blend all ingredients with approximately 2 cups of ice until nice and smooth. Pour into a hurricane glass.

 Garnish with pineapple wedge and a Maraschino cherry too!

Protein Fruit Smoothie!

If you don't want your smoothie to be a milkshake in disguise try this one worthy of posting.

Note:  When you have fruit and it is either too ripe or you don't want to waste it,  simply chop and freeze for a later date. (Bananas, strawberries, blueberries and the like).

 You can make a quick smoothie with them  by adding a little juice and  yogurt for protein.  Want to make it really healthy throw in a 1/4 cup fresh spinach and blend.  The fruit masks the taste and you get all the healthy nutrients.   Healthy does it! 



1 1/4 cups fresh berries
3/4 cup yogurt, low-fat plain or vanilla
1/2 cup orange juice
2 T fat free milk or coconut or almond milk
1 T wheat germ, toasted(optional)
1 T honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract(if you aren't using vanilla yogurt)
1/4 cup packed fresh spinach(optional)

Place berries, yogurt, orange juice and optional fruit and vegetables choices in a blender.  Add a little crushed ice and blend until smooth.

9/11/13

Easy Watermelon Tea Spritzer!

 I have found that I really enjoy carbonated beverages so this is my solution to getting my carbonated beverage without all the sugar calories.  Check it out!! 

Easy Beverage Spritzer

1 large(23 oz) Arizona Watermelon Sweetened Ice Tea
1 qt. Club soda(for the carbonation)
Frozen raspberries, blueberries or any other frozen fruit
Ice Cubes or crushed ice

Mix all and you have a great refreshing beverage that doesn't have a lot of calories!  and you don't have to use diet anything!

Low in calories and so refreshing. 

Note:  I have done this tea spritzer with other juice combo's.  It works well with Cran/Rasp. or Tropical Punch juice.  Use approx. 23 oz or less of juice and the equal amount or more of the club soda.  Frozen berries for a garnish..

xo
M.J.  


9/12/12

Strawberry Coconut Cream Soda! A Summer must!

Browsing though Better Homes and Gardens Magazine I found this amazing recipe for a Cream Soda beverage. 

As the 4th is tomorrow I am quickly posting it for all my loyal followers.  I made one for myself last night and it proved to be a wonderful, refreshing yet so tasty drink that I will make a pitcher for my guests tomorrow.

Happy Entertaining from my kitchen to yours,

 

M.J.

Enjoy the 4th and please be safe.  Fireworks are dangerous!! 

Strawberry Coconut Cream Soda

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

2/3 cup sugar(adjust for sweetness)  I added a little less

3/4 cup refrigerated coconut milk

3 to 4 cups Club soda or carbonated water, chilled

In a medium bowl combine strawberries and sugar; stir well to combine.  Using a pastry blender, coarsely mash the strawberries.

Place 1/3 cup mashed strawberries in each of 6 glasses.  To each glass add ice, 2 T coconut milk, and 1/2 to 2/3 cups  club soda. Stir drinks just before serving.  Makes 6 servings.

*Note:  If you don't want your drink to be too sweet cut down on the sugar amount.  

***Rosebud Followers:  Use Splenda instead of sugar or make it sugar free :)

 

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Pineapple/Banana Smoothie!

In a hurry? ..Yummy!!   A great fast nutritious drink at home or take it to work..This would work for those of you who are rushing out the door without anything to eat.....Why not try this? 

 Put it in your take along cup.  It will fit in your cup holder. It's healthy and it will fill you up!  Nice for a quick lunch too! Add some granola or Cheerios to it!!!! for a plus+.    Put one in your work frige or even freeze it..It does take about an hour to thaw if you freeze it.  Loaded with calcium and protein.  (use either fat free or low fat yogurt). Try pineapple coconut yogurt for a nice change to add a little more umpp!  

In blender put 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, 1/2 sliced banana, 1/2 or 1 small peach cut in slices,(if using canned, drain first) 1-6 oz. vanilla low fat yogurt and 1/2 cup chipped ice.  Blend and serve or freeze allowing some time to thaw slightly.  You choose!


Enjoy!

Peach Smoothie: An anytime drink!

 Get out the blender, dust it off and try this refreshing and low in calories beverage that can be used for  breakfast or when entertaining.  Actually it is an anytime beverage.  Please the peach lovers with this non alcoholic drink.. Top with a twist of lime and a cherry..(the cherry floats on top)  Tasty and healthy!
Plus + it..  Healthy and nutritious!

 

Peach Smoothie

½ cup sliced peaches (1 whole) (drain well one small serving size diced peaches)

1 6 oz. Peach yogurt ( I used Yoplait Original)

1/4  tsp. Vanilla

Splash of lime juice

¾ cup chopped ice

cherry(optional)

Put peaches, yogurt, vanilla, splash of lime and crushed ice in blender.  Blend on low speed and process until all ice has blended through.  Garnish with a cherry.  Refreshing and low in calories..

5/1/13

Tangerine, Pineapple and Blueberry Smootie:

Thinking of summer?  Well I am and I found this smoothie recipe and it's a must try.  (Feast on the cheap)

Squeeze some tangerines or buy some tangerine juice
Plain yogurt
frozen blueberries
flax seeds
banana (frozen)

Add all ingredients to blender..Blend until desired consistency..

Enjoy!


From my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

Halloween Punch!

I couldn't resist these little ice cube trays so as an extra Halloween surprise I'll be making this punch!

I couldn't wait to share this with you so that you can make it for your little ghosts and goblins too!

It's called Swamp Juice

1- 2 liter bottle of limeade
1-2 liter bottle lemon lime soda
1/2 gallon orange sherbet
1 bunch peeled red seedless grapes


Directions

Combine limeade and soda in a large punch type bowl.  (You can even buy at the Dollar Store a large colorful bowl)
Scoop sherbet into bowl
Float peeled grapes in mixture

Zombie Brain gummies

My Goblin!

Garnish with full tray of Halloween ice cubes (you can put a gummy type candy in bottom and fill with water and freeze.

Recipe for a Watermelon Margarita!! Ole!

Last minute plans sometime turn out the best and tonight was one of those great nights.  First to a movie (Bourne Legacy) Boo!! Waste of time.......................................

 Next on to dinner at Bravo Italian Restaurant.  A+ to the lovely server and manager who were so pleasant and very accommodating.  The special drink this evening was a Watermelon Margarita!!!!  Yum! and another A+ for them sharing their recipe.  Enjoy!!

Watermelon Margarita

4 cubes watermelon
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
lime wedge
sugar rim

Yummy and the bartender shared the recipe 

Sweet but with a hint of lemon shrimp appetizer to share.

Shrimp Fra Diablo