All about my adventures with cooking, crafts, and travel
Guinness Ice Cream Floats are fun way to enjoy a great refreshing beer this St. Patrick’s Day. You won’t be able to resist this adult ice cream float.
Kids don’t have to have all the fun! Make an adult float with beer instead of root beer. It’s a creative way to enjoy a beer as dessert.
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Samoa Cookie Cocktail – Now you can have your favorite Girl Scout Cookie in a fun adult drink! Enjoy!
Amanda picked the theme this week and it is the best yet!!!
I had just impulse bought a bottle of caramel vodka so when Amanda msg’d me that we should do a Girl Scout Cookie theme this week I immediently knew what cookie I would be recreating. A Samoa!
I needed to cover the chocolate, caramel, and coconut flavors in the cookies and I knew just how to do that with the bottles I have on hand (so proud of our random mix of boozes). Chocolate = chocolate liqueur. Caramel = caramel vodka. Coconut = Malibu rum. With those three you get a nice, sweet dessert cocktail that will packs a kick that no cookie can give you.
If you love Samoa cookies then you will love what we made this week! Be sure to check out Amanda’s Samoa Brownies… just try not to eat the whole batch yourself. I cracked this year and bought too many boxes of Girl Scout cookies, but once they are gone I’ll need to make these crazy, layered Samoa Brownies.
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Glass Garnishes
Drink
Process
When we’re home on the weekends we generally keep things low key, since the rest of the time we are running around traveling. On Saturdays we run over to Haymarket early in the morning so we can get all of our produce shopping done quickly and then the rest of the morning I try to lounge around watching Food Network Shows. For a long time the show Mexican Made Easy aired on Saturday mornings (now Friday afternoons) and I would glue myself to the sofa to watch Chef Marcela Valladolid for those 30 minutes whip up fantastic Mexican and Mexican inspired dishes. Plus I seriously want her wardrobe- so many tunics!
I’ve made several of her dishes but there was one that I saw and knew immediately I’d have to make. Plus I’ve made it repeatedly since then. And that would be her Chocolate Margaritas. I loved them the moment I made them. How could you not? Chocolate. Tequila. More chocolate. Since I love them so much I’ve made them quite often and overtime I’ve made some modifications. Mainly, instead of using heavy cream I used reduced fat milk. I mainly made this substitution just so I could drink more margaritas without feeling awful about the how rich they were. More margaritas for the win!
Today is Valentine’s Day so we decided on a theme that just screamed that to us so we each picked a chocolaty thing to share. And O.M.G. Amanda picked a kick ass Brownie Pudding. Seriously?? Seriously!!!
Makes 4
Ingredients
Garnish:
Process
To rim the glasses:
Put the syrup on a plate and roll the rim of the margarita or martini glasses with the chocolate syrup. Set aside.
To make the Margaritas:
Mix all of the ingredients, except ice, in a pitcher. Working in 2-4 batches, transfer the mixture to a shaker full of ice. Shake to completely combine and chill. Pour into the prepared glasses. Grate the Mexican chocolate on top of the drink.
Post Contains Affiliate Links. Read my full disclosure HERE
Mardi Gras is next week so that is why Amanda and I picked a Mardi Gras inspired drink and treat to share this week. And of course I had to make a Hurricane!
Pricer was down in Biloxi in ’07 to work on designing and building houses destroyed from Hurricane Katrina. He left in August and came back in December, and the only time we saw each other was for his birthday in September when we met in New Orleans. It was such a great weekend since we got to see each other, celebrate his birthday and fall in love with New Orleans. We stayed at Le Pavillon Hotel and wandered around the French Quarter finding great bars, fun restaurants, and great shopping. All of it was fantastic from the beignets to the gem & lapidary shop but best was that we could walk around with a bevie in hand. Stark comparison from Boston where you’ll get carded in your 50’s. So we really enjoyed getting to wander around with a drink in hand, most often a Hurricane.
Once we decided to have a Mardi Gras theme I thought of making a Hurricane. It’s really a great drink to enjoy in the hot summer but I just had to make it now in February (on the eve of a massive blizzard) since it reminded me to much of my visit to The Big Easy.
I hope you enjoy a Hurricane and a King Cake Cupcake to celebrate Mardi Gras no matter where you are. I think Amanda should send me some King Cake Cupcakes, right? They look so cute!!
