Category Archives: Beverages

May 10, 2013 · 5:00 am

Cashew Nut Milk

cashew nut milk // pale yellow

This juice is fantastic!  Rich and creamy and totally satisfying.  It totally saves you after a long day of drinking acidic juices filled with all the fruits and vegetables you can imagine.cashew nut milk // pale yellow

Drinking the cashew milk before bed leaves your tummy full and happy while providing your body with needed protein and fat to start the next day off right.  The vanilla and cinnamon add great flavor.

cashew nut milk // pale yellow

This juice was the first one I prepared because it is the easiest to make ahead.  Simply soak the nuts over night and the blend with the rest of the ingredients.  Portion the juice into mason jars and store in the fridge.  You’re now ready for easy grabbing and drinking!  No worries, the juice cleanse is over now!

cashew nut milk // pale yellow

Print the Recipe!

Cashew Nut Milk
Adapted from Juices 101
Yield – 64 ounces

1 1/2 cups raw cashews
6 cups filtered water + more for soaking
3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
seeds from 1 vanilla bean
3 teaspoons cinnamon

  1. Soak the cashews overnight with plenty of water to cover.
  2. Drain and rinse the cashews.  Add them to a VitaMix with 6 cups water, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.
  3. Blend for 2-3 minutes on high and then pour into a nut milk bag.
  4. Squeeze out all of the nut milk until you are left with a dry pulp in the bag.
  5. Portion the milk into 3 mason jars and then pour the rest in a glass to drink or store for later.
  6. Store in the fridge and shake before drinking.

cashew nut milk // pale yellow

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May 9, 2013 · 5:00 am

Carrot Apple Beet Ginger Juice

carrot apple beet ginger juice // pale yellow

This is the drink I was most concerned about – I didn’t think I would be able to drink beet juice.  I had tried it in the VitaMix and I don’t know, it was just too grassy.  The pureed beet juice was too much to handle, but the juiced beet juice is delightful.

beet carrot ginger juice // pale yellow

Fresh ginger is key!  It provides fantastic, sharp flavor and really covers up the grassyness of the beet the juice.  I enjoyed the lack of acidity in this juice, and my stomach definitely appreciated the break.

carrot apple ginger beet juice // pale yellow

The best part of the beet juice is the color!  I wish Essie would make a nail polish called beet juice, I would wear it all the time.  You can see all the beet juice stains on the cutting board!  Again, this is a great make-ahead situation.  Peeling beets is messy and your hands will be all pink.  Bite the bullet and peel them all at once for the week.  While you have the peeler out, you might as well handle all the carrots.  Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you just grab a bag of prepared veggies out of the fridge and juice away in seconds!

carrot apple ginger beet juice // pale yellow

One Year Ago – Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate and Caramel

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Carrot Apple Beet Ginger Juice
Adapted from Juice 101Yield – 1 16-ounce serving

3-4 carrots, peeled
2 beets, peeled
4 stalks celery
1 red apple
1 inch piece of ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice

  1. Peel the beets and carrots and roughly chop the beets, carrots, celery, apple, and ginger.
  2. Place everything in the juice and juice.
  3. Add the lemon juice and stir.  Drink immediately or store in the fridge.

carrot apple ginger beet juice // pale yellow

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May 8, 2013 · 5:00 am

Spicy Lemonade

spicy lemonade // pale yellow

This one is spicy!  It just looks hot and was hard for me to drink.  The original recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and I knew that would be too much for me, so I reduced the amount to 1/4 teaspoon.  Even that was too much.  If you’re not a spicy person, I would definitely recommend an 1/8 teaspoon.

spicy lemonade // pale yellow

Usually I highly recommend shaking all the juices to mix properly, but for this one I tried to let as much cayenne pepper settle at the bottom as possible.  Let’s have some honesty here – I only drank one of these, I couldn’t stand the cayenne pepper.   I know I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to spice, so do what your heart tells you for this situation.

spicy lemonade // pale yellow

I replaced the spicy lemonade with a plain coconut water.  Calorie-wise it was about the same and kept me full.  If I did a juice cleanse again, I would either completely eliminate the cayenne or add 1/16 of a teaspoon.

spicy lemonade // pale yellow

Print the Recipe!

