beverage

Green Jalapeño Margarita: Go Green on Cinco de Mayo

by liz · May 4, 2020

Here’s a trend I’ve been seeing lately: adding spinach to smoothies, grating zucchini into brownies and stirring pumpkin into soup and pastas. This may sound crazy, but these are all good ways to get more nutrients into our diets, which most of us need! And, they really do taste delicious…or, rather, I should say they don’t taste at all. I can’t even detect the extra veggies added to these particular dishes, so I get to eat my favorite foods with one extra, effortless serving of vegetables.

So, I soon became a spinach-smoothie convert, throwing a handful of spinach into any combination of frozen fruit, yogurt and instant breakfast mix I was blending. As May rolled around, I realized I could easily incorporate this trick into one of my favorite cocktails: the frozen margarita! Plus, I love jalapeños and drinks with a bit of spice. Adding a few fresh slices of this hot pepper + spinach gives your frozen margarita some heat, as well as a gorgeous green color. And it still tastes like that awesome beach trip to Mexico.

I give you the Green Jalapeño Margarita: your new favorite frozen summery drink.

Green Jalapeño Margarita

Ingredients for 2 servings:

3/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup Tequila blanco
1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)
1/4 cup apple juice or orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 to 4 slices fresh jalapeño chile
10 to 12 cilantro leaves
2 cups crushed ice
Coarse salt

Directions:

PLACE spinach, Tequila, liqueur, Juicy Juice, lime juice, jalapeño slices, cilantro and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

DIP rims of glasses into water; dip into salt and shake off excess. Pour margarita mixture into glasses. Garnish each with a jalapeño slice, if desired.

Cook’s Tip: Increase amounts of jalapeño, cilantro and spinach leaves according to taste.

Green Jalapeño Margarita

Author: Food Charmer

Recipe type: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 1

Try this healthier - and still delicious - take on a spicy, frozen margarita.

Ingredients

¾ cup fresh spinach leaves
¼ cup Tequila blanco
¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)
¼ cup apple juice or orange juice
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 to 4 slices fresh jalapeño chile
10 to 12 cilantro leaves
2 slices cucumber
2 cups crushed ice
Coarse salt

Instructions

PLACE spinach, Tequila, liqueur, apple or orange juice, lime juice, jalapeño slices, cilantro, cucumber and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
DIP rims of glasses into water; dip into salt and shake off excess. Pour margarita mixture into glasses. Garnish each with a jalapeño slice, if desired.
Cook's Tip: Increase amounts of jalapeño, cilantro and spinach leaves according to taste.

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Sparkling Holiday Champagne Punch

by liz · Dec 16, 2018

This is a delightful winter holiday punch with pears, cranberries and Sparkling Wine. You can use Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Crémant or any other type of bubbles you can find—we especially love all the latest Central Coast Sparkling Wine. If you use a drier sparkler, just use less ginger ale. You can also adjust the amount of pear juice to your taste—especially if you like a fresher, crisper libation. On the other hand, many folks prefer a sweeter punch, and pear nectar or soda will pack more punch in that area.

Sparkling Holiday Punch – recipe adapted from Meals.com

Ingredients:

2-3 cups of fresh pear juice or purée (or 2 cans pear nectar or soda)
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 can (12 oz) ginger ale, chilled
1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling wine
1/2 cup frozen cranberries

Directions:

PLACE nectar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cardamom in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes.

REFRIGERATE for 4 hours or until chilled. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves with slotted spoon. Pour mixture into large punch bowl; stir in ginger ale. Float cranberries on top.

Sparkling Holiday Champagne Punch

Author: Meals.com

Recipe type: Drinks

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 8 cups

This is a delightful winter holiday punch with pears, cranberries and Sparkling Wine.

Ingredients

3 cans pear nectar
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
½ teaspoon ground cardamom, (optional)
1 bottle (1 liter) ginger ale, chilled
½ cup frozen cranberries

Instructions

PLACE nectar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cardamom in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes.
REFRIGERATE for 4 hours or until chilled. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves with slotted spoon. Pour mixture into large punch bowl; stir in ginger ale. Float cranberries on top.

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Creamy Healthy Smoothies Perfect for Summer

by liz · Jun 8, 2018

I love healthy smoothies. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been obsessed with mixing up green concoctions for fruit smoothies and margaritas! But, creamy, green smoothies are one of the best ways to drink your greens. They are my favorite thing to drink on a warm summer morning, and also just after a run. It’s a good treat when you want to cut down on ice cream, and using milk (any kind you like, even half & half) gives smoothies that creaminess you crave.

Here are a few for you to try.

