South Side Fizz Cocktail with #VOSSWater #Giveaway

Spring is almost over and summer is approaching fast. This was supposed to be a spring announcement, that VOSS released two new flavors. But in my life, spring arrived and change sprung. My computer was sick as a dog, I sold my house, packed 29 yrs worth of accumulation and moved.

Now I'm in a new place, missing my old kitchen with all it's counter space, and adjusting to new things.

I'm not settled into my new home quite yet. Actually far from it. But to be honest with you, I needed to turn my back on all those boxes, even just for a little bit, and focus on something other than "where am I going to put this?!"

So, back to my purpose. VOSS Water and their new unique, refreshing, sparkling water flavors.

If you're not familiar with VOSS, let me just give you a brief introduction. VOSS Water comes from Southern Norway and was founded by 2 boyhood friends who recognized the purity of the water from their small yet environmentally pristine nation. They take their environmental sustainability very seriously through their holistic approach and their dedication at becoming a carbon neutral company. All this while bringing us a naturally pure water that is also low in sodium and other minerals.

And now they're bringing in the fun by adding a little fizz and flavor: Lemon Cucumber, and Tangerine Lemongrass.

I seriously had to fight off my daughters from consuming it all before I could get my hands on it myself. This was a hot commodity, I'll tell ya. And rightfully so. The subtle and refreshing flavor combinations are a natural attraction. And of course, being 'VOSS', I mean, honestly who wouldn't feel just a little special drinking it! I won't go into my Norwegian decent that stirs just a bit of pride in there somewhere.

Besides drinking this straight from the bottle, I was given a few cocktail recipes, which of course I could not pass up. I mean, for reals....why would I? A refreshing, cool, crisp cocktail that is a perfect summer go-to. And with that said, I would like to introduce you to the South Side Fizz. I had to change it up just a bit because I couldn't find (and had never heard of) cucumber soda. And because I love cucumbers, I added a slice to mine.

South Side Fizz

12 mint leaves (or to taste basically. I used fewer as I'm not a huge mint fan)
1/4 oz Gin
1/4 oz Cointreau
VOSS Sparkling Lemon Cucumber Water
Garnish:
Slice of orange
Slice of lemon
Cucumber spear
Sprig of ming

Muddle the mint in the bottom of a shaker

Fill the shaker with ice. Add the Gin and Cointreau. Cover and shake a few times. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top it off with the VOSS Sparkling Lemon Cucumber Water. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, the cucumber spear and a sprig of mint.

If this is calling your name, then you're in luck! I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY! One lucky winner will receive one bottle each of these new unique VOSS Sparkling Water flavors. All you need to do is leave a comment and tell me where you dream of drinking it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US residents only. This giveaway will run from Monday, May 30, 2016 through Sunday, June 5, 2016 (11:59 pm PT). A winner will be notified within 48 hours of the close of the contest and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 

I was not compensated for this post, however VOSS Water supplied me with samples. They are also supplying 1 bottle each  of  VOSS Lemon Cucumber Sparkling water and Tangerine Lemongrass Sparkling water,  for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Cool Margarita Mule for #NationalMargaritaDay

Happy happy haaappy 

National Margarita Day

Wooot wooot! 

Welcome to our paaaartay! 

And do I have a margarita for you! Ever since my experience with tzatziki last weekend, I am all over cucumber. And then recently I enjoyed my first ever Moscow Mule. You know...that vodka drink with ginger beer? Omg...ginger beer! Now that's some good stuff. And I don't even like beer! Ok, let me rephrase that. I really like beer margaritas. As in....that's my go to marg. And then there's this German beer that I've discovered called Hefeweizen that works for me.   

Anyways, back to the cucumber and ginger beer. Ya....that's where we're going. It's cool, refreshing and snappy. 

There's a little prep work that needs to be done first but this is the best part of my Cool Margarita Mule. You must infuse your tequila with cucumber.

1 cup silver tequila
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

Muddle the cucumber in the bottom of a medium bowl. Add the tequila, cover and refrigerate for a least an hour, or over night.

With a fine mesh sieve, strain the tequila, squeezing as much of the liquid out of the cucumber as you can.

I let mine sit in the fridge over night and was shocked at how strong the cucumber flavor and aroma had become. squeeeee!!!

Now squeeze a bunch of limes and lets get started!

