Beverages

Blood Orange Martini

It’s been about a month now that I’ve been walking into my local produce market asking, “Do you have blood oranges yet?” The answer every week has been no. So, when I was perusing the little market under my building at work and saw them, my heart skipped a beat a little.

I don’t know what my fascination is with these vibrant citrus fruits but I can’t get enough of them. Maybe it’s the mystery of their crimson color that appeals to me, I don’t know. (It’s not really a mystery, they have anthocyanins, pigments also found in red grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and eggplant but not in ordinary oranges.) A lot of people have never tried blood oranges so if you are one of those people, I urge you to pick up a few. They are sweet like the everyday orange but a bit more tart. Each batch tastes slightly different to me and sometimes they have the subtle hint of anise or liquorice.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on blood oranges this winter which gives me the chance to make this bright red cocktail, Blood Orange Martini. It’s simple: blood orange juice, vodka, and orange liqueur. Yum, yum, yum! My dinner on this Friday the 13th just might be a blood orange salad and this martini. How appropriate!

The ingredients:

Measure out the juice in a measuring cup (about 2-3 blood oranges).

Add in vodka and orange liqueur.

Pour mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and give it a good shake.

Garnish with a pretty slice of blood orange and enjoy!

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions: None

Source: Food Network

Green Monster Spinach Smoothie

I hate to sound cliché but I really, really, want to start eating better.  I know, I know, me and half of the country, right?  It isn’t that I really eat that bad, I mean I do get the majority of my recipes from Cooking Light magazine after all, but my problem is two-fold:  I don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables and I have no concept of portion control!  Smoothies are a great way to get those much needed servings of fruit and vegetables that most of us don’t get and also make for a filling, delicious breakfast.

This Green Monster Spinach Smoothie may not look appetizing to some of you but don’t be intimidated by it’s bright green color.  Yes, it’s a spinach smoothie but if it weren’t for the color, you would never know by the taste.  This smoothie has milk, vanilla yogurt, banana, and peanut butter and tastes like a peanut butter-banana milkshake.  Since spinach is nutritious and so, so, so good for us, consider putting spinach in any smoothie you make.  Your body will thank you.

The ingredients:

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into your favorite glass or to-go cup and enjoy!

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Iowa Girl Eats blog

Sparkling White Sangria

Well, this is my last post for 2011 but no worries…I’ll be back next year!  It seems only fitting for me to finish the year with a jazzy cocktail going into New Year’s weekend.  I like champagne but don’t really love it straight up without a little something else to enhance it.  This Sparkling White Sangria mixes sparkling wine with fruit nectar and triple sec and, while it isn’t really white or sangria, this fizzy cocktail is fruity, sweet, and refreshing.  If you can’t find apricot nectar, use any nectar you like (I used mango) and if you prefer prosecco or cava over champagne, any sparkling wine will do (I used cava).  This is an easy, fun cocktail for New Year’s so if you want something other than boring old champagne at midnight tomorrow, toast your honey, bestie, or loved one with this!

Be safe, have fun and please have a very Happy New Year!!

The ingredients:

Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher or bowl and serve chilled.

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

  • Mango nectar for apricot nectar

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Real Simple Magazine

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