Spicy Lemonade
Adapted from Juices 101
Yield – 1 16-ounce serving

2 lemons
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/8-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (I used 1/4 and it was WAY too spicy for me)
14 ounces filtered water

  1. Juice the lemons into a 16-ounce mason jar.  Add in the agave and cayenne pepper.
  2. Add water to fill.  Screw on the lid tightly and shake.
  3. Refrigerate before drinking.

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May 7, 2013 · 5:00 am

Pineapple Apple Mint Juice {Blue Print PAM}

pineapple apple mint juice // pale yellow

This was my favorite of the juices.  It is refreshing, light, and springy.  It was also the easiest to drink, probably because it was the most traditional in terms of fruit juice.

pineapple apple mint juice // pale yellow

My one complaint – some serious heart burn.  The acidity from the pineapple and lime juice really got to me and I needed a few Tums after drinking the juice.  Sipping water between sips of the juice helped to ease the acidity level in my stomach as well.

pineapple apple mint juice // pale yellow

Best of all, this juice kept really nicely in the fridge.  Since I had one pineapple, I cut up all of the produce and sectioned it out into gallon-size Ziploc bags.  That way when I was ready to juice I could just grab a baggie and throw everything in the juicer.  That step made clean up and prep so much easier from subsequent juice making!

pineapple apple mint juice // pale yellow

One Year Ago – Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes

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Pineapple Apple Mint Juice {Blue Print PAM}
Adapted from Juices 101
Yield – 1 16-ounce juice

1/3 pineapple
2 granny smith apples
1/2 handful mint
2 tablespoons lime juice

  1. Roughly chop the pineapple, apple, and mint and place in the juicer.  Juice.
  2. Mix in the lime juice.  Enjoy!

pineapple apple mint juice // pale yellow

 

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May 6, 2013 · 5:00 am

Green Apple Juice {Blue Print Green}

green apple juice // pale yellow

A couple of weeks ago I did a 3-day juice cleanse.  There are kits you can purchase that deliver all the juice to your house and you can just grab and drink.  That’s probably an easier way to do a juice cleanse, but I’ve never done anything the easy way.

green apple juice // pale yellow

Of course I wanted to make it all myself.  I’m going to post each day this week and walk you through a homemade juice cleanse.  The first step is planning.  Look at your calendar and find a 9-10 day window without many obligations.  Even though the actual juice cleanse is only 3 days, there is an easing in and an easing out process.

green apple juice // pale yellow

The second step is grocery shopping.  Be prepared to buy and store a lot of produce!  Clear the fridge, clear the cupboards.  I spent about $100 on produce for the three days.  That does seem like a lot, but to buy directly from Blue Print, it’s going to run about $180.

green apple juice // pale yellow

Finally, you need some time for juicing.  All that time you used to spend eating will now go towards preparing the juices.  One tip I can offer is to make multiple batches at once.  Since you’re drinking 2 green apple juices a day, make both at once.  The green apple is the first juice of the day and you drink a second juice later on, so I made the juices the night before and stored both in mason jars for easy grabbing and consuming.

green apple juice // pale yellow

The texture of the juice is easy for drinking.  When making smoothies, the texture sometimes tickles my throat, not so with the juice.  The green apple is bright and fresh.  The strongest flavors are the cucumber and lemon juice.

green apple juice // pale yellow

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Green Apple Juice {Blue Print Green}
Adapted from Juices 101
Yield – 28-32 ounces, enough for 2 servings of juice

3 large romaine leaves
5 large celery stalks
1 large English cucumber
3 kale leaves with stalks
5 parsley ribs
2 large granny smith apples
handful of spinach
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  1. Clean all the produce and chop into chunks except the lemons.  Juice them in the juicer.
  2. Scrape the foam off the top of the juice.  Add the lemon juice to the juice and stir.
  3. Divide the juice into one glass for immediate consumption and a mason jar for storage to drink later in the day.