Cool Margarita Mule

1 part cucumber infused tequila
1 1/2 parts ginger beer
1/2 part fresh lime juice
1/2 part simple syrup
thin cucumber slices and lime wedges to garnish

Combine all of the ingredients and pour into a chilled margarita glass, rimmed with salt if desired, and filled with ice. Garnish with cucumber slices and lime wedges.

Let me just say....this is one refreshing margarita! The coolness of the cucumber, the tang of the lime and it's all balanced with the snappy ginger. I have to say I'm in love with my new margarita!

Now its time to go mingle and see what everyone else is up too. Between margaritas and margarita-inspired foods....I have a feeling this party will be an all nighter!

Cheers!


Margaritas:

• Blood Orange Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes
• Blood Orange Margarita from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Caramelized Grapefruit Margarita from girlichef
• Cinnamon Orange Margarita from Sweet Life
• Cool Margarita Mule from Peaceful Cooking
• Iced Coffee Margarita from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Mango Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie
• Minty Papaya Margarita with Chile de Arbol Spice from Nibbles and Feasts
• Pomelo Margaritas from Food Lust People Love
• Winter Pomelo Ginger Margarita from Muy Bueno Cookbook

Margarita-inspired food:

• Blood Orange Margarita Jello Shots from The Spiffy Cookie
• Pink Cadillac Margarita Cupcakes from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Salted Margarita Shortbread from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Strawberry Lime Margarita Cupcakes from Wishes and Dishes
• Strawberry Lime Aide Margarita Popsicles from Simply Healthy Family

Chai Tea Jello Shots #SundaySupper

Are you all ready for a Fabulous Fall? So are we at Sunday Supper! Check out all of the fabulous recipes linked at the bottom of this post.

When you think of fall foods, does jello flit through your head?

Probably not.

What if the jello flavor were....chai tea? And what if we took it a step further by adding some spiced rum?

And then went even 5 steps further and topped it with pumpkin pudding?! Now we're talking!

This really is a fun little appetizer type dessert-ish un-drink almost cocktail, that would be great for your fall get-togethers. If you're not into rum, thats fine. Just leave it out. No worries. The beauty of this is that you control the strength of everything, from how strong and sweet the tea is to how strong (or non-existent) the alcohol  is.

Chai Tea Jello Shots
Makes approximately 12 shots (depending on the shot size)

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup sugar, or according to taste. I recommend making it a bit extra sweet to balance the rum.
3 chai tea bags
2 packets of unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup spiced rum or according to taste (optional)
12 spoonfuls of pumpkin pudding (recipe to follow if needed)
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
12 whole roasted pepita seeds plus more for grinding

Stir the sugar into the boiling water until dissolved. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Allow to steep for several minutes. Remove teabags, squeezing out the excess "tea" from the bags. Taste, adjust sugar if needed.

Stir in the gelatin and stir continuously until thoroughly dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add in the rum. Taste, adjust accordingly.

Carefully fill your shot glasses

Refrigerate for a few hours or over night.

Meanwhile, make some pumpkin pudding. The recipe below makes more than you'll need, but it's really good, so you'll want to eat it anyway. (or make more shots hee hee)

Pumpkin pudding:
Inspired by: My Recipes

6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 3/4 cups milk (I didn't have enough milk so I used cream and it was wonderful)
1 large egg
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Combine the milk and the egg, whisking together thoroughly. Gradually add to the sugar and cornstarch and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Whisk and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Combine the pumpkin, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a bowl. Slowly add the pumpkin mixture to the milk mixture, whisking constantly. Place the pan over low heat and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated. DO NOT BOIL!

Divide among 4 dessert bowls (or one big bowl), cover the surface with plastic wrap and chill.

Once everything is chilled, take a handful of pepitas and grind them up in a spice grinder (I have an extra coffee grinder that I use just for spices).

Set up garnish station with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg and extra pepitas

Place a dollop of pumpkin pudding on each shot, sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and ground pepitas and top with a whole pepita seed. 

Serve with tiny spoons and enjoy leisurely. 