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Process
The Superbowl is just a few days away so Amanda and I decided to make it our theme this week. My office has set up a Squares Board so I’ll probably get a square for $5. At least there is no thought involved at all like picking a winner or the score since I don’t know anything about these teams. Well, the only thing I know about the 49’s is that my brother used to deliver newspapers to Steve Young’s parents. 20 years ago. See, totally relevant.
Once Amanda told me she was making some awesome loaded up Texas Cheese Fries (seriously. omg.) I knew that I light drink wouldn’t do. Besides it’s a day about football so a beer really does have the spotlight. So I decided to make some Michelada Marias.
I had seen Michelada Marias made before by Ingrid Hoffmann on Simply Delicioso and I had always wanted to try one. I love beer with a lot of lime so I figured this would be great with it’s extra kick of a salted rim and sauces added to the beer. And it really was great. Ingrid recommends Tabasco but I didn’t have that on hand do I used a cayenne pepper sauce and it was good as well. You might be able to take an extra dash or two of the hot sauce but go easy on the Worcestershire sauce as you are already salting the rim and you don’t want the beer to get to salty. weird.
Makes 4 drinks
Ingredients
Process
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Looking for more ideas for what to serve during the Superbowl? Then check out these perfect game day food and drinks!
It’s the coldest it’s been in Boston in a long time. So why the hell am I posting about a milkshake. Why the hell not!?! Put a hat on, wear some gloves inside, whatever, just make sure you give this shake a try.
Every holiday season I go on a candy buying binge and act as if all the M&M’s and Reese’s peanut butter cups are going to run out. I did a good job putting a dent into that stash this year but I still had plenty of Reese’s cups hanging around. That might happen when you buy 8 bags… really, what was I thinking? So, I ran over to my huge bin of goodies and dug out a bag to have fun with so I could mix of this shake.
This Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake is in honor of National Peanut Butter Day, which is why this week’s theme for Thirsty Thursday is peanut butter. I had a lot of ideas about what I would whip up but decided with something simple, indulgent, irresistible, and packed full of candies. It’s easy to make, if you can pour milk, scoop ice cream, and chop up some candies you are good to go. I suggest that you finely chop the pb cups as the chocolate will freeze once it hits the cold ice cream so the smaller it is the easier & faster it is to blend.
Amanda has whipped up some awesome Peanut Butter Waffles. Peanut Butter Waffles?! That sounds perfect for a homemade weekend brunch! Ooo ,maybe with some bacon! Wait! How about some hot maple syrup with sliced banana on top! I think Elvis would be proud.
Makes 1 large milkshake or 2 smaller milkshakes
Ingredients
Process
Tomorrow is my birthday. I’m not sure if I am excited or not. It’s just another day. I typically try to take it off from work. I did last year and hung out with Rachel and her adorable kids, ate bagels, played around, and just enjoyed the relaxing day. I couldn’t take this birthday off since I have a deadline and I’m taking a lot of time off in February for our new puppy. I’m most excited about that.
The only thing I can think about turning 28 is my 10 year high school reunion and then I am filled with anxiety. A lot of it. I know that is a random thing to think about 10+ months from now but once I think about being 28 all I can think of is that. Also, I know I don’t have to go, but I think I want to, and that it’s not a big deal but oh where to begin… that is a whole other post. So my reunion is on my mind, not to mention a whole host of other anxiety inducing things. Fun times.
So to ease my anxiety I decided to make Birthday Cake Shots for this ‘birthday’ themed Thirsty Thursday. One of my old roommates introduced these to me on a night out of summer time bar hopping. I was completely head over heels for them as they taste just like birthday cake. I have no idea how the combo of frangelico and lemon does that but it plays some magic trick and it does. So enjoy a shot, they are about 150 calories which is much less than a piece of cake… ugh reunion.
Head over to Amanda‘s blog to check out her Birthday Cake Marshmallows. Such a fun way to celebrate a birthday… or a Wednesday! You can add them to hot chocolate, just pop them in your mouth, or eat them out of a bowl like cereal. ha!
Makes 1 shot
Ingredients
Process
Italian Hot Chocolate with Orange Scented Whipped Cream is the indulgent treat that will forever change how you make hot chocolate. Each sip is perfect.
Post from 1/10/13, pictures updated 12/9/18
Post Contains Affiliate Links. Read my full disclosure HERE
Do you ever just have one of those days that really really suck? Yesterday was that day for me. Really bad. Well, let me explain…
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It’s a new year. It’s a perfect way to kick off ‘something new’.