Note – If your produce isn’t large enough to make enough juice, add 1/2 cucumber or apple to get the required amount of juice.  Your goal is two 16-ounce servings of green juice.

green apple juice // pale yellow

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April 26, 2013 · 5:00 am

The Frenchy Cocktail

frency cocktail // pale yellow

Sometimes after work there are beautiful, sunny afternoons where all important work is put aside, and it becomes possible to enjoy life.  For this perfect afternoon I sat outside on the deck, stretched out my legs, and read a book while basking in the sun.  Some music played in the background and life was good.

frency cocktail // pale yellow

What is needed to make a good life better?  A cocktail, of course.  Something light and fruity, and a little bit fizzy.  After coming inside to check my level of redness, definitely some color, but not too much, I looked through my bookmarks to find a cocktail to make.

frency cocktail // pale yellow

This Frenchy Cocktail looked beautiful and simple enough.  Obviously I needed to buy all the ingredients so I put on my flip flops on and headed to the store.  On the way I passed an adorable little boy, probably 8 or 9, singing as he walked home.  He was so cute I couldn’t help but smile.  As I did, he turned to me and said “Good Afternoon.”  This made me smile even more so I turned and said good afternoon back and told him how much I liked his singing.  He responded with a big grin and a cheerful thank you.  My interaction with him made my perfect afternoon even more lovely!

frency cocktail // pale yellow

Once I got home this cocktail took about 2 minutes to make; add some ice, portion out some pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and vodka, then top with some seltzer, done.  I tried the drink with and without seltzer and the seltzer just adds a little extra zing.  This is a delightful cocktail that seems fancy, but is super easy to throw together.  I imagine this would be lovely in a pitcher for a party.  A surefire way to make a great afternoon even better!

frency cocktail // pale yellow

One Year Ago – S’more Cookies

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The Frenchy Cocktail

Adapted from Intoxicology

Yield – 1 delightful drink

1 1/2 ounces Pear Vodka (I used Smirnoff)
3 ounces Pineapple Juice
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
Ice
Seltzer, optional

  1. Add a handful of ice to your glass.
  2. Pour in the vodka and pineapple.  Pour in the cranberry.
  3. Top with seltzer if you desire a bit of bubbly.
  4. Don’t stir!  Enjoy responsibly.frency cocktail // pale yellow

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April 8, 2013 · 5:00 am

Almond Milk

Almond Milk // Pale Yellow

Really?  Homemade almond milk?  I know it seems a little high-maintenance and overboard with the DIY, but it’s absolutely amazing!  I started drinking almond milk as a special treat to myself because the sweetened chocolate and vanilla versions taste like milk shakes, but lack the guilt.  When I was vegan I was drinking almond and coconut milk everyday as a satisfying snack.  Once I realized you could make your own almond milk, it was only a matter of time before I did.  Ruth getting the VitaMix helps too.

Almond Milk // Pale Yellow

One key to this recipe is the nut milk bag, I know, it’s a funny name.  When I posted on Facebook that I had just purchased the bag from Amazon, my friends had many fresh comments to make.  I have some sarcastic friends!  Whatever, almond milk is as easy to make as it is to make a hilarious comment about the nut milk bag.

Almond Milk // Pale Yellow

Homemade almond milk tastes so much more almondy.  I don’t know how else to describe it, but the almond milk really, truly tastes fresher and less processed than any store-bought version.  Also, the vanilla bean adds a ton of fantastic flavor.  Homemade almond milk feels richer and thicker than its store bought friend.  If you have the tools, or are willing to buy the tools, homemade almond milk is totally worth the effort.