.Appetizers and Drinks

• Hatch Chile Hummus by Shockingly Delicious
• Pearfect Harvest Cocktail by Eat, Drink and be Tracy

Soups, Stews, Chili, and Casserole

• Butternut Squash Chowder by The Texan New Yorker
• Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Sautéed Mushrooms by Cooking Chat
• Cheesy Potato Chard Bake by Food Lust People Love
• Fall Harvest Onion Soup by MealDiva
• Homemade Poultry Seasoning and Chicken Dumpling Casserole by Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Kale and Sweet Potato Stew by What Smells So Good?
• Pumpkin Chili by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Smoked Gouda Cauliflower Casserole by Casadecrews

Salads and Side Dishes

• Brie and Pear Salad by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls by Life Tastes Good
• Carrot and Chevre Souffle by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Fall Harvest Panzanella by Curious Cuisiniere
• Garlicky Roasted Butternut Squash by Panning The Globe
• Maple Roasted Acorn Squash by Jelly Toast
• Roasted Vegetables with Spiced Pepitas and Sunflower Seeds by Nosh My Way
• Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash by Ruffles & Truffles

Main Dishes

• Chicken alla Vendemmia by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Oktoberfest Schnitzel Melt Sandwich by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Ratatouille by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Roasted Pork Tenderloin over Sweet Potatoes by Family Foodie
• Streamlined Weeknight Shepherd's Pie by The Weekend Gourmet

Desserts and Baked Goods

• Apple and Cinnamon Cake by Happy Baking Days
• Apple Challah Bread French Toast by Desserts Required
• Apple Dumplings with Salted Caramel Rum Sauce by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Apple Hand Pie {Apfeltaschen} by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Apple Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies by Pies and Plots
• Apple Pie Bars by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Caramel Apple Cider Ginger Ale Floats by NeighborFood
• Chai Tea Jello Shots by Peaceful Cooking
• Cranberry Orange Baked Doughnuts by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Maple Glazed Apple Galette by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits by Chocolate Moosey
• Peanut Butter Ginger Apple Cookies by Ninja Baking
• Pear Walnut Bread Pudding by Magnolia Days
• Pumpkin Bagels by The Redhead Baker
• Pumpkin Cheesecake by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Cookies by Momma's Meals
• Pumpkin Coffeecake Muffins by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Pumpkin Ice Cream by Amee's Savory Dish
• Pumpkin Pie Cookies by Fit Foodie Runs
• Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze by The Foodie Army Wife
• Pumpkin Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Rustic Apple Pie by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Southern Coffee Cookies by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Sticky Apple and Gingerbread Cake by Mess Makes Food
• White Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars with Browned Butter Pumpkin Spice Frosting by Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour #SundaySupper

We are smack-dab in the middle of BBQ season and this week on Sunday Supper we're all over it. Below you will find over 40 amazing recipes that'll cover just about anything you need for your next BBQ! Believe me.... we have you covered; beverages, appetizers, sides and accompaniments, main dishes and desserts!

Of course I've got an adult beverage for you all. If little ones are in the mix, by all means, make it a virgin. Just omit the alcohol. Easy peasy.

I see all sorts of amazing recipes that include grilled fruit. The sweet smokey layer that the grill brings out in is wonderful. I think it's about time that we bring that flavor to another level of enjoyment by adding it to our cocktails. Fruit and cocktails go together perfectly...so why not grilled fruit? It's a BBQ natural, in my book.

Looking at the recipes out there, I'm not the only one who has come to this delicious conclusion. I just wish I had realized it sooner.

Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
Inspired by Serious Eats
Makes 4 - 6 cocktails

2 peaches, halved and pitted
Neutral flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, to brush on the peaches
Juice from one lemon
4 oz cinnamon whiskey
4 oz brandy
24 oz tamarind (tamarindo) soda (can be found in Mexican or international markets)
Lemon and lime slices to garnish

Brush the cuts sides of your peaches with oil and grill on a medium hot grill until just tender and charred

Let cool before peeling the skin off. (this can be done a day in advance and stored in the fridge.)

It's super easy to get those skins off when the peaches are cooked. Still really messy...but easy. 

Place the peaches in pitcher or bowl with the lemon juice and muddle away. Or you can put it in a blender and give it a quick spin.

Add the cinnamon whisky, brandy and tamarind soda and give it all a good stir. 

Pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with the lemon and lime slices, sit back and finish grilling. Or better yet, keep someone else company while they finish grilling. 

If you prefer a cocktail that's not so thick with fruit, by all means, strain out some of the peaches. Either way you're going to enjoy this cocktail. You're instantly hit with the cinnamon then it mellows into the tangy tamarind flavors before the soft sweet peach kisses your palate. It's refreshing and smooth going down. And before you know it, you need a refill. 

