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!

Chicken Strip Tease - 50 Shades of Chicken

This little cookbook, Fifty Shades of Chicken, being a parody and all should really be taken more seriously. If you are a fellow 'Chicken Queen' (or Chicken King), then I highly recommend it. Don't get your panties in a bunch and judge it just because it's full on the best innuendos that can be found in the kitchen! Take it in stride and giggle.....and then totally enjoy the food. I've made several, and they are all delicious.

Especially this one!

This dish is very easy to do and perfect for newbies. You just have to plan ahead a little as the chicken does need to marinate a bit.

But while it's doing it's thing, you can enjoy the intro (each recipe has a fun intro). Here's a tease of a snippet....(although if you didn't read 50 Shades of Grey, this might not be as funny to you).

""Your whole control-freak foodie thing, it was because of her, that woman Mrs. Child." My mood has darkened.
"Julia opened my eyes to many important things." he explains. "In fact, I'd still be eating frozen dinners if it weren't for her.""

FL Fowler did a great job...seriously cracks me up!!

Chicken Strip Tease (aka Chicken Breast Strips with Balsamic and Rosemary)
Printable Version

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Note: I say olive oil rather than extra-virgin olive oil because....I learned from a woman I know, who lived in Italy for many years, that extra-virgin olive oil (although what we have here is not the same, nor as good, as what they have in Italy) is used as a finishing oil. When cooking, one should use light olive oil.

Instructions:
Pat the chicken dry and cut into strips about 1/2 inch thick.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the garlic, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, salt, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and turn to coat.

Cover mixture tightly and allow to marinate, in the fridge, for at least an hour. Over night would be best...or at least all day.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and gently pat dry.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken and sear on both sides, until golden brown.

Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until done, about 5 minutes or so.

At this point, I removed the chicken from the pan, covered to keep warm, and threw some vegetables into the pan with a bit more oil if needed: carrots, onions, asparagus, mushrooms...

And allowed them to take advantage of the drippings left behind. 

Other recommendations for serving are: wrapped in a tortilla with tomatoes and avocado, topped with some cheese. Or, toss into a salad, or even an omelette. Whatever you do with the chicken...you're bound to please whoever's receiving. 

Grilled Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad - Guest Post

Time for Summer: Grilled Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad

Watermelon and grilling are two quintessential elements of summer, but did you ever think the two could go together—as in, grilled watermelon? This salad has diced tomatoes, feta cheese, basil, olive oil, vinegar, and grilled watermelon; it mixes the flavors of sweet and savory perfectly! If you’re having a Memorial Day party, try serving this dish. Watermelon is an old favorite for Memorial Day, so why not try this twist on a classic?

Ingredients

• PAM® Grilling Spray
• 1 can (14.5 oz each) Hunt's® Diced Tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped fine
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 thick slice (about 1 inch) watermelon with rind (for 2 cups diced)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. Spray cold grate of gas grill with grilling spray. Preheat grill for high heat. Meanwhile, combine drained tomatoes, basil, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in medium bowl.
2. Grill watermelon 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until grill marks develop. Cool slightly. Remove rind; dice watermelon. Add to rest of ingredients; gently stir together. Sprinkle with cheese.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Elizabeth L. on behalf of Hunt’s. Visit our site at www.hunts.com to find tomato recipes, chili recipes, and easy meatloaf recipes.

Peaceful Cooking Note: Thank you Elizabeth for sharing this wonderful recipe with us and giving me the opportunity to have you as a guest writer! The salad looks and sounds delicious! I will definitely be adding it to my Memorial Day BBQ menu. 

Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions, and the Dodgers

When you think of the Dodgers, several things may come to mind. I'm guessing hot dogs would be amoung the top 5. The other 4 will depend on how much of a die-hard baseball fan you are.

I think of Dodger Blue, 7th inning stretch, the wAvE and memories.

Growing up in Los Angeles lends to a lot of Dodger memories. (I might be showing my age here...) Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, and of course Tommy Lasorda.

Yes...the Dodger legend, Tommy Lasorda. Not only did he start his baseball career with the Dodgers back in 1945 when they were still in Brooklyn, but to this day he is still a True Blue Dodger where he is a Special Adviser to the Chairman.

And....he just opened a restaurant at Dodger's Stadium called Tommy Lasorda's Tratoria.

Do you know what that means? There's Italian food being served....to everyone at Dodger's Stadium! Right there....behind the right field bullpen.

You'll see a huge outdoor bar aptly called Bullpen Outlook Bar (there is one behind left field as well, but we'll go there in a minute), you'll hear the dj, see the outdoor seating area...and people. Lot's of people enjoying Italian food.

What might you find on the menu? Well, let me tell you...

The most perfect pizza ever! You know how when you go places and order a pizza and you ask for extra cheese? And you look at it and think...wth...this is extra cheese?! Tommy's pizza comes standard with more than extra cheese...and the best ever thin crust. Trust me...you wont want to leave those end crusts on the plate. It's that good!