Almond Milk // Pale Yellow

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Almond Milk

Adapted from Edible Perspective

Yield – 32 ounces (1 quart)

1 cup raw almonds

3 1/2 cups water + more for soaking

1/2 vanilla bean, seeds removed

agave to taste {I used 1 tablespoon}

  1. The night before – soak almonds in quart container with enough cold water to cover.

  2. Rinse and drain the almonds and place them in the blender with 3 1/2 cups water.  Add the vanilla seeds to the blender.  Blend until smooth.  Add agave to taste and blend to incorporate.

  3. Pour all of the liquid into a nut milk bag over a large bowl.  Squeeze all of the liquid out of the bag.

  4. Store the almond milk in an airtight container in the fridge.  Shake before using, it tends to separate into layers.

Almond Milk // Pale Yellow

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April 1, 2013 · 5:00 am

Green Smoothie

Green Smoothie // Pale YellowLast week was a little unhealthy, and by a little, I mean a lot.  However decadent, everything was incredibly delicious; Red Velvet Ice Cream, Brownie Roll Ups, and Double Chocolate Cookies.  Last week was kind of fantastic!

Green Smoothie // Pale Yellow

Here is real talk, I might eat chocolate everyday, but I also eat my fair share of fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains.  One way to obtain a large quantity of healthy foods early in the morning is through a green smoothie.  How else are you going to stomach a cup of kale early in the morning?

Green Smoothie // Pale Yellow

In an effort to be healthier I stopped my morning 7-11 coffee routine.  Needless to say, energy has been lacking.  Enter green smoothies.  These drinks provide much needed energy naturally.  I’ve been surprised by how much energy I’ve had this week from all the fruits and vegetables.

Green Smoothie // Pale Yellow

Is a green smoothie the best thing you’ll put in your mouth?  Not exactly, but this is about health and nutrients.  You definitely taste the kale, but it is balanced by the grapes and mint.  Remember, you’re drinking for your health!

Green Smoothie // Pale Yellow

One Year Ago – Don’t get your panties in a bunch {decorated sugar cookies}

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Green Smoothie

Adapted from Shutterbean

Yield – 2 16-ounce smoothies

1 cup cold water

1 cup red grapes

1 apple cut into chunks

1 cup baby carrots

2 cups kale

5-6 mint leaves

4 ice cubes

  1. Add the ingredients in the order listed to a Vitamix.  Blend on High for 45-60 seconds.

  2. Enjoy immediately!Green Smoothie // Pale Yellow

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January 21, 2013 · 5:00 am

Vanilla Pudding Shots

vanilla pudding shots // pale yellow

Friday was a recipe for the kids, today is all about the grown-ups.  Because honestly, the best part of being a grown-up is drinking, am I wrong?  Pudding shots look sweet and perfect for a kids party, but these cuties pack a punch, a vodka punch.  With a half of fifth of cake vodka in my cupboard, I’m always on the look out for ways to use it up.  I know I could just drink it all, but that seems a little excessive.

Vanilla Pudding Shots // Pale Yellow

The pudding shots were made for our NYE’s party, but they would be great for any party, or any time when you want a party to happen.  Nothing says party more than sprinkles and whipped cream.  The pudding shots are easy to mix together ahead of time but I wouldn’t add the sprinkles and the cookie until right before serving.  As you can see from the picture the sprinkles bled a bit and the cookie get a little soggy.  The cookie makes a perfect little spoon to scoop up all the boozy vanilla pudding!  There may or may not be left over pudding shots in the freezer that serve as a delightful-midweek pick-me-up…

Vanilla Pudding Shots // Pale Yellow

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Vanilla Pudding Shots
Adapted from Endless Simmer
Inspired by That’s so Michelle
Yield – 48

