Category: food & drink

A Delicious Frosé Recipe

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A Delicious Frosé Recipe

Nothing says summer like frosé (frozen rosé wine)…it is a refreshing treat and perfect for hot temperatures. Not to forget…it’s pretty, always a crowd pleaser and…my favorite part? It can be prepared in advance. If you are hosting a little soirée just whip up some apps and frosé and you are ready to entertain! I found this recipe on bonappetit.com and it is super simple to make. One difference in my preparation…I actually left the strawberries in the syrup for a few hours to give it more flavor.

Ingredients

1 bottle rosé wine

½ cup sugar

8 ounces strawberries, hulled, quartered

2½ ounces fresh lemon juices

Instructions

Pour rosé into a 13×9″ pan and freeze until almost solid (it won’t completely solidify due to the alcohol), at least 6 hours.

Meanwhile, bring sugar and ½ cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan; cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Add strawberries, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes (or a few hours, as I did) to infuse syrup with strawberry flavor. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl (do not press on solids); cover and chill until cold, about 30 minutes.

Scrape rosé into a blender. Add lemon juice, 3½ ounces strawberry syrup, and 1 cup crushed ice and purée until smooth. Transfer blender jar to freezer and freeze until frosé is thickened (aim for milkshake consistency), 25–35 minutes.

Blend again until frosé is slushy. Divide among glasses. Serve. Toast. Enjoy!

Do Ahead: Rosé can be frozen 1 week ahead.

Source: www.bonappetit.com

I hope you and your friends enjoy this delicious summer treat!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 13.2018
3 Super Smoothies

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3 Super Smoothies

Breakfast for me is either an egg bake with veggies or a smoothie. I love smoothies because they keep me feeling light, full of energy and are the perfect on-the-go breakfast. Here are the 3 super smoothies that I rotate between…they can all be prepared in 5 minutes or less!

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Strawberry Banana Delight

4-5 organic strawberries

1 banana

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1.5 cups almond milk

Simply add all ingredients to blender and blend. Drink and enjoy.

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Tropical Fruit Smoothie

1/2 cup pineappple

1/2 mango

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1.5 cups coconut milk

Add all ingredients to blender and blend. Drink and enjoy.

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Super Green Smoothie

2-3 cups organic spinach

1/2 bunch organic parsley

1 organic Fuji apple

1 banana

1/2 lemon, juiced

1.5 cups cold, filtered water

Simply add ingredients to blender, blend and enjoy!

If I have kale, dandelion greens or any other type of leafy greens, I will add a handful of those. I also add hemp, chia and flax seeds if I have them.

Hope these recipes help simplify those busy weekday mornings…I always feel light and full of energy when I have one of these smoothies for breakfast!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 16.2018
Chic Weeknight Dinner Menu

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Chic Weeknight Dinner Menu

Awhile back, one of my girlfriends called me and said “HELP!! My husband invited his boss and wife over for dinner tomorrow night and I have no idea what to make!” We hung up immediately and I pulled together this chic weeknight dinner menu in a flash. It’s light, flavorful and most of the prep can be done in advance. Don’t worry….no one will know you didn’t spend all day preparing. 😉

The Starter:

Tomato Avocado Bruschetta

(Tip: You can chop the tomatoes, mince the garlic, prepare the goat cheese/cream cheese mixture and vinaigrette in advance. Also, this recipe calls for the baguette to be grilled but I use the Fresh Market French Rounds, which require no additional preparation.)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons white balsamic or white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 box grape tomatoes quartered or 1.5 cups chopped tomatoes, well drained

1 avocado-peeled, pitted and diced

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh basil

4 ounces goat (chèvre) cheese

4 ounces cream cheese

1 loaf French bread

Olive Oil for grilling

In medium bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar and salt; whisk to blend. Add tomatoes, avocado, garlic and basil; toss gently. In small bowl, combine goat and cream cheese until evenly blended; chill until ready to assemble. Brush bread slices with olive oil. Place on grid over medium heat. Grill until toasted on both sides. Spread goat/cream cheese mixture over toast. Cut each slice in half. Top with tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Source: Everybody Cooks, Dierbergs

Main Course

Salmon with Sweet Chili Glaze, Sugar Snap Peas and Pea Tendrils

(Tip: It sounds way more complicated than it is. You can grate the ginger and mince the garlic in advance)

Ingredients:

Nonstick vegetable oil spray

1/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided

2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger, divided

4 6-ounce salmon fillets with skin

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry Sherry

3 cups pea tendrils or pea sprouts

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Line rimmed baking sheet with foil. Coat with nonstick spray. Whisk chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon ginger in small bowl. Place salmon fillets, skin side down, on prepared sheet. Spoon chili sauce marinade over and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Preheat broiler. Spoon any marinade remaining on baking sheet over salmon fillets. Broil salmon without turning until browned in spots and almost opaque in center, 6 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness of fillet.

Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in wok or heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon ginger and minced garlic; stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add sugar snap peas and stir until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice wine, and pea tendrils and stir just until wilted, about 1 minute. Drizzle with sesame oil.

Place pea tendrils on one plate, then layer 1 salmon fillet and garnish to your liking. Serve and enjoy.

source: www.bonappetit.com

Dessert:

Wine Spiked Berries & Ricotta

(Tip: You can prepare the red wine sauce and ricotta mixture in advance.)

Ingredients:

1 large orange

1.5 cups dry red wine

1/2 cup plus tablespoons sugar

2 cups mixed raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and/or strawberries

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier liqueur

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Using a sharp paring knife, cut two 2-3 inch strips of zest from the orange. Using the fine rasps of a handheld grater or a microplane, remove 1 teaspoon finely grated zest from another section of the orange Reserve the rest of the orange for another use.

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the wine, the 1/2 cup sugar and the orange zest strips and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about one-third, 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool.

Put the berries in a bowl. Remove the zest strips from the syrup and pour over the berries.

In a food processor, combine the ricotta, Grand Marnier, vanilla, grated orange zest and the 2 tablespoons of sugar and process until smooth. Spoon the berries with some syrup into glasses or small bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Source: www.williamssonoma.com

Keep this elegant little menu in your back pocket just like that little black dress that always looks fabulous…I have served this on a number of occasions and it is always a hit. I usually pair with Groth Sauvignon Blanc or Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc.

Happy Hosting!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 7.2018
Truffle Parmesan Popcorn Recipe

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Truffle Parmesan Popcorn Recipe

Hands down, popcorn is my favorite snack. It is our family tradition to pop a batch every time we watch a movie. While I usually prepare a classic popcorn with a touch of butter and sea salt, there are times when I like to spice it up and make my truffle parmesan popcorn recipe. If you want an easy and elegant bite to nosh on with friends, whip up a batch in under 10 minutes and cozy up with friends over a glass of wine.

Ingredients

Organic Popcorn

Butter

White Truffle Oil

Sea Salt

Black Pepper

Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated or pre-grated as shown above)

sTo start, I pop two to three bowls of popcorn using the Presto Popper. I like to put all of the popcorn in a large bowl and then pour melted butter over it (approximately 1-1.5 tablespoons). Then I drizzle approximately 1/4-1/2 tablespoon of white truffle oil over the top. Sprinkle parmesan, freshly ground sea salt and black pepper, toss to distribute evenly. Serve and enjoy!

Hope you enjoy this delicious treat!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 15.2018
Four Cocktails featuring Johnnie Walker Red

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Four Cocktails Featuring Johnnie Walker Red

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I am excited to team up with Johnnie Walker Red…little did I know that their Red label can be mixed with other ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Since my husband likes to mix up drinks, he helped me create four cocktails featuring Johnnie Walker Red.

Vanilla Cherry Smash

2 -3 tablespoons Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

1 tablespoon white sugar (omit if you prefer)

1 oz Johnnie Walker Red

2-3 oz club soda (depends on size of glass)

1/4 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 of a lemon, juiced

few drops of of angostura bitters

Add cherries to glass and muddle. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, Johnnie Walker Red, club soda, vanilla, lemon juice and bitters. Add to glass, stir and enjoy! We used these fun Monsieur and Madame glasses which are available at www.westelm.com.

Honey Lemon Whisky Cocktail

2 oz honey ginger syrup

1 oz Johnnie Walker Red

1/2 of a lemon, juiced

To make the honey ginger syrup, combine 1 cup honey, 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and 1 cup water in a saucepan, boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Chill overnight and strain, discarding solids.

We like to use these ice spheres as they keep your drinks cold for a long time…add ice sphere to glass. Combine Johnnie Walker Red, lemon juice and honey ginger syrup in a cocktail shaker. Garnish with mint leaves and a lemon wedge.

