Ginger Peach & Basil Mojito and Randomness

Hey, guys!  I made you a drink this week.

You deserve to kick up your feet and enjoy one last Summer mojito.

Hmm, maybe I was talking to myself just then.  It happens.

This recipe is so super simple and it makes one perfect drink.

Do it.

Ginger Peach & Basil Mojito

Serves 1

¼ peach, peeled and diced

¼ lime

3 fresh basil leaves

A shot or two of rum

Ginger ale (I used diet, because that’s how I roll)

Ice

Muddle the peach, lime and basil leaves in the bottom of the glass (I use the handle of a wooden spoon for this), then add your rum.  Fill the glass with ice and top with ginger ale.  Garnish with pretties if you want.

Ok, time for another random Renee post.  I seriously cannot resist a survey (I was on myspace years ago just for the silly surveys-it’s true), so when Lily at Needles, Eggshells and Hairspray (go check her out-she's awesome) tagged me with a Liebster Blog award...I had to at least answer the questions.

Sorry, I'm not going to tag anyone in this, because I break chain letters and live on the edge.

I answered her questions and the questions she gave...so don't read it if you don't want to (‘cuz it’s lengthy), but I'm answering them (and you can’t stop me)!

1. What was the title of your very first post and what was it about?

Well, my first post was not really about anything (I don't think it even had a title) except that I threw a wine and cheese party for my Mom's birthday.  I was so proud of my flourless chocolate cake that I started a blog.  I feel like I have come a long way since then as far as content and picture quality.

2. How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I talked a bit about that here, but basically I get cranky when I'm hungry and the hungry monster comes out if I am not fed like immediately.

3. Do you have an underground blog or does everyone in your world know you write it?

I don't tend to bring it up in person unless someone else does.  Sometimes people brag on it and it embarrasses me.  But, yeah, my boss doesn't know about it and I guess just family and friends know that I write a blog.

4. Have you ever had to deal with negative comments?

Not really on this blog, but on Endless Simmer there have been some not so nice comments.  Nothing terrible, but sometimes I get unsolicited advice about my recipes.  Whatever, I'll take it like a man and it will only make me stronger.

5. What is your worst pet peeve?

Whistling.  There, I said it.  Quit whistling, people.  Also, people who have no manners.  That always gets me.

6. Do you think it's important to respond to every comment?

Erm, I hope not, because I'm not great about that.  I read comments and cherish them, but for some reason I feel like nobody will see the response if I reply.  I don't know how the internet works, apparently.

7. Do you blog for money? If yes, has it been worth it?

I don't on this blog, but my contributing recipes earn a little cash.  I think it is worth it, because I get to really be creative in my original recipes and I get my name out there.

8. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. One day. What would you eat?

My breakfast today was pretty boss.  So I'd do that.  Breakfast--Bagel Thin with Swiss cheese wedge, smoked salmon and a fried egg.  Lunch--a giant salad with protein and Dinner--veggie pizza of some sort.

Haters are probably gonna hate that I answered mostly healthy stuff on this one, but it makes me feel good, so whatever.

9. Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?

Ms. Ramsey, my 5th grade science teacher.  She actually made me like science for the first time ever.  We made ice cream in a bag.  'Nuff said.

10. At this moment in your life, are you content?

Kinda yeah and no (that's my Dad's famous ambiguous answer to all things).  I am content in myself, but always striving to be more.  I have alot of goals and dreams that I have yet to tackle, but no regrets.  All the crap that has happened in life led me to this moment.  So I'm alright with it.

11. Do you see yourself blogging for the long haul?

Hmm, I think I'll continue to blog for a while, but am not really committed to a time frame.  We'll just see what happens.

Ok, here’s the questions the Lil-ster gave me:

1) What inspired you to start a blog?

 I needed something to fill my time, because my job is super boring and not intellectually stimulating at all.  Plus, I have hobbies and stuff that I want to share.

2) You're stranded on a deserted island... cliche i know but always fun to imagine. so what craft supply , ingredient, and/or style product can you not live without? Why?

 This is a hard question.  Craft supply—colored floss/string.  I could see myself making some friendship bracelets for the people that rescue me.  Ingredient—maybe like some canned meats or something.  I’m thinking survival here, not taste.  Style product—really?  Um, chapstick, I guess.