Well, this is just the beginning. Take a look at the amazing recipes the Sunday Supper team has put together for you. I guarantee you will be inspired and delighted.  

Beverages

• Best Wines For A Summer BBQ Party from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour from Peaceful Cooking
• How To Make Fresh Squeezed Lemonade from Life Tastes Good
• Pineapple Margaritas from The Messy Baker
• Stone Fruit Sangria from Because I Like Chocolate
• Strawberry Lemonade from Basic N Delicious

Appetizers

• BBQ Stuffed Calimari from Jane's Adventure in Dinner

Sides and Accompaniments

• Cucumber Salad with Blackberry Browned Butter Vinaigrette from Nik Snacks
• Easy Fruity Salad from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter from The Redhead Baker
• Jacques' Cucumber Salad with Onions from Food Lust People Love
• Mango Peanut Slaw from The Texan New Yorker
• Mom's Classic Macaroni Salad from Webicurean
• Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce from Bobby's Kozy Kitchen
• Two Tomato Chutney from What Smells So Good?

Main Dishes

• Asian-Style Pasta with Gochujang Peanut Sauce from Wallflour Girl
• Barbecue Ribs from girlichef
• BBQ Stuffed Peppers from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Bistecca from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Competition Baby Back Ribs with Apple-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Grilled Clams with Chorizo from Noshing With The Nolands
• Grilled Sanma from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Basil from Nosh My Way
• Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant with Fusilli and Tomatoes from Cooking Chat
• Grilled Wings from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Mango Beef Kebabs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Steak Skewers with Chimichurri from Jelly Toast
• Sweet and Tangy Blueberry BBQ Chicken Pizza from Simply Gourmet

Desserts

• Amazing S'mores 7-Layer Bars from Flavor Mosaic
• Banana Pudding Pie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Blackberry Cake from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Blueberry and Raspberry Galette from Rhubarb and Honey
• Farm Stand Blackberry Buckle from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Grilled Peach Crumble from Try Anything Once Culinary
• Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream and Sweet Balsamic Syrup from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Hot Fudge Ice Cream Pie from Melanie Makes
• Lemon Ricotta Bars from The Foodie Army Wife
• Old Fashioned Sour Cherry Pie from Pies and Plots
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• S'mores Chocolate Cookie Cups from Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Wicked Tidal Wave Frozen Cocktail

This cocktail probably has one of the silliest inspirations. Have you ever seen those dorky games that use, for example, the number of letters in your last name, and you're given a word. Then based on the 3rd letter of your first name, you're given another word. Put the words together and it's your "porn star name". Silly, and probably tasteless I know. But some combinations are pretty funny.

Well....this drink came from a similar game called "What's Your Tropical Drink Name?"  My word combination was 'Wicked Tidal Wave'. I never get cool combos like that! So of course I had to make "my" tropical drink!

Since I'm going for a tidal wave color, Kinky Blue is no brainer. With its tropical fruit and wild berry flavors, coconut rum also fit the bill.  Of course the addition of vodka to add the "wicked" aspect. A splash of sprite to to keep them all under control...and that's the basics.

But I didn't stop there, I have to add some blue colored water flavoring stuff....just to deepen the blue. Then there's the whipped cream topping, Yes, there has to be a whipped cream on a tidal wave. A couple of squirts of  cream of coconut as the whipping cream is coming together......talk about YUM! Coconut flavored whipped cream? Umm...YA!!!

Wicked Tidal Wave

4 oz Kinky Blue
4 oz coconut rum
2 oz vodka
2 oz sprite
A couple squirts of Mio Fit Berry Blast or some other blue water flavoring (optional)
Garnish with coconut whipped cream

In a small pitcher, combine the Kinky Blue, rum, vodka and sprite.

Working in 2 batches, fill the blender halfway with ice. Pour in half of the mixture and blend until slushy. If you want a deeper blue color, squirt in a bit of the water flavoring. Blend briefly.

To make the whipped cream, pour 1 cup or so of heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl (to be honest, I didn't measure). Beat on high until medium-soft. Squirt in a couple teaspoons or so of cream of coconut and continue beating until medium-firm.

Pour drink into a tall cocktail glass and top with coconut whipped cream

Note: If the drink is too sweet, add a bit more sprite or club soda. If you want it to be stronger, add a bit more vodka.

