Eat. Drink. Love.

Boozy Coffee Milkshake AND a Giveaway!

January 8, 2013 by Stephanie

Attention coffee lovers! This recipe AND giveaway is for you!

I’m so excited to be sharing a great new product from my most favorite coffee company, Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen. I first experienced Barnie’s coffee while living in Florida and became immediately addicted! They provide a wide variety of coffees that is sure to satisfy all coffee lovers!

The great folks over at Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen were so kind to send me a package with their latest product, Pronto! brewsticks. I am seriously in love with these little brewsticks! Pronto! are individual packs of liquid concentrated coffee. I love that they are liquid as opposed to a powder. It makes mixing them up so much easier!

Pronto Product 2 mark

Pronto! is perfect for me because I am the only coffee drinker in my house and it’s so much easier to just use a packet of Pronto! instead of dragging out and dirtying my coffee pot. And you can use them for hot or iced coffee! I like keeping a few in my office for when I need an afternoon pick-me-up.

And now, you can enter for your chance to win a great package of Pronto! in a variety of flavors from Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen! Just scroll down to the bottom of this post to enter!

Pronto Product 1 mark

While I love just making plain hot or iced coffee with Pronto!, I wanted to find a new way to use them! And what better way than to mix them up in a boozy milkshake?!

Boozy Coffee Milkshake

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 milkshake

Ingredients

1 Barnie's CoffeeKitchen Pronto! Brewstick (or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee*)
2 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream
2 tbs. chocolate syrup
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup milk (can use more or less to adjust to reach desired thickness)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Notes

If using brewed coffee, you may want to omit the milk, otherwise the shake may be too watery. Or you can just add more ice cream! :)

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/01/boozy-coffee-milkshake/

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Please use the Rafflecopter below to place your entries. There are 5 ways to win so make sure you check off each one in the box below to ensure all of your entries are put into the drawing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are my own. Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen provided me with samples of the Pronto product to try and review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.

Filed Under: Drinks · Tagged With: Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, booze, boozy, coffee, giveaway, milkshake, Pronto! 47 Comments

Holiday

January 6, 2013 by Stephanie

Our road trip…according to my iPhone.

Flagstaff

Arch

Tree

Snow yard

Shoes

Tea

Sunset

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged With: 2012, holiday, road trip, vacation, winter 4 Comments

Easy Stir Fry

January 2, 2013 by Stephanie

Happy New Year! The holidays are officially over and it’s time to return back to “real” life. The husband and I are getting back in the car and heading back to Arizona. Three long days on the road. To pass the time we are going to listen to seasons of Friends while we drive. Yes, listen. Once you have seen every episode 100 times, you don’t need to watch it, you know what’s up.

Before we hit the road, I have an easy and healthy recipe to help you start 2013 off right. This stir fry is so easy and you can really add whatever you want to it. The sauce is nice and light. You can use any combo of vegetables that you prefer. I used a package of pre-cut stir fry veggies from Trader Joes. It was only 3 dollars and had a great mix of veggies.

Easy Stir Fry

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice (can also use quinoa if desired)
4 cups vegetables of your choice, chopped (I used a stir fry medley from TJ's)
2 tbs. vegetable oil, divided
1 tbs. sesame oil
2 tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbs. rice vinegar
1/2 tbs. siracha
1 tbs. orange juice (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbs. sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and orange juice. Set aside.
In a wok or saute pan, heat the remaining sesame oil over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until tender (about 8-9 minutes).
Add the rice to the vegetables and stir to combine.
Pour the sauce over the rice and veggies and mix until everything is well coated (about 2-3 minutes). Add salt and pepper to taste.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/01/easy-stir-fry/

Filed Under: Entrees, Low-Fat, Vegetarian/Vegan · Tagged With: Asian, easy, low-fat, stir fry, vegetable, veggies 11 Comments

Spinccoli Pizza

December 27, 2012 by Stephanie

I’m backkkk! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones! As I mentioned in my last post, my husband and I made the trek from Phoenix to Cleveland last week to spend the holidays with my family. After a long trip like that, a break was certainly needed. Sometimes it is so nice to just not touch your computer for a few days!

This pizza recipe is not holiday-ish…obviously. But, it is freaking delicious! This deep dish spinccoli pizza was inspired by the spinccoli pizza at Pizzeria Uno. It has been years and years since I have last been there, but I used to love their spinccoli pizza and I got a wicked craving for it last week. I have actually never tried making deep dish pizza. The filling was really good, but my only complaint was the crust. There was just way too much of it around the edges. So in the photos, please ignore the thickness around the edges. I have cut down the amount of dough in the recipe.