Johnnie Ginger

1 oz Johnnie Walker Red

Ginger Beer

Fill glass with ice, add Johnnie Walker Red and top off with ginger beer. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired.

Blackberry Smash

Fresh blackberries

Fresh mint leaves

1 oz Johnnie Walker Red

1-2 oz simple syrup (to your taste)

Muddle black berries and mint leaves in a bowl, add to glass. Fill glass with crushed ice. Add 1 oz Johnnie Walker Red and then simple syrup. Garnish with mint leaves and blackberries.

Hope you enjoy serving these cocktails for your spring and summer parties…cheers!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 19.2018
Spring Entertaining with Musco Olives

Spring Entertaining with Musco Olives

I am hosting Easter year and in the throws of planning the menu, decor and such. It is a project I enjoy immensely as there is little I find more satisfying than our family sitting around the table laughing and enjoying a delicious meal.

I was inspired by this lovely collection of dishes at Williams Sonoma that can be used for a variety of Spring occasions. Since we will be hosting an Easter lunch, mid-day, I am planning a menu that will be relatively simple to prepare since I will not have as much time.

For the starter, I have decided to create a traditional cheese and charcuterie platter. It is easy to prepare and is my in-law’s appetizer of choice so I know it will not disappoint. I include 2-4 cheeses (be sure to vary the shape, flavor and color), 1-2 meats (like salami or prosciutto), grapes, and nuts. This year, my spread will also include delicious Pearls® Specialities Garlic Stuffed Olives. Olives are one of the easiest appetizers to serve…no preparation required, easy to eat and always a crowd pleaser. They can be ordered on Amazon, which is another bonus.

These Pearls® Olives are absolutely delectable…plump, crunchy and bursting with flavor. I will also be serving the Pimento Stuffed and Blue Cheese Stuffed specialties for variety. Just add crackers, fruit and your spread is complete!

My strategy is to keep everyone busy snacking on this delicious spread so I can put the finishing touches on our meal without anyone hovering about the kitchen. 😉

These Pearls® Specialty Olives will be a hit at your Easter or Spring parties!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 18.2018
4 Delicious Grain Bowl Recipes

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4 Delicious Grain Bowl Recipes

Whether you enjoy #meatlessmonday meals, are vegetarian or are hard core vegan, we have created 4 delicious grain bowls that you can incorporate into your meal plans. Each of these recipes can be prepared in under an hour and are packed with flavor and nutrition. Once you start making these, you will become addicted to how easy they are to prepare.

Harvest Wild Rice Bowl

Base: Wild Rice. Prepare according to directions. I use Lundberg brand I like the depth of flavor and texture.

1/2 cup sliced Fiji apple

1/2 cup red seedless grapes, sliced in half.

1/2 cup feta cheese

1 cup, roasted kale*

1/2 cup, sliced almonds

Prepare wild rice and add to bowl. Add roasted kale, apples, grapes, almonds and feta. Drizzle with sea salt, pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.

*To roast kale, preheat over to 425° F. Rinse desired amount of kale and put on non-stick baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Power Vegan Quinoa Bowl

Prepare quinoa according to directions. I use chicken or vegetable broth to give additional flavor.

Wash kale and place on baking tray. Drain and rinse chickpeas and place on tray. Wash and chop sweet potatoes, carrots and broccoli; add to tray. Lightly coat with grapeseed or olive oil and then sprinkle sea salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder; stir and mix into vegetables.

Preheat oven to 425° Fand roast vegetables for 20-25 minutes. Place quinoa into bowl, add vegetables and chickpea mixture. Serve and enjoy!

Mexican Red Quinoa Bowl

Base: Red Quinoa. Prepare according to directions.

1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup frozen corn, prepared according to directions

Add Style & Life Original Guacamole to taste (recipe is here)

Add red quinoa to bowl. If it is a little dry, add a touch of grapeseed oil and season with sea salt and pepper. Create sections for tomatoes, black beans, corn and cheddar cheese. Add guacamole to center. Serve and enjoy!

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Greek Couscous Bowl

Base: Pearl Couscous. Prepare according to directions.

1 cup of red and yellow cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup sliced cucumbers

1/2 cup chickpeas

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup of sliced black olives

1/4 cup chopped red onion

Add couscous to bowl. Mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sea salt to taste. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, chickpeas, olives and onion to bowl. Top with a pre-made tzatziki sauce.