Enjoy the tropical fruit and berry flavors along with the coconut. But remember...don't drink it too fast. A brain freeze is never fun.

Hibiscus Margarita

I don't know what to praise more, the pineapple slicer and corer or the delicious Hibiscus Margarita inside the hollowed out pineapple. 

I mean...look how handy this slicer is? One of my dearest friends has had one for a while now but honestly, you sometimes don't appreciate a gadget until you use it yourself. This thing effortlessly cores and slices the pineapple like nobodies business. 

You line it up, twist a few times and pull! It's as easy as that. I don't have a pic, but if you remove the handle, you can slide off the tower of sliced pineapple for an impressive display. 

If you want to be fancy, remove the core and you have these cute little pineapple cups. As long as the pineapple wall is thick enough, or you didn't slice to close to the bottom.

But to make the beautiful, exotic margarita inside, the hardest part might be finding the hibiscus. I found mine at a local Latin market. You can use hibiscus from teabags but that could be costly. Buying in bulk is the way to go. For each batch, you'll need 1 cup of dried hibiscus blossoms. That would be a lot of teabags. To put it in perspective, for 1 tablespoons, you need 3 teabags. 

Bulk is the way to go. 

Hibiscus Margarita (inspired by My Recipes)

Printable Version

1 cup dried hibiscus blossoms

3 cups water

3/4 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups tequila

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/3 cup orange liqueur 

Lime slices to garnish

Carefully rinse the hibiscus blossoms in a strainer. Don't be alarmed when the water turns red. And don't worry...there's plenty of that beautiful color left in the blossoms to make your margarita turn this beautiful fuchsia.

In a medium sauce pan, combine the rinsed hibiscus blossoms, water and sugar. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes. 

Strain. Toss out the hibiscus blossoms. They have done their job and met their destiny. Chill the liquid until ready to use.

Mix together the hibiscus liquid, tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur. At this point, you can either serve it on the rocks, or pour it into a blender filled half way with ice. 

Garnish and serve.

I typically like my margarita's on the rocks. This one however, is served best blended. And was so good. The flavor reminded me vaguely of sweet cranberries without the tartness. It wasn't floral in any sense. 

I made these for our Memorial Weekend BBQ. I actually made 4 batches and they went fast. Even the guys liked them, despite the girly appeal not only in name but in appearance. 

Not to mention, they were a great prelude to the tequila shots that have become the ritual at the end of the night as we all sit around the fire pit.

I hope you get a chance to enjoy this lovely drink, made from Hawaii's state flower. Maybe at your next BBQ, sitting around in your floral shirt, wearing a grass skirt and a lei.

Aloha!

Russian Sailor and a Lovely Candy Co #Giveaway

Spring is in the air. Gardening is on many of our minds. Prepping the earth, plotting and planning and planting. Then comes the nurturing and tending to those little seedlings, with high hopes of a bountiful harvest. The sweet, sweet satisfaction of growing your own fruits and vegetables. The pureness of it all. Fresh, flavorful, and nutritious.

We all do our best to feed our families healthy foods. Although it's not always easy or affordable. Organic, non-gmo produce isn't in everyone's budget. With our own gardens though....it's a bit more affordable and very controllable, making every garden prepping, back breaking moment worth it.

But every once in a while (or more) we have that craving....the child in us is crying out for some good old fashioned candy. Sure, that freshly picked strawberry is as sweet as sweet can be. But it's not candy. There are times when I really want candy! I dunno about you, but I have never seen a mainstream candy bar with the words organic or non-gmo on the label. Maybe when you're hunting down a candy bar, you're far from thinking ...'is this good for me?" cuz when the craving hits, all that matters is getting your fix.

Well, if you shop at Target....I have some good news for you. You can get your candy fix and feel good about it, at the same time.

Check it out!!! Lovely Candy Co. makes non-gmo, organic, gluten-free, certified kosher. no soy, no artificial  colors or ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup Fruit Chews and Caramels. And they can be found in many U.S. Target stores.

And...they are seriously delicious!!

The Fruit Chews didn't last long in my household, with this little bits of fruity flavor. The only reason the caramels did, was because their were 2 bags...Original Caramel and ...Chocolate Swirl Caramel.

Which reminds me....today, April 5th is National Caramel Day!

And you get to enter for a chance to WIN 3 bags (one bag of each flavor) of this wonderful candy! 

How sweet is that?!