Super Fruit Bliss Green Smoothie

Recipe by Coffeemate

Ingredients for 2 servings:

1/3 cup acai berry juice
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
1/3 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup packed baby spinach
1/4 cup Sweet Cream Flavor Coffee Creamer
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
1 cup crushed ice

Directions:

PLACE acai juice, blueberries, pomegranate juice, spinach, Coffee-mate, sugar and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Frozen Avocado Mocha Bliss recipe — Photo by Coffeemate

Frozen Avocado Mocha Bliss Smoothie

Recipe by Coffeemate

Ingredients for 2 servings:

1 cup strong coffee, cooled
6 tablespoons Vanilla Flavor Coffee Creamer
1/2 avocado, pitted and peeled
1 tablespoon Baking Cocoa
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup crushed ice

Directions:

PLACE cooled coffee, Coffee-mate, avocado, cocoa, sugar and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Top 10 New Year’s Cocktails & Coffee Recipes

by liz · Dec 8, 2016

With this roundup of our top 10 New Year’s cocktails + coffee recipes, you’ll be rocking in the new year.

1. Coffee Abuelatini

With iced coffee, chocolate and cinnamon flavors, this Coffee Abuelatini above is a classy choice for entertaining.

2. Puerto Rican Rum Punch (Coquito)

Try this Latin-inspired cocktail to add some spice to your New Year.

3. After Midnight Javatini

After Midnight Javatini above is terrific for holiday late-night celebrations. A chocolate-rimmed glass and a hint of coffee liqueur add a flavorful twist and a festive flair to this one-of-a-kind beverage.

4. Spiced Apple Cider

Cloves, cinnamon sticks and anise pods give this Spiced Apple Cider a festive and tasty flair that you will completely love. For an adult party, add an optional splash of vanilla vodka or rum.

5. Hot Peppermint Mocha Shots

For some non-alcoholic drink, these Hot Peppermint Mocha Shots add a peppermint kick and hint of coffee to your cocoa for a grown-up version of a childhood favorite. This tasty winter warmer is a rich and decadent party pleaser.

6. Vanilla Cappuccino

And for a morning-after rouser, try this simple Vanilla Cappuccino above, with a hint of cinnamon.

7. Caramel Macchiato Cappuccino

Craving the coffeehouse taste at home? Try the smooth, rich flavor of Coffee-mate Caramel Macchiato, a shot of espresso and steamed milk in this easy Cappuccino recipe. It doesn’t get more delicious.

8. Heavenly Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Liqueur

Hot chocolate with coffee and hazelnut liqueurs shown above will warm your soul on a cold night.

9. Rich ‘N Creamy Mint Cocoa

This elegant Creamy Mint Cocoa is perfect for chilly nights. Add a little Irish crème liqueur to add extra dimension! Top with whipped cream and dusting of cocoa.

10. Hot Buttered White Chocolate Caramel Espresso

Hot Buttered White Chocolate Caramel Espresso is rich and flavorful and ready in 5 minutes. This one is perfect for entertaining.

Summer Grilling: Beat The Heat By Bringing Cooking Outdoors

by liz · Jun 14, 2012

Written by Liz –

It’s the time of year to retire the oven and do a little backyard cooking, especially with Father’s Day just around the corner! With just a grill and tongs, the great outdoors can provide a natural setting for creative menus. Here are some tips and tricks for firing up your mealtime in the warm months ahead:

Arm Yourself with the Right Tools. If it’s always grill season for you, consider investing in a high-quality grill that can be used year after year. Next, buy a set of flat metal skewers—they do not require soaking and they will not fall apart like the wooden ones. The flat edge keeps food from turning, which is an added bonus.
Master the Classics. No barbecue is complete without hamburgers and hot dogs. Toasted buns should be placed butter side down for a few minutes until golden brown. Make handmade patties 3⁄4 of an inch thick and use chopped onions, dry onion-soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to season. Hot dogs should be turned often until slightly blistered on all sides. For veggie lovers, portobello mushrooms marinated in equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar are a tasty alternative.
Experiment. Grills are for more than just meat! Pizza, fruits and vegetables gain new appreciation when cooked on an open flame.

Kids and adults will both love this Grilled Fruit with Apple-Maple Syrup as a summertime treat. Brushed with a warm blend of 100% apple juice and pure maple syrup, this grillable dessert is ideal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grilled Fruit with Apple-Maple Syrup

Ingredients for 4 servings:

1/2 cup Apple NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
4 slices ripe pineapple, peeled
2 peaches, cut in half, pits removed
4 scoops Vanilla DREYER’S or EDY’S SLOW CHURNED Light Ice Cream

Directions:

COMBINE Juicy Juice and syrup in small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thick. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

PREHEAT grill. Brush fruit lightly with a small amount of syrup. Grill fruit, brushing occasionally with additional syrup, for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until nicely browned.

REMOVE fruit to individual dishes and top each with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle with remaining syrup.

Links:

Related grilling recipes:

Linguine with Lemon and Grilled Baby Artichokes

Grilled Pound Cake with Seasonal Berries and Apple-Ginger Syrup recipe

Grilled Pound Cake with Seasonal Berries & Apple-Ginger Syrup

I Love Oatmeal Month! Thin Vanilla Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

by liz · Jan 14, 2012

Written by Liz –

I love oats. They are one of the healthiest foods, and you can enjoy them at breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also add them to desserts to help make the best part of the meal heartier, crunchier and better for your heart.