3.9 ounce box instant vanilla pudding
3/4 cup cold milk
1/2 cup cake vodka, I used Three Olives
1/3 cup whipped vodka, I used Pinnacle
8 ounces Cool Whip, I used reduced fat
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
splash of vanilla
sprinkles
24 Dark Chocolate Pirouline Cookies
48 small cups

  1. Whisk together the pudding and the milk in a large bowl.  Whisk in the vodkas.  Fold in the cool whip.
  2. Set up the cups in a 9×13 baking pan.   Transfer the mixture to a large baggie and then snip off the end to fill the cups.  Fill each cup about 2/3 of the way.  Refrigerate for at least an hour.
  3. Make whipped cream by whisking the heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer until soft peaks form.  Whisk in the sugar and vanilla.  Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a dollop in each cup.
  4. Cut each pirouline cookie in half.
  5. Top sprinkles and half a cookie to use as a spoon.

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December 7, 2012 · 5:00 am

Vanilla Vodka Chai Cocktail

vanilla vodka chai // pale yellow

Rarely do I see a recipe and make it that same day.  I’m a saver, I like to save a recipe or a treat for the perfect time and place.  I love going back to look at my Pinterest boards to see what looks delicious or what fits the special occasion.  On Sunday, I did not have to wait more than a few hours between the excitement of finding a new recipe, the joy of making it, and the delight in tasting it.

Vanilla Vodka Chai // Pale Yellow

I spent Sunday baking banana bread and finishing up my Christmas cookie baking schedule.  I do not mess around with my baking schedule – a spreadsheet has been made, ingredients have been bought, the whiteboard has been filled out, and I have paused my personal life.  I love it, I love it all.

Vanilla Vodka Chai // Pale Yellow

I even love the pain I get in my back from standing at work all day and then standing in my kitchen all night.  I love putting on the Christmas music and making a mess in the kitchen because I’m working three different recipes at once.  I love the craziness and all the butter and the chocolate smears on the cupboards.  It’s really the only time of year where it is acceptable to go nuts and just bake cookies all day, I’m going to push things to their full potential!

Vanilla Vodka Chai // Pale Yellow

Next week will start the Christmas cookie line up.  Monday will have a ridiculous cupcake recipe that I just shoved in my mouth and I’m excited to share Christmas cookie recipes with you.  Last year I baked with intention of starting this blog and this year I bake for the blog (and my friends of course)!  If you can’t wait until Wednesday for the first recipe, here are some OLD posts from the beginning: Rainbow Cookies and Stained Glass Sugar Cookies.

I almost forgot to describe the cocktail because of my excitement in talking about Christmas cookies, or maybe I’ve had too much sugar.  Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful this cocktail was, it tastes just like a boozy chai latte.  The drink itself is refreshing and flavorful, these would be great for a summer afternoon!  There is just enough vodka to make this a true cocktail, but not so much so that you feel knocked down.   This is drink I’ll be making again.

vanilla vodka chai // pale yellow

Print the Recipe!

Vanilla Vodka Chai Cocktail
Adapted from My Life as a Mrs.
Yield – 1 serving

6 ounces (3/4 cup) hot, almost boiling water
1 tea bag for spiced chai
1/2 tablespoon simple syrup
2 ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) amaretto
1/2 tablespoon half & half
ice
cinnamon sticks for garnish

  1. Several hours before you wish to have cocktails, make your tea:  heat your water into a kettle until it is almost boiling.  Combine 6 ounces of hot water (3/4 cup) for every tea bag, multiple accordingly for all the servings you wish to make.  Let steep for about 10 minutes and then remove the tea bag.  Cool the mixture until cocktail time.
  2. Make the simple syrup by boiling 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water together.  Stir until all the sugar is dissolved and let cool completely.
  3. Add the tea, vodka, amaretto, simple syrup, and half and half to a shaker with ice.  Shake for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour over a ice into a nice glass.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick!  Enjoy responsibly!

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