Let me give you an adult way to enjoy it ....

I say 'adult' because it does include alcohol. What I'm about to do can be done with any of the candies I was given. I chose the Chocolate Swirl Caramels. Mainly because I wanted to make a cocktail with it afterwards.

Now you all have seen flavor infused vodka at the market, haven't you? Do you know how easy it is to make?

I took about half a dozen of the Chocolate Swirl Caramels and placed them in a mason jar filled with Vodka.

And let it sit on the counter for a couple of days. Every once in a while (when I thought of it) I shook that jar up. Once the caramels had dissolved, I strained it through a coffee filter lined sieve

And whaddya know....I had infused vodka!

Perfect for making my cocktail.

Russian Sailor

3 oz caramel infused vodka
2 oz coffee liquor
1 oz cream
good pinch of sea salt
caramel sauce to drizzle (optional)

In a shaker full of ice, combine the vodka, coffee liquor and cream. Shake for a few seconds then poor into a chilled martini glass. Sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and drizzle some caramel sauce over it if desired.

This will not only take care of any sweet craving you could possibly have, but it'll knock your socks off as well. Which you just might need after a long day prepping the garden.

How would you like to give this consciously crafted, better-for-you candy a try?

Lovely Candy Co. will send one lucky U.S. resident winner a 6oz bag of each of the following:

Lovely Candy Original Caramels
Lovely Candy Chocolate Swirl Caramels 
Lovely Candy Superfruit Chews

Leaving a comment is a mandatory requirement for entering to win. All other entries are optional.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US residents only. This giveaway will run from Saturday, April 5, 2014 through Thursday, April 10, 2014 (11:59 pm PT). Winner will be notified within 48 hours of the close of the contest and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 

I was not compensated for this post, however Lovely Candy Co supplied me with 3 bags of candy to try. They are also supplying 3 bags of candy for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Paddyrita

If any of you know me, you know that I'm a margarita gal. Even on St. Patrick's Day.

My go-to margarita is made with equal parts tequila, sprite, limeade and beer (usually Corona). A few years ago I started substituting a Guinness Extra Stout for the Corona on St. Patrick's Day. Add's a nice little twist in flavor...very good.

This year...I took it a step further.

I omitted the tequila all today (gasp!)

And replaced it with Irish Whiskey.

Think about it....beer and lime and good together. (Just as Bud). Whiskey and lime are good together (just Google it and you'll see all sorts of options).

Ooooooh yuuuuuuuuum! There's something that happens that I can't explain. A flavor thing. As if someone added some spices to this drink. I love it! Bubble, flavorful...lime, spice something or other...and you can't even taste alcohol. Perfect!!

Paddyrita
12 oz frozen limeade
12 oz Sprite
12 oz Irish Whiskey
12 oz Guinness Extra Stout

In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Server over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Blackberry Margarita - Cheers! #NationalMargaritaDay

Happy National Margarita Day! 

Now this is my kind of day! Many of you may (or may not) know that margaritas are my drink of choice. If we're going out for dinner and are planning on Mexican food, I choose the restaurant based on how good their margaritas are.

Most often though, I make my own at home. And I never use a mix. Making a fresh fruit margarita in your own kitchen is simple, tastes better than any restaurant, and you get to control how much they're going to knock your socks off!

And this one will knock your socks off. Don't let that pretty fuchsia color fool you. She's a beauty, but beware...

Blackberry Margarita
Inspired by  The Pioneer Woman
Makes 8

4 cups fresh blackberries, plus more for garnish if desired
1 1/4 cup sugar divided
juice from 1 1/2 limes divided
zest for 1/2 lime
2 cups tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur (I used Citronge)
1 cup club soda or lime soda such as sprite
1 lime cut into wedges

In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, 1/4 sugar and the juice from 1/2 lime. Simmer over low heat, covered, for about 25 minutes.

(if you notice....I zest the lime before squeezing.. Its kinda hard to zest a squeezed lime and I hate to waste them)

Strain, pressing as much of the berry juice through a fine mesh strainer as possible. Allow to cool in the fridge. If you don't mind the little seeds, you can skip this step, but you'll still need to let it cool.

Combine 1/2 cup of sugar and the lime zest in a wide, shallow bowl. Something wide enough for you to to dip the rim of your glass in.

The hardest part is done. Now for the main event....