Then there's the pasta with marinara sauce and huge amazing meatballs! Great texture, great flavor...and, according to Tommy, almost as good as the ones his mom made, and she made the best meatballs ever.

I didn't get to taste everything on the menu...which is both a good thing and a bad thing. I mean...that would be a lot of food to eat but I'd really love to try it all! One thing that I wanted seconds on...seriously, (besides the pizza) was the Italian sausage with peppers and onions. Let me just go on record here, The.... Best.... Italian sausage.... EVER!

Perfect snap, perfect mix of seasonings. And when I say that...I'm saying, not overloaded with fennel or anise, like most of what you find in the markets.

I tried making my own. And they were good. But not as good. I got my sausage at a local Italian market, which I love....but I really like the ones at Tommy Lasorda's Tratoria better.

I just sliced up some red and green bell peppers and onions. Cooked my Italian sausage in a greased pan, covered, turning occasionally. Added the vegetables towards the end and continued cooking until the sausage was done and the vegetables were tender.

It was delicious. Especially on a homemade roll. But not as good as Tommy's. Wouldn't it be nice if he opened up a local restaurant so we all could enjoy his food year round?

So...I mention the left field Bullpen Outlook Bar earlier...and yes, same set up..only over there they have another new restaurant called Think Blue Bar-B-Que

There you'll find (among other things) a melt in your mouth beef brisket and the best corn on the cob you've every had!

The brisket is smoked for 17 hours....fat untrimmed, self basting. The corn, precooked then grilled to perfection, smothered in...yes...mayo...then rolled in seasonings that includes cumin, cardamom, bbq seasoning, a bit of cinnamon and lime juice. WOW!!! Seriously. WOW!!!

Now I'm not trying to take you away from the famous Dodger Dog.

There are plenty of those to choose from....L.A. Extreme Bacon Wrapped Dog (yes...I said bacon! 3 slices to be exact), Frito Pie Dog which is covered in red chili, shredded cheese and Fritos.  I've heard that the Brooklyn Dodger Dog is rather amazing too.

If you're lucky enough to spend some time in one of the event suites...be prepared....

For the dessert cart

If it's in season and you see the Lemonade Cake...eat it! Delicious, fresh sweet lemon, And the chef's personal favorite is the Root Beer Cake....Holy moly!! Someone, somewhere, figured out how to infuse chocolate ganache with root beer!!!

Speaking of the chef...Executive Chef Jason Tingley is doing an amazing job. He's a local guy who has taken rustic California flavors, fresh new concepts and has incorporated them into a new cuisine fit for today's Dodger fans.

Food at the ballpark has been taken to a new level! Get there early and explore. They have so much to choose from. Much more than what I'm able to cover here. Besides the handcrafted BBQ and the classic Italian, you have the Home Stand Hot Dogs and for the more health conscious, look for the Club Marketplace.

Yes, the Dodgers won that night. It truly was a grand evening all the way around. Great food and a great game!

Here's wishing the Dodgers 

a very successful season! 

Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Chocolate hazelnut spread. A great flavor combination. And, that very famous brand.....which I really did like.....except for one thing. It left a strange waxy coating in my mouth. And honestly.... it's not the healthy snack spread that's boasted about on those commercials. I mean...really....2 tablespoons at 200 calories? Over half of the calories come from fat.  Not to mention 21 grams of sugar, 12 grams of fat, plus....artificial flavors. 

As if we should expect anything else. After all, it is the sad fact of processed food. 

But that's beside the point....my focus here is on an amazing alternative. Because no matter how much I question the "famous" one....I still crave that combination.  Because really...I do love it. And now I have a great, healthy, easy alternative. That not only leaves my mouth feeling 'wax-free', but makes me feel so much better about eating it. 

My daughter found the recipe on Instagram and unfortunately there wasn't a website link for me to give credit to. If you are an 'instagramer'...you can find the recipe on laulweighlossjourney's account. 

I've made this mock Nutella twice. Once I blanched the hazelnuts first to remove the skins. The second time I left the skins on. There's no difference in the texture or flavor. Just in color.....

The main difference between the store brands and the homemade version is the consistency. It's thinner....and a bit grainier. You'll think you messed up when you first mix it up but don't worry, it does thicken once refrigerated. It doesn't become as thick as store brands, but it's enough. 

And really....it's so easy. No cooking involved. Just a food processor. And if you make your own almond milk (which doesn't get cooked)...you can call this "raw". All of the ingredients are raw, or are available raw.

Are you ready to get a little healthier and step a little further away from the processed?

Let's do it! 

Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

1 cup hazelnuts (skins on or off, its up to you)

1 TB coconut oil

3 TB cacao powder

4 TB maple syrup

1/8 tsp salt (also known as 'a pinch')

1/2 cup almond milk

In a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts a few times then puree them until they start forming a paste. Add in the coconut oil and continue processing until smooth. 

Add in the remaining ingredients and process until completely combined and smooth and creamy.

