Strawberry Daiquiri Popsicles

May 17, 2013 by

Strawberry Daiquiri Popsicles

You know what I love on a Friday? A good cocktail. You know what else I love? A good cocktail that also doubles as a frozen treat. Yes, these are two things that I love.

Strawberry Daiquiri Popsicles

I love strawberry daiquiris and they are already a blended frozen drink, so why not just freeze it into a popsicle?! These have just the right amount of sweetness from agave nectar so no sugar is needed! I keep wanting to eat these at night as a snack before bed, but then I realize that they have rum in them. Oops. I’m thinking that I will be making these all summer. I am also thinking that a peach or raspberry version would also be amazing.

Strawberry Daiquiri Popsicles

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Strawberry Daiquiri Popsicles

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 6 large popsicles

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hulled strawberries
  • 1/2 cup rum
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4-1/3 cup agave nectar (can adjust depending on how sweet you want the popsicles to be)

Instructions

  1. Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds (or you can use small cups) and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or over night.

Notes

Please note that how many popsicles you get out of this recipe will depend on the size of your molds. Mine are pretty big and I got six out of this recipe.

If you want to make these virgin, swap the rum for water, sparkling water or even ginger ale.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/05/strawberry-daiquiri-popsicles/

Strawberry Daiquiri Popsicles
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Spring Sangria

March 29, 2013 by

Spring Sangria

I think that if I were ever to write a cookbook, I could write a book filled with sangria recipes. Sangria rocks my world. And with the warmer weather comes my desire to make cool and refreshing cocktails.

Work has been getting super crazy lately. Lots of new projects. Lots of manuscripts to write, review, publish, blah, blah, blah. I had so much fun visiting with my family last weekend, but I think I need a vacation from that vacation. If I could just have at least a few days where I don’t have to do anything. I can just be super lazy. All. Day. Long. Or a cruise. I would also be very happy with a cruise. I guess for now I will just have to sit on my patio with a pitcher of this spring sangria and pretend I am somewhere really fabulous.

Spring Sangria

One of my favorite things about spring is all of the bright and fresh fruits that come into season! Citrus is big for springtime as well as pineapples. Citrus and pineapple? In sangria? Oh yes. Let’s do this.

Spring Sangria

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Spring Sangria

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 (750 ml) bottle of fruity white wine
  • 3 cups Sprite (you can also use lemon lime sparkling water)
  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • sliced lemons, lime, and oranges (and pineapple if you want!)

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, stir together the wine, Sprite, pineapple juice, and the orange juice. Then gently stir in the slices of fruit.
  2. Refrigerate the sangria for about 2 hours and serve.*

Notes

Soaking citrus fruits for too long can result in a bitter taste. If you are not going to serve the sangria within a few hours of making it, I recommend waiting to add the fruit until you are ready to serve it.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/03/spring-sangria/

Spring Sangria
Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks · Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , 15 Comments

Pomegranate-Pear Champagne Punch

February 8, 2013 by

Pomegranate Pear Champagne Punch

The typical beverage of choice for most people during the Super Bowl is beer. But, not for me. While watching the game last week, I was sipping on some of this pomegranate-pear champagne punch. I guess I just like to be fancy. And also, it was Sunday, which is my day for cooking and photographing everything for the blog, but whatever. Oh, and like always, I don’t want to drinks to go to waste, so I end up drinking both of them in the middle of the afternoon. I have no tolerance anymore and so then I fell asleep. I am so lame.

Pomegranate Pear Champagne Punch

We don’t have any big plans for Valentine’s Day. I think since we have been together, we have only attempted to go out on Valentine’s Day like maybe once. We hate crowds so we are going to do what we always do for special days: Sit at home in PJ’s, eat a lot of fondue, and probably watch more Bones on Netflix. We are out of control!

I love pom juice, but I think my favorite part about this drink is the pear nectar and of course, the pretty pink color! This punch fruity and addicting! I think I will fancy things up this V-Day by mixing up more of this punch! Nothing says Valentine’s Day and romance like a glass of champagne, am I right?!