Spinccoli Pizza

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Yield: serves 2

Ingredients

About 3/4 lb. pizza dough
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
2 cups fresh spinach
14.5-ounce can plain diced tomatoes, drained
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a 9-inch cake pan (or deep dish pizza pan) with parchment paper or grease and set aside.
In a saute pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, spinach, and diced tomatoes. Cook until the broccoli is fork tender (about 7-8 minutes). Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
Place the dough on a floured surface. Roll out into an even circle about 11 inches (about 1-inch thick). Place the dough into the cake pan and push down around the center and edges. Pull the edges up towards the edge of the pan and press against the sides.
Pour the sauce onto the center of the dough and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cheeses over the sauce, reserving 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Spoon the broccoli and spinach mixture on top of the cheeses, Sprinkle the remaining cheese(s) on top of the broccoli and spinach mixture.
Bake the pizza for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown on the bottom and along the sides. Let cool for about 5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

Recipe inspired by Pizzeria Uno

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/spinccoli-pizza/

Filed Under: Entrees, Pizzas, Vegetarian/Vegan · Tagged With: broccoli, deep dish, pizza, spinach, spinoccoli, Uno 14 Comments

Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

December 20, 2012 by Stephanie

Too…many…cookies….

I’m not sure I can eat another cookie right now. I know, I sound like a crazy person, but I just can’t eat any more for a while…maybe for like 3 days or something.

But, before I start my cookie hiatus, I have to tell you about these cookies first. Earlier this week, I told you I don’t like peppermint. Today, I am going to tell you that chocolate and caramel are two of the greatest things in the universe. Yup, the universe.

So I am not going to waste any more time and will go straight the recipe. Hubs and I are off to Ohio to spend Christmas with my family. And yes, we are driving. Why? Because we hate ourselves. And also, plane tickets were out of control.

Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Yield: About 16 cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. instant espresso (optional)
about 16 Hershey's caramel kisses (chilled in the refrigerator or the freezer)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 2/3 cup sugar. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder.
Mix the dry ingredients in with the wet ingredients until well-combined.
Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Place the remaining sugar in a small bowl. Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon). Roll each ball into the sugar until lightly coated and place on the baking sheet about 1-2 inches apart.
Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 2 minutes. Place a kiss in the center of each cookie and press down gently.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/chocolate-caramel-blossoms/

Filed Under: Cookies, Cristmas, Desserts, Holidays · Tagged With: blossoms, caramel, chocolate, christmas, cookie, hersheys, kisses 13 Comments

Gingerbread Martini

December 17, 2012 by Stephanie

Everyone has a certain flavor that reminds them of Christmas. For some it’s eggnog, for which I am still just not so sure how I feel about. For others, it’s peppermint.

Speaking of peppermint, I have a confession. I think it’s time I come clean about something. We’re all friends here, right?

Ok, here it goes…I don’t really like peppermint.

I know, I’m sorry. Please don’t throw garbage at me. I don’t HATE it, I just don’t really care for it. I only like mint flavor in a few things: toothpaste, gum, tea, mouthwash, mint chip ice cream, and..well, that’s about it. I don’t like peppermint bark either. This is also because it contains white chocolate, which, by the way, I really do hate.

My favorite Christmas flavor is gingerbread. I’ll skip the peppermint, just give me the gingerbread. In all forms. Cookie, latte, and now, martini. And just a warning, this thing is dangerously addicting. The gingerbread syrup is really where it’s at with this drink, so add as much or as little as you like. I kind of want to pour the syrup on everything though.

Gingerbread Martini

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 martinis

Ingredients

For the gingerbread syrup:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tbs. molasses
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

For the martini:

2 ounces vanilla vodka
1.5 ounces Kahlua
1.5 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream
3 tbs. gingerbread syrup (or to taste)
2.5 ounces half and half (plus about 2 tbs. for the rim)
gingerbread cookies (for the rim and for garnish)(I like Pepperidge Farm)
whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions

For the syrup:

In a small saucepan, heat the water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon on medium heat until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).

For the martini:

Crush about 2-3 small gingerbread cookies in a zip lock bag with a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a saucer and set aside.
Pour the 2 tablespoons of half and half into a small saucer. Dip the rims of the martini glasses into the half and half. Then dip into the gingerbread crumbs and set the glasses aside.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine, the vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup, and the half and half. Shake well and pour into martini glasses. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top and then place a gingerbread cookie on top of the whipped cream and serve.

Notes

- If you can't find gingerbread cookies, you can also use gingersnaps or Biscoff cookies.

Adapted from Hampton Roads Happy Hour

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/gingerbread-martini/

Filed Under: Cristmas, Drinks, Holidays · Tagged With: christmas, cocktail, drink, entertaining, gingerbread, holiday, martini 18 Comments

Holiday Gifts for Foodies 2012

December 15, 2012 by Stephanie

With Christmas just 10 short days away, I thought I would give you guys a little list for some last-minute ideas for the foodies in your life! And the best part about all of these items is that they are $50 and under! So, get shopping!

1. Baker Nutcracker: $25 at Pier 1 Imports

Ever since I was little, I’ve always been crazy about these guys. This is probably because my mom would always take me to the ballet every Christmas. And seriously, how cute is this baker nutcracker?!