It will be a bit runny, but just pour and scrape it into a container (mason jars work great!), cover and place in the refrigerator.

After a couple of hours, you will notice that it's getting thicker. After that, I have no idea because It has yet to last more than 12 hours in my house. 

My daughter found some Belgian Chocolate Thins at the Italian Deli today....and let me tell you....I could eat the whole box with my Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. 

And not feel guilty.

Well, at least not very much. 

Garlic Trifecta with Quinoa Pasta and Spinach #NationalGarlicDay

Happy National Garlic Day!

Garlic is wonderful. It's included in most of my dishes. It's one of my favorite ingredients. I can't imagine cooking without it. It's often thought of as a spice, even though it's actually a vegetable. It's health benefits are note worthy: it boost your immune system, contain antioxidants, good for your heart, has anti-inflammatory properties, repels mosquitoes...and the list goes on. Not to mention....the flavor.

Oh, the flavor!!

In honor of one of the most popular vegetables, I am sharing an incredible dish with you that includes garlic that has been cooked 3 different ways....roasted, fried and sauteed. I'm also participating in a blog-wide GIVEAWAY with several other food bloggers who have some amazing garlic recipes (listed below) and we're giving away some fantastic garlic related goodies! Scroll down to participate. Meanwhile, enjoy this dish in celebration of garlic!

Garlic Trifecta with Quinoa Pasta and Spinach
Inspired by Three Garlic Pasta by Martha Stewart

1 head of garlic plus 8 cloves
2 TB olive oil
8 oz quinoa pasta
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry vermouth
1 tsp red pepper flakes
4 cups fresh spinach
Salt and Pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh flat leaf parsley to garnish

Preheat the oven to 425' F

Wrap the whole head of garlic in tin foil and roast in the oven for about an hour, or until soft. Let cool then slice the head of the garlic off and squeeze out the soft buttery roasted garlic. Set aside.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, rinse with cold water and set aside.

Take 5 of the 8 garlic cloves and slice into thin slivers, set aside.. Finely chop the remaining 3 garlic cloves.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic slivers and saute until crisp and golden brown, stirring frequently. Watch them carefully as they go from almost done to over done very quickly and you do not want bitter, burnt garlic. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the chopped garlic to the pan and saute over low heat until translucent, about a minute.

Add the creamy roasted garlic, chicken broth and vermouth. Stir to combine. Add the spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted and the liquid has reduced slightly.

Toss in the pasta, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with the garlic slivers, parsley and grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Note: if you are sensitive to spicy heat, you may want to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit all together.

Here is a list of some amazing dishes shared by other garlic lovers in our food blogger community:

Black Garlic Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream from girlichef

Caesar Tartlets with Sweet Garlic Butter Crusts from Karen's Kitchen Stories

Easy Garlic Infused Olive Oil from MarocMama

Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops from Healthy. Delicious.

Garlic Bread from My Catholic Kitchen

Garlic Dill Roasted Potato Wedges from From Gate to Plate

Garlic Fried Rice from Crazy Foodie Stunts

Garlic Soup with Cheese & Garlic Olive Crunch Bread from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

Garlic Trifecta with Quinoa Pasta and Spinach from Peaceful Cooking

Gnocchetti with Asparagus and Garlic-Gorgonzola Sauce from The Spiffy Cookie

Heart Healthy Roasted Garlic Chicken Recipe from It's Yummi!

Roasted Garlic Butter from Basic N Delicious

Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza Pockets from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Slow-Roasted Lamb with 40 Cloves of Garlic from Food Lust People Love

Vampire Garlic Dip from Kudos Kitchen By Renee

Giveaway
In honor of National Garlic Day and our love of the stinking rose, we are giving away a Garlic Lovers Prize Pack (valued at over $100) that includes:

The Garlic Farmers' Cookbook

One-year membership to the Garlic Seed Foundation

5 Garlic Button Covers

OXO Good Grips Garlic Press 

The Ultimate Garlic Peeler

Tumbleweed Pottery Garlic Clove Canister Keeper with Vented Lid

Terra Cotta Garlic Roaster

2 Bulbs of Whole Black Garlic

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post (mandatory) answering this question: What is your favorite GARLICKY dish (or one that you'd love to try)?


After you've answered the question for entry into this contest, be sure to record that you did so inthe rafflecopter widget below; doing so will unlock many more optional ways to earn entries.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to residents of the Continental USA. Entries will be accepted through 11:59 pm ET on Thursday, April 24, 2014. All entries will be verified. A winner will be chosen from qualifying entries via random draw, and notified via email within 48 hours of the close of this contest. The winner will have 24 hours from the time the email is sent to respond with their complete name and mailing address (no P.O. Boxes). If no response is received within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Prizes provided by The Garlic Seed Foundation, Food Lust People Love and girlichef. Prizes may vary slightly from images shown and are subject to replacement with comparable items if ones pictured are no longer available at the close of this contest. Items may be shipped separately.

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.