Pomegranate Pear Champagne Punch

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Pomegranate Pear Champagne Punch

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup pear nectar
  • 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur (like triple sec)
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) champagne

Instructions

  1. In a pitcher add in the pomegranate juice, pear nectar, and the orange liqueur and stir together. Slowly pour in the champagne. Chill before serving or serve over ice.

Notes

Recipe from Martha Stewart

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/02/pomegranate-pear-champagne-punch/

Pomegranate Pear Champagne Punch
Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks, Holidays · Tagged With: , , , , , , 24 Comments

Gingerbread Martini

December 17, 2012 by

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.

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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:
  1. In a small saucepan, heat the water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon on medium heat until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
    2. For the martini:
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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: , , , , , , 18 Comments

S’mores Hot Chocolate

December 10, 2012 by

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.

Print
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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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/

 

Update: The mugs pictured here are from Pier 1.
Filed Under: Drinks · Tagged With: , , , , 18 Comments

Apple Pumpkintini

November 9, 2012 by

It’s Friday! I am back home in Florida for my friend’s wedding this weekend. It’s nice to see my family again. My little brother has been calling me a “ditcher” since we moved to Arizona. He also thinks I moved 5,000 miles away. In my birthday card that he gave me right before we moved, he wrote, “Happy Birthday, Sis. You’re a ditcher. See you in the year 2020.”

It’s okay. We are going to spend the whole day together today. I ain’t no ditcher!

In celebration of it being the weekend, I have created a yummy martini for you. Apple and pumpkin in one awesome drink! This drink is the perfect drink to serve your Thanksgiving dinner guests…or you could be like a certain someone and drink one and a half of them at 11:30 in the morning because you made them to photograph and you don’t want it to go to waste so you drink them and then end up with a raging headache for the rest of your day…

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Apple Pumpkintini

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2 martinis

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tbs. pumpkin puree
  • 3 ounces apple cider (I used the Spiced Cider from Trader Joes)
  • 2 ounces vanilla vodka
  • 1 ounce ginger ale
  • cinnamon and sugar (for the rim)

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, mix together a couple of tablespoons of sugar and about 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Rub some apple cider along the rim of each martini glass. Dip the rim in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, add about 3-4 ice cubes. Add in the pumpkin puree, apple cider, vodka, and ginger ale. Shake well and pour into the martini glasses and serve.
http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/11/apple-pumpkintini/
Filed Under: Drinks · Tagged With: , , , , , , , 24 Comments

Witches’ Brew

October 29, 2012 by

Ok, so I’ve got one more last-minute Halloween recipe for you! Much like monster munch, this witches’ brew is a really easy recipe that you can pretty much do whatever you want with! Mix it up in a cauldron with a little dry ice and you’ll have a fun and festive drink to serve on Halloween after all that trick-or-treating!

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Witches’ Brew

Ingredients

  • 3 cups ginger ale
  • 2 cups cranberry grape juice (or just plain cranberry juice)
  • 3 cups apple cider
  • For adult witches: add rum, vodka, chambord, etc.
  • For little witches: add gummy worms, eyeball candies, or any other creepy thing you want to add!

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher and serve!
http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/10/witches-brew/
Filed Under: Drinks, Kid-Friendly · Tagged With: , , , , , 12 Comments

Strawberry Soda Floats

September 7, 2012 by

So we got this notice on our door yesterday from our complex titled “Updates and remainders (yes, it said remainders): Do not, under any circumstance pay children to take your trash to the dumpster. The children are not taking the trash to the dumpster; they are placing it in the shrubs, behind buildings, and in the parking lot! This is unacceptable and dangerous!”

Um, really?

“Hey Billy, can you please take out the trash?” “Oh, sure, Mom”. Billy then proceeds to take the garbage and just chucks towards the nearest bush. Or, he just tosses it straight into the parking lot and just leaves it there, goes back in and demands that he gets his two dollars. The thought of this happening makes me laugh all the way down in my soul. What I also want to know is how the complex found this to be such a serious issue…

It’s a lovely Wednesday afternoon and Billy is asked to take out the trash. So, he takes that garbage bag and finds the finest bush on the property where he can place said trash. Just as he is throwing away his trash, one of the maintenance guys spots him, “Hey, you, kid, why are you throwing that garbage in the bushes?” “Oh, ummmm, I’m just throwing away the garbage…You mean to tell me this isn’t where the trash goes?? I get two dollars…”.