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Get creative with your ingredients…the options are endless!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 5.2018
Pink Champagne Cake Recipe

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Pink Champagne Cake Recipe

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and if you want a sweet treat to celebrate, then this delicious cake recipe if just for you! This cake is soft, spongy and easy to prepare…I like it because the champagne keeps it from being overly sweet. This pink champagne cake recipe is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone, friends or colleagues.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 3/4 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups caster sugar

1 cup champagne or prosecco

6 egg whites

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

pink food coloring

For the Icing:

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2/3 champagne or prosecco

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Instructions

For the Cake:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. I sprayed my cake pans with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy (at least 5 minutes).

Alternating between flour mixture and champagne, combine and blend into the creamed butter mixture until just mixed. Half way through the addition of the flour and champagne, add in a few drops of pink gel food coloring before continuing to mix in the flour and champagne.

In a large clean bowl , beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold 1/3 of the whites into batter, followed by another 1/3 of the whites, and then the remaining whites. Divide evenly into your prepared pans.

Bake at 350ºF for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the pink champagne cake comes out clean.

Let cool in pans before assembling and decorating.

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For the Icing:

In a medium bowl, beat the butter in an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, and mix thoroughly before adding the next bit.

When the icing mixture starts to get too thick to mix smoothly, start adding in the champagne very gradually 1/3 at a time, before mixing in more icing sugar.

Continue to beat in powdered sugar and champagne until all of it is incorporated. If the icing isn’t soft and fluffy enough continue adding in more champagne until you reach a desired consistency. The icing should be soft, light and fluffy without being soupy or runny.

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To Decorate:

I chose to make mini cakes but you could do a larger cake with tiers, cupcakes or heart shaped cakes.

Depending the size of cake you prepare, you may need to cut off the top of the cake to make it smooth. Once you are ready to frost the cake, cover the top and sides of the pink champagne cake with a smooth even layer of the champagne buttercream.

Decorate with sprinkles of your choice.

The pink champagne cake will keep covered at room temperature for 3 days.

Hope you enjoy this yummy pink champagne cake recipe!

source: www.madewithpink.com

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 10.2018
Blood Orange Cocktail Recipe

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Blood Orange Cocktail Recipe

Planning a lazy weekend or at least a relaxing Saturday or Sunday morning? Sometimes my husband and I like to linger over a nice brunch (for ideas check out our quiche recipe, brunch menu or healthy options) and will make a mimosa or fruity cocktail. This Blood Orange Cocktail is super simple to whip up and is a fresh take on the classic screwdriver. The rosemary and blood orange garnish make it look as good as it taste. Sit back, relax and get ready to enjoy!

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Ingredients

4 oz chilled vodka, my favorites are Tito’s Handmade, Ketel 1 or Grey Goose

12 oz blood orange juice, I always find it at my local Fresh Market

ice

springs of fresh rosemary

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Instructions

Fill two glasses with ice, I used these stemless wine glasses

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, blood orange juice and one sprig of rosemary. Shake the cocktail vigorously and strain into the ice filled glasses. Garnish with an orange wedge ands prig of fresh rosemary. Toast and enjoy!

source: www.heatherchristo.com

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Hope you enjoy this cocktail over a lazy weekend morning!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 18.2018
Flavored Water Recipes

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Flavored Water Recipes

As discussed in one of last weeks posts, taking care of myself and creating a healthy lifestyle is one of my key intentions for 2018. When I had my daughter, I found myself reaching for sugar free Red Bulls or Diet Coke when I needed an energy boots. Two years later, I have not kicked the habit…but it is time! Since these are not healthy beverages, I have vowed to replace these caffeine cravings with better choices and so I was looking for ways to spice up water and discovered this pretty gold Drop Bottle. It makes water or tea look as good as it tastes. Here are four of my favorite flavored water recipes!

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Lemon, Cucumber and Mint

This is my go-to recipe as I almost always have the ingredients on hand. It makes me feel like I am at a spa. Take a few slices of lemon, cucumber and add mint leaves. It is very refreshing!

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Grapefruit and Rosemary

This delicious blend has a tangy and herbal flavor that will not disappoint. Simply add a few springs of rosemary and slices of grapefruit!

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Apple Orange Lemon

Not only do I like how this tastes but I like seeing the red, orange and yellow colored fruits in this pretty bottle.

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Strawberry Basil

Just add strawberries and basil and you have a unique and refreshing beverage.

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Hope you enjoy trying these combinations. What are your favorite water recipes? I would love more ideas!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 11.2018