2. Tablet Kitchen Stand: $49.95 at Williams-Sonoma

This stand might be at the top of this list for me. I always have my iPad in the kitchen with me when I am trying out new recipes and this little stand is perfect! You can also purchase a blue-tooth speaker and screen protector to go with the stand (sold separately).

3. Cuisinart Immersion Hand Blender: $29-$39 at Amazon

I have been meaning to buy myself one of these and haven’t gotten around to it so it is also my list! It would be really useful for soups! And they come in such fun and pretty colors!

4. Conversion Dishtowel: $4.95 at Crate and Barrel

I’m really horrible with conversions. Like, the worst. So, how freakin’ cool and handy would this dishtowel be?!

5. Herb Keeper: $20 at Uncommon Goods

Though I have been meaning to plant my own herbs at my new place, I haven’t gotten around to it, so I am still buying them from the store. I really hate when I buy herbs, only need a little, and then basically have to throw the rest away because I can’t get to them fast enough. This little herb keeper would be great for making them last longer!

6. The OCD Cutting Board: $26 at Think Geek

Um, yes.

7. Merry Berry Soap and Lotion: $16 at Crate and Barrel

I’m pretty sure I had something similar on last year’s gift list, but I don’t care, I’m adding it again! During the holidays, you are probably washing way more dishes than normal and it’s colder outside. This soap and lotion set is perfect to keep next to your sink!

8. Utensil Earrings: $28 on Etsy

Ok, how cute are these utensil earrings I found on Etsy! Perfect for any cooking enthusiast!

9. Cake Pops Set: $45 at Amazon

I don’t have any kids yet, but this adorable cake pops set from the incredible Bakerella really makes me wish I did because these look like too much fun!! Maybe my husband will do this with me?!!

10. Sea Salt Caramels: $22 at Crate and Barrel

You can never go wrong with tasty candy for a foodie. These sets make great gifts for co-workers or teachers as well. Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma both have a great variety of treats!

Filed Under: Cristmas, Holidays, Uncategorized · Tagged With: 2012, christmas, cooks, foodies, gifts, holiday, ideas, presents 9 Comments

Butterballs

December 12, 2012 by Stephanie

I’m so excited for today’s post. This year, I participated in The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap. This is the second year of the swap. The premise is simple, bake 3 dozen cookies and send them to three different bloggers. And in return, you get 3 dozen cookies from other other bloggers! Fun, right?!

I signed up without a clue of what I was going to make, I just knew I wanted to join in on the fun. After looking through 10 thousand different recipes, I settled on an old family favorite…Butterballs. Some of you may call them Snowballs. But, I call them Butterballs, so that’s what we’re going with here!

I bet you can’t guess the main ingredient in these cookies…it’s butter! Lots and lots of butter. So you know these are good. They are pretty simple to make. We usually just mix in some chopped walnuts in ours, but you can also add mini chocolate chips if you wanted.

I sent my cookies to three lovely bloggers: Linda of Tumbleweed Contessa, Carrie from Kiss My Whisk, and Kelli from The Corner Kitchen. Ladies, I hope these cookies made it to you safe and sound and that they were not in a million pieces!

Butterballs

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: About 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

1 lb. butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling the cookies in after they bake)
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
Sift together the flour and salt. Add the flour gradually to the butter and sugar mixture until well-combined.
Blend in the vanilla and the walnuts using your hands. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge or 15 minutes in the freezer.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Form the dough into balls (or into crescent shapes) and place on the baking sheet.
Bake cookies for about 14-17 minutes or until a very light golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly. While still warm, roll each one in extra powdered sugar.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/butterballs/

Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts · Tagged With: butterball, butterballs, christmas, cookie, cookie swap, food blogger 13 Comments

S’mores Hot Chocolate

December 10, 2012 by Stephanie

So…S’mores hot chocolate.

When you think about it, when you make regular hot chocolate and top it with marshmallows, you’re like already three quarters of the way there. Just throw in some graham cracker crumbs and toast those marshmallows and you are done. So simple.

But, there is something about this version. It’s fancy. So much fancier. Toasted marshmallows might be one of the greatest things ever.

If you want to make this more grown-up friendly, add a splash of Kahlua or Bailey’s.

S’Mores Hot Chocolate

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: serves 2

Ingredients

3 cups milk + 1/4 cup (any kind will do)
1 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
sugar to taste
graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
chocolate syrup (for garnish)
splash of Kahlua or Bailey's (optional)

Instructions

Using the 1/4 cup milk, rub some of the milk along the rim of each mug. Pour some graham cracker crumbs onto a plate. Dip the mugs into the crumbs until the rims are well-lined.
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk on medium heat until heated through. Add in the chocolate and whisk until melted. Add sugar to taste. Pour the cocoa into 2 mugs.
Sprinkle 1/4 of the marshmallows on top of each mug. Using a kitchen torch, toast the marshmallows until brown. If you don't have a torch, you can use your broiler. Place the mugs on a baking sheet and broil until the marshmallows are toasted.
Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top and sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs if desired.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/smores-hot-chocolate/