Seriously, I’m still laughing.

If you want to give your kids a nice treat for throwing away your garbage in the bushes, this strawberry soda float is perfect. I think I am going to change the name of this blog to Eat. Drink. Strawberry. because seriously, this is like the gazillionith strawberry recipe I have posted, but who doesn’t love strawberries?! I might go as far to say that I like these more than a root beer float…I know. It’s serious.

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Strawberry Soda Floats

Prep Time: 3 hours

Yield: 4 floats

Ingredients

  • 1 pint strawberries, stems removed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • vanilla or strawberry ice cream
  • club soda

Instructions

  1. Place the strawberries into a blender and puree until smooth.
  2. Heat a sauce pan on medium heat, pour in the strawberry puree. Stir in the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and let simmer for about 3 minutes.
  3. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or large glass. Discard the solids and let the syrup chill for at least a few hours.
  4. To make the floats, pour about 1/4 cup of the syrup into a glass. Add a scoop (or two) of the ice cream and then top with the club soda. Stir to combine and then serve!
http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/09/strawberry-soda-floats/
Filed Under: Desserts, Drinks · Tagged With: , , , 38 Comments

Summer Sangria

June 28, 2012 by

Today me and the hubs are on the road. First, we are headed to Cleveland, my hometown…via car…yeah, I know, we’re crazy like that. But, we also have to go to Montreal as I have a conference to go to there so it will be nice to have a car. I’m so excited to spend time with my family there that I haven’t seen for a year! I’m not looking forward to the really long drive though. My husband has trained me well for long drives as we have driven from Florida to California a number of times now. Oi. I know.

Today, I have a fun and easy sangria recipe for you all that is perfect for your 4th of July BBQ! I’ve told you already how much I love me some sangria! My grocery store had a sale on strawberries and when I spotted a container packed with beautiful and perfect strawberries, I knew sangria just had to be made! Seriously, wine-soaked strawberries are freaking awesome!

You could also add some raspberries if you want to keep with the red, white, and blue theme! With all the fruit and triple sec, I thought this sangria was plenty sweet, but if you want add more sweetness, add some simple syrup.

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Summer Sangria

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: serves 8

Ingredients

  • 2 bottles dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup triple sec
  • 3 cups club soda
  • 1 1/2 cups strawberries, stems removed and sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup diced pineapple
  • simple syrup (optional) (see note below)

Instructions

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

To prepare simple syrup, combine about a 1/2 cup sugar and a 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Mixture should thicken as it cools. Add as much syrup as you desire to sweeten the sangria.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/06/summer-sangria/
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Low-Fat Strawberry and Blueberry Smoothie

May 19, 2011 by


This healthy smoothie is the perfect snack for the summertime! It’s refreshing and good for you! If you have a hard time eating enough fruit everyday, then I recommend you try this smoothie as it will give you a serving (or two!) of fruit and blueberries are loaded with anti-oxidants that will boost your immune system! While many smoothie recipes use fruit juices, I use skim milk in mine because I don’t want all that sugar in my smoothie, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, go ahead and swap fruit juice for the milk or add a couple of teaspoons of sugar.

Low-Fat Strawberry and Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

Serves 1

-1/2 cup frozen strawberries (about 4-5 strawberries)

-1/2 cup frozen blueberries

-1 cup skim milk

-1/2 cup fat free or sugar-free vanilla yogurt

Directions:

1. Add strawberries and blueberries into blender.

2. Add milk and blend until smooth.

3. Add yogurt and blend until the yogurt is completely mixed into the smoothie.

4. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy! :)

Filed Under: Drinks, Low-Carb, Low-Sugar/Sugar-Free · Tagged With: , , , , There are no comments