What better way to kick off a great new year than starting things off to a great start?!? How do you do that? With an awesome breakfast smoothie that will jump start your day.
I flipped through my copy of Smoothies for Life!
Amanda embraced ‘something new’ by reaching for a new bottle of bourbon she had. I totally like her style. She changed things up and made a delightful Mississippi Mud Cake with Espresso Bourbon Glaze. Sounds amazing right?!?!
Makes 1
Ingredients
Process
What are your New Year’s plans? We are planning on enjoying a dinner out and Boston’s First Night Activities. We typically stay in to relax and enjoy some fondue or sushi but are hoping to go if the weather holds up. I’m hoping we can get some tacos at The Rattlesnake or some dim sum in Chinatown. Plus, looking forward to checking out the ice sculptures along Boylston and the fireworks on Boston Harbor.
Discoll’s reached out to me so I could have some fun using their berries to create something to celebrate the holidays. They have the freshest berries that are enjoyable on their own or incorporated into recipes. I knew immediately that I wanted to use their raspberries since they are always so fresh. Plus after we once went raspberry picking I’ve had great appreciation for just how hard it is to pick and transport raspberries as they are just so very delicate. So I started to brainstorm how to use their raspberries in a fun celebration drink to ring the new year, or just drink at any time.
A bellini is a cocktail of Italian heritage that was created by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy. The hue reminded him of a piece of artwork from Giovanni Bellini, which is how it got the name Bellini. While a classic bellini uses Persecco and peach puree, I decided that swapping out the peach for raspberry. Then I added some honey to sweeten up the raspberries and the dry Persecco. Refreshing to sip on to ring in the new year or to enjoy the day while making a great homemade brunch.
What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Staying in or going out?
Makes 6 cocktails
Ingredients
Process
One thing that I’ve always wanted to do at the holidays is make eggnog. I really love eggnog but it really is a treat. I figured this year I wouldn’t have any until I made it to make sure I don’t over indulge and I would actually get around to making it. It was so easy and so good that I’ll be making it again when I go back home to Connecticut for Christmas.
I recently saw this article in The New York Times about eggnog, making it, and comparing store-bought eggnog vs homemade. The author felt that a cooked custard eggnog has better taste and texture than a typical eggnog that does not completely cook the eggs. I’m not too worried about eating raw eggs as I’ve had them in cocktails and eat runny eggs just about every weekend so I could have gone with an quick eggnog but I wanted to focus on making one that really tasted awesome.
I really enjoyed the process of making this eggnog, although I immediately goofed on the directions. Nothing major but I put in all 4 cups of milk into the sauce pan instead of just 2. I just kept going from there. Cooking the eggnog took the most time and attention so it will cook slowly and evenly. It took about 20 minutes for the milk, egg, sugar mixture to get thick enough. I was aiming for just a bit thinner than being thick enough for the back of the spoon test since eggnog is pretty thick.
While the author remarked that she prefers a dark rum with her eggnog I used bourbon as that was in the house. I used the 1 1/2 cups that was called for, which resulted in an eggnog with a real kick. If you prefer a more subtle flavor then I suggest mixing in 1 cup first and tasting it at that point.
Since eggnog is not a fan always a favorite, Amanda brings an Eggnog Quick Bread to this week’s Thirsty Thursday. Hey, just because it’s not a drink doesn’t mean it doesn’t count! It uses a great bevie to flavor it! So festive and creative.
Serves 8
Ingredients
Process
Amanda picked peppermint for this week’s theme Thirsty Thursday. I honestly can’t stand peppermint outside of the holidays. However, from the day after Thanksgiving to New Years it is full on peppermint explosion. But then nope, not happening at all (with the ice cream exception)!!! So bare with all of my minty recipes now, including this recipe for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls.
When I was younger I would take Godiva hot chocolate truffles and put them into cups of hot milk and stir like crazy so melty ribbons of chocolate would swirl around the cup before I would take a big gulp. It was my favorite thing to do at my dad’s house at the holidays. Since I made a hot chocolate mix last week I figured I would make a hot chocolate truffle for this week to transport me back in time.
While you can make these hot chocolate truffle balls like me with peppermint extract and Andes Peppermint Mint Chips on the outside, you can make them in a variety of ways.
I hope that you enjoy my Hot Chocolate Truffles as well as Amanda’s Peppermint White Hot Chocolate. The peppermint and chocolate combination is such a hit that we both featured the peppermint in hot chocolates, but in very fun, very different ways.
Makes 12 truffles
Ingredients
Process
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