3) How long did it take you to come up with a name for your blog? Why did you choose what you finally decided on?

 Oooh, I answered this one above.  Check it out ;)

4) What has been your proudest moment that you have blogged about?

 I have a lot of fails in my attempts at cooking/crafting and those never make it to the blog.  So whatever I post on here, I’m proud enough to show it off, so yeah.

5) Where did you learn your skill (cooking/crafting/style)? Were you professionally taught? Skills handed down in family? Or just a natural all on your own (if so, lucky dog you)?

 I don’t really think of myself as having skills; I am just willing to try new things.  I taught myself all the stuff I do, with some help from the internet and magazines maybe.

6) What was the very first completed project/dish you blogged about?

 I could totally go look this up, but I’m just going to guess that it was a Greek meatball sandwich.

7) Which celebrity or public figure (past or present) do you admire most and why?

 I really love the comedian Louis C.K.  I would like to be his unlikely best friend, because he’s real, he’s hilarious and I just adore him.

8) Who do you aim to reach with your blog?

 See answer to last question ;)  Just kidding.  I’d like to reach people who have never tried to cook/craft and maybe teach them that it’s not all that hard.  It’s all about trial and error and just making it work (yes, I kind of invoked Tim Gunn).

9) How often do you read other people's blogs? Which types of blogs get your attention?

 I spend most of my weekdays reading blogs.  I follow a lot of foodie blogs, craft blogs and healthy living blogs.

10) What subjects do you avoid on your blog?

 I try not to be negative on the internet, in general.  I’m never going to talk about religion or politics or whine about being in a bad mood.  I don’t like drama, so that is the reason for that.

11) What is your favorite quote and why? (doesn't have to be official... can be something your kid said or you heard on TV... just something awesome)

I like Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote-“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  This one always reminds me to be true to myself and not to worry about what other people think about me.

Ok, that’s done.  If you read all these Q&As about me, we are probably qualified to be best friends now.  So go follow me on Twitter, already ;)

Have a great week, y’all!

Sour Cherry Chiller

Oy, I just realized I used the same background as Friday's breakfast muffin post.  Oh, well.  Forgive me.  I have stress.

I know Monday morning is probably not the best time to post a cocktail recipe, but I have my reasons.

You know how April 15th is like the busiest day for accountants doing personal tax returns?

Well, today is our April 15th.  It's nothing related to taxes, it's just a deadline for a program that we do in our office and it's like trying to do a week's worth (or more) of work in one day.

So things are about to get heavy over here.

I know this cocktail will be in my immediate future to decompress from this day.

But you don't really need an excuse like mine to enjoy this super easy drink.  A warm and sunny spring day by the pool would do just fine ;)

Sour Cherry Chiller

serves 1

2 shots of rum (4 oz)

handful of frozen cherries

juice from 1 lime

ice

diet lemon lime soda

I used a pint mason jar and attached it to my blender (here's a how to).  Put in your mason jar lime juice, rum, frozen cherries and a couple cubes of ice, top with lemon lime soda & blend until smooth.

I garnished mine with a cocktail cherry from the fridge.

Seriously awesome.

Skinny Paloma Cocktail

My husband and I had a date night at Bahama Breeze the other night, mostly because I wanted to eat on a patio and they happen to have one.

Come to find out, they have new skinny/healthy options on the menu.  I was very excited and proceeded to order the skinny paloma, red pepper hummus with veggies and a giant salad loaded with 5 kinds of fruit.  I was stuffed with fruits and veggies.  Of course, I could have made that all at home, but it's nice to go out and have someone else make stuff for you, occasionally :)

With the cocktail though, it tasted exactly what I've been drinking at home lately & a double take at the menu proved it was exactly the same.  So I'm keeping my recipe, but stealing their name.

Skinny Paloma Cocktail

serves 1

• 2 oz tequila (or more if you want it stronger)
• 4 oz (1/2 cup) grapefruit juice (I used a reduced calorie, low sugar juice)
• crushed ice
• diet lemon lime soda
• optional-raw sugar for the rim

Dip the rim in water and dip in sugar.  This raw sugar has big ole crystals, so it looks a little patchy.  You could also use salt on the rim if you are into that.