In a large pitcher, combine the cooled blackberry puree, tequila, orange liqueur, remaining 1/2 sugar, club soda, and juice from 1 lime.

Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of a glass, dip into the sugar zest mixture, coating the rim all the way around.

Fill a blender half way with ice, pour enough margarita mixture to about level with the ice and buzz away for a nice blended fresh Blackberry Margarita!

Enjoy your celebration of National Margarita Day - Cheers!!!

Here are some other amazing recipes to help you celebrate. Some are beverages and others are treats with a margarita twist:

Margaritas:

Blackberry Margarita from Cooking for My Peace of Mind

Chili Lime Margarita from Curious Cuisiniere

Chocolate Margaritas from The Texan New Yorker

Creamsicle Margaritas from Savvy Eats 

Frozen Mango Margarita from Noshing with the Nolands 

Lilikoi Margarita with Li Hung Mui from The Little Ferraro Kitchen 

Margaritas Gone Wild from Delaware Girl Eats 

Mixed Berry Margarita from Kudos Kitchen By Renee 

Mom's Wicked Margarita from Desserts Required 

Pomegranate Margarita from Daily Dish Recipes 

Spicy Raspberry Frozen Margarita from The Weekend Gourmet  

Tamarind Margaritas from girlichef 

The Great Grapefruit Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie  

Tim G's Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes 

Margarita Bites:

Baked Margarita Chicken Wings from Healthy. Delicious. 

Chambord Margarita Macarons from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen 

Margarita Cake with Sugar Cookie Crust from Gotta Get Baked 

Margarita Cheesecake Bars from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks 

Margarita Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife  

Margarita Donuts from Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen 

Margarita Mousse from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Margarita Shrimp from That Skinny Chick Can Bake 

Margarita Shrimp Tacos from Supper for a Steal 

Strawberry Margarita Sweet Rolls from The Dutch Baker's Daughter 

Top Shelf (Margarita) Truffles from Culinary Adventures with Camilla 

Winter Blush and an Uncommon Goods Giveaway

I have a little something, and then some, to add to your Holiday Cheer!!

I'm giving away a 
$50 Gift Certificate to 

Uncommon Goods 

and I have a great little cocktail recipe for you as well.

You see that pink marble looking glass in the above photo?

No, it's not a candle holder.

No, it's not marble.

It's a shot glass. And it's been carved out of Himalayan Salt! I don't know about you, but I think that's ingenious! And yes...when you take a shot, you taste the salt.

This little gem (it's one of four gems. I mean, honestly, who wants to take a shot by themselves?) was a gift from Uncommon Goods. I'm really looking forward to using these for the holidays, especially the New Year. Cheers!!!

Actually, they have a lot of great gifts and items to brighten up your holidays. If shot glasses aren't your thing, don't worry, you can choose from an incredible variety of items from gifts for 'her' to gifts for 'him', household items, stuff for kids, your office...decor and accessories for your bar. Seriously, their products are very unique and fun. 

But when I saw these shot glasses, they spoke to me. Rather loudly. You could almost say they were screaming my name! 

Almost as loudly as this beautiful cocktail.

Winter Blush

makes 6 cocktails

1 1/2 cups cranberry juice

1/2 cup ruby red grapefruit juice

1/2 cup silver tequila

1/2 cup orange liqueur

1/2 simple syrup (equal amounts of sugar and water heated to a boil, stirred until sugar dissolves)

Sprite to top off served cocktails

Candies cranberries (recipe to follow) to garnish

Orange slices to garnish

Combine the cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, tequila, orange liqueur and simple syrup. When ready to serve, pour some in a shaker filled with ice, shake until chilled and strain into a glass. Top off with Sprite and garnish.

Refreshing, sweet and a little tartness that's controlled by the Sprite. And dangerous. You can't taste the alcohol much so you better watch it. 

As for the candied cranberries...so beautiful and so easy to make:

1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water, boiled while stirring until sugar dissolves. (this is simple syrup). Poor hot simple syrup over a cup or two of cranberries. Cover and refrigerate a few hours or over night. Strain the simple syrup out (save for using in a cocktail or other recipe). Roll the berries in fine sugar (also known as bakers sugar)

Allow to dry and use as desired.

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win the $50 Gift Certificate below! 

Good Luck and Happy Holidays

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post, however Uncommon Goods supplied me with the Himalayan Salt Shot Glass.  They are also supplying the gift certificate for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.