Oatmeal in cookies are my favorite way to make cookies a bit healthier, and icing them using Bliss makes them even more naturally delicious. And if you like a super soft cookie, you can bake them a little less or bake them longer for a more crunchy treat. Enjoy National Oatmeal Month!

Thin Vanilla Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
4 tablespoons Vanilla Flavor NESTLÉ COFFEE-MATE NATURAL BLISS All-Natural Low Fat Coffee Creamer, divided
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel (optional)

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl; stir.

BEAT butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in medium mixer bowl at medium-low speed until just combined. Increase speed to medium; continue to beat about 1 minute longer or until light and creamy. Scrape down bowl with rubber spatula. Add egg and 1 tablespoon Coffee-mate; beat on medium-low speed until fully incorporated. With mixer running at low speed, add flour mixture; mix just until incorporated and smooth. With mixer still running on low, gradually add oats; mix until well incorporated.

SCOOP dough by level tablespoon, then roll between palms into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using fingertips, gently press each dough ball to 3/4-inch thickness.

BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and edges are crisp. Cool for 2 minutes on baking sheets; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

COMBINE powdered sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons Coffee-mate and orange peel in medium bowl; stir well. With fork or spoon, drizzle over cookies. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Links:

More oatmeal cookies recipes:

Deluxe Oatmeal Raisinets Cookies	Oatmeal Coconut Crunch Cookies
Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies	Oatmeal Scotchies

Make Creepy Halloween Punch with this Bone Chillin’ Brew Recipe

by liz · Oct 19, 2010

Bone Chillin' Punch Halloween Recipe — Photo by Meals.com

Ever since I bought my new cake stand which doubles as a punch bowl, I’ve been looking for excuses to make punch (or retro layered salad). I fondly remember my mother’s parties when I was young, complete with polyester suits, funny 70s hairstyles and punch for everyone. So I was excited to find this creepy Halloween Punch, Bone Chillin’ Brew, to make for my friends.

First task: making ice hands in the freezer overnight. I delegated this task to my friend, who broke one glove, managed to fill and tie the other three properly but laid them in strange locations in the freezer. One hand didn’t freeze all the way through and another had been squished into a corner, its fingers now in a slightly offensive position. That left us with one good ice hand. My ice tip: buy extra gloves and follow the exact directions in the recipe for making the ice hands if you want them to come out right!

Cutting the gloves off the hands also takes some patience and skill – not to mention sharp scissors. As I cut off the gloves, two of the fingers broke off the good hand, so I began cutting and peeling more slowly and carefully. I ended up with one good, frozen, dismembered hand.

I set to work making the punch. I used part Fruit Punch and part pomegranate juice; I wanted to make it less sweet, pump up the anti-oxidants and make it look more like blood. I also substituted Sparkling Juicy Juice for the soda (it has more fruit servings than soda) and replaced half the soda for pink sparkling wine since this was going to be an adult punch.

The punch tasted great with all my substitutions; it was delicious, fruity and refreshing. And it actually looked even creepier with the one dismembered ice hand floating in the bloody-red liquid!

So don’t be scared to try your hand at this Halloween Punch Recipe…you can be terror-ifically creepy too.

Bone Chillin’ Punch Recipe

Ingredients for 24 eight-ounce servings:

3 cups water
3 clear plastic gloves
3 rubber bands or twist ties
2 bottles (64 fl. oz. each) Punch Flavor juice, chilled
1 can (12 fl. oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate, slightly thawed
4 cans (12 fl. oz. each) lemon-lime soda, chilled

Directions:

FOR FLOATING HANDS:

POUR water into gloves, adding enough water to fill the gloves loosely but not so full that the fingers will not move. Fasten gloves with rubber bands or twist ties. Line baking sheet with paper towels. Place filled gloves on paper towels. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm.

FOR PUNCH:

COMBINE Juicy Juice and lemonade concentrate in large punch bowl. Gradually stir in soda. Carefully cut gloves off hands with scissors. Float hands in punch.

Creepy Halloween Punch: Bone Chillin' Brew Recipe

Author: Meals.com

Recipe type: Drinks

Prep time: 20 mins

Total time: 20 mins

Serves: 24 servings

Ever since I bought my new cake stand which doubles as a punch bowl, I've been looking for excuses to make punch. I fondly remember my mother's parties when I was young, complete with polyester suits, funny 70s hairstyles and punch for everyone. So I was excited to find this creepy Halloween Punch, Bone Chillin' Brew, to make for my friends.

Ingredients

3 cups water
3 clear plastic gloves
3 rubber bands or twist ties
2 bottles (64 fl. oz. each) punch-flavored juice, chilled
1 can (12 fl. oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate, slightly thawed
4 cans (12 fl. oz. each) lemon-lime soda, chilled

Instructions

FOR FLOATING HANDS:
POUR water into gloves, adding enough water to fill the gloves loosely but not so full that the fingers will not move. Fasten gloves with rubber bands or twist ties. Line baking sheet with paper towels. Place filled gloves on paper towels. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm.
FOR PUNCH:
COMBINE juice and lemonade concentrate in large punch bowl. Gradually stir in soda. Carefully cut gloves off hands with scissors. Float hands in punch.

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