Pour the tequila in the glass first, followed by the grapefruit juice.  

Scoop in a handful or two of crushed ice and top with lemon lime soda.

It is the perfect relaxation drink for watching the Project Runway Allstars Finale!  Go Mondo :)
*note~I wrote this post after watching Project Runway Allstars Finale Part 1 & have no idea who won the finale as of yet.  I watch my shows on the computer a few days after they actually air.

For a good time, check out my other mixed drinks:

Blood Orange Margarita

Hot Toddy

Berry Infused Vodka

Watermelon Lemonade Slush

Tropical Cocktail

Black Raspberry Mojito

Cheers!

1 Minute Baileys Chocolate Cake

With St. Patty's Day right around the corner, I thought I'd make you a cake.

It is rich and dense with a noticeable taste of Irish cream, but still light and fluffy.

This cake only took about 5 minutes from start to finish.  And less than one minute to cook.

There are times when you need cake in a hurry.

Today seems like that kind of day.

1 Minute Baileys Chocolate Cake

Serves 1

1 tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa

3 tbsp flour

pinch salt

2 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp baking powder

2 Splenda packets (or use more sugar if you like)

1 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable or coconut)

3 tablespoons Baileys liqueur

1 tbsp milk (I used almond milk)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all this stuff together and pour it in a greased microwave safe ramekin or mug.  Microwave for 40-50 seconds.  Allow cake to cool for about 5 minutes, then run a sharp knife around the cake in the mug (or ramekin) and gently turn it upside down on a plate.  Top with whipped cream and grated chocolate.

Note: If you don't want to use the alcoholic Baileys, try subbing the Baileys coffee creamer instead.  Or just use almond milk (only 3 tbsp, though)~it makes an equally yummy cake ;)

Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie

Blood Orange Margarita

It's been a long week and you deserve a drink.

This citrus-y delight is a great way to unwind.

And you know what?  It's a pretty low calorie cocktail, to boot.

Ok, run out and get these ingredients, because it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

Blood Orange Margarita

1 shot=2 tbsp (in case you don't have a shot glass)

1-2 shots of gold tequila

1/2 shot of triple sec (or Cointreau)

1/2 shot of lime juice (or the juice of 1/2 a small lime)

1 shot of blood orange juice (squeezed from about 3-4 oranges)

diet lemon lime soda

ice

sugar for the rim

Put some water on your finger & rim your glass in water and dip in sugar.

Fill glass with ice.

In a pitcher or cocktail shaker (or an old sports bottle, if you are classy like me), combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice and blood orange juice.  Shake until combined. Pour over ice and top with lemon lime soda to taste.

Recipe adapted from Nutmeg Nanny

Here's some fun links to other blogs who have made some scrumptious looking things with blood oranges:

Blood Orange Sugared Scones from How Sweet It Is

Blood Orange French Toast from The Family Kitchen

Blood Orange Marmalade from Savvy Eats

Blood Orange No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Crust from The Craving Chronicles

I hope everyone liked blood orange week :)

Black Rasberry Mojito

I don’t feel like there is any recipe more appropriate for a Friday, than a cocktail recipe. This is a great drink for summer. I remember the first time I tried a mojito. My brother loves them and let me have a sip of his at Bahama Breeze. It was too sugary, as most of their drinks are. But I soon found that you can lighten it up at home and save money to boot.

Speaking of my brother, he and Sarah just welcomed my new nephew in to the world yesterday. Congratulations D.J. & Sarah!!

Ok, back to alcohol.

I did not take any pics of this recipe, but here is a picture of Chambord, so you don’t wander around the liquor store like a dork looking for it (not that this happened to me or anything):



Pretty, huh? I got the tiny bottle. And I got the Bacardi Silver in a pint size.

Black Raspberry Mojito
makes 1 drink

6 mint leaves
¼ of a lime, cut in wedges
2 tbsp clear rum
1 tbsp Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
Ice
1 C Sprite Zero

Put mint leaves and limes in glass and muddle until mint leaves are slightly broken up. Pour in rum and Chambord and stir. Fill glass with ice and top with Sprite Zero.
Adapted from: http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/