Warm Drinks for a Winter Day

No matter what the groundhog saw, we're still expecting a bit more wintry weather before spring and there's no better way to warm up and add some cheer to your day than with a warm drink! 

Here are three simple recipes for warm drinks to make at home....just like the ones you get from your favorite barista except without the coffee shop prices!

London Fog Latte 

A London Fog latte is a delicious cold weather drink plus it's easy to make and can be customized to your preferences. Basically, it's just a hot Earl Grey tea with steamed milk. Don't have a milk steamer or frother? You can make do at home by just shaking up your milk in a can or jar.

Brew a nice cup of Earl Grey and add your milk. I like to add a bit of vanilla and honey as well. Garnish with a sprinkling of lavender or even just some dried tea leaves. Delish!

Chai Tea Latte

I love Chai and it's so easy to make at home....simple and delicious to enjoy from the comfort of your PJs and no lines or chatty baristas to contend with. 

Brew your Chai tea and add milk (I like flax milk for mine). There are also ready-made Chai concentrates available and some are pretty good. Add a shot of coffee for a dirty Chai. Stir with a cinnamon stick....yum! 

French Sipping Chocolate 

I was recently introduced to the idea of sipping chocolate, which I thought was the same thing as hot chocolate. Apparently the main difference is that it's quite a bit thicker than those Swiss Miss packets we grew up with. I got some at Trader Joe's but I've heard that it's a seasonal product so get yours now if you want to snag some while you still can! 

You can determine the thickness of your drink depending on your preference and how much milk you want to add. Dairy free? Cashew or oat milk makes a great substitution. 

3 Simple Ideas for a Christmas Drink Station

No festive occasion is complete without a few signature drinks and this Christmas, I'm putting my own uniquely simple spin on things with a DIY drink station. Whether you're hosting brunch, lunch or dinner, these tasty drinks might inspire you as you're planning your menu.

The best thing about these drink options is that they are delicious without alcohol, which saves you time because you don't have to offer separate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Any guests who want to enjoy a more spirited concoction can simply add it to the base recipe. But the basic options are fine for kids or any non-drinkers you might be hosting

First up is a favorite combination of mine, which I'm calling Poinsettia Punch. Poinsettias are indigenous to Mexico, but were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. They definitely provide some festive cheer when used in your decor.

Poinsettia Punch

To make Poinsettia Punch, you'll need cranberry juice, and some type of seltzer water. To make this drink more spirited, skip the seltzer and add prosecco or champagne. 

Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries. It's really quite simple, but looks so beautiful in a stemmed glass. 

Scrooge-Driver 

Taking inspiration from that classic cocktail the "Screwdriver" and paying homage to our favorite villain-turned-hero Ebenezer Scrooge, I'm calling this one a Scrooge-Driver. 

To incorporate this recipe into your Christmas drink station, have plenty of good orange juice on hand. Of course, you can also use your favorite citrus juice, like lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine or pomelo. I grabbed a great option from Whole Foods, with the added ingredient of carrots for some extra healthy goodness. 

Top off a tumbler half filled with juice with a good quality sparkling soda...I like the Whole Foods store brand from Italy. If you want to stick with the orange flavor, match your soda to your juice. If you want to mix things up, try some other tasty combinations like grapefruit juice with lemon soda, or pineapple juice with blood orange soda. 

Add some pomegranate seeds for color or garnish with my mom's favorite, orange slice candy. 

To make this one more spirited, add vodka or champagne, depending on your preference. Or gin. Any alcohol really. It's up to you. 

St. Nick's Nog

Eggnog is one of my favorite Christmas drinks. You might think it's a bit rich to drink with your meal, but you ain't seen nothing yet! I'm taking it to the whole next level with Cruze Farm eggnog ice cream. Yes, you read that right. Cruze Farm eggnog ice cream + eggnog + cream soda = a delicious eggnog float fit for Saint Nicholas himself. That's why this is called St. Nick's Nog. 

You can play with the proportions. I put one scoop of eggnog ice cream into a glass, topped with a bit of eggnog and then added cream soda. You could also use club soda if you don't want any added flavor in your soda option. 

Sprinkle on some nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation. It's a bit decadent however Christmas comes but once a year. So drink up and enjoy! 

Simple and Delicious Drinks for Fall

Happy Fall Y'all! The weather is getting cooler and I think most of us in the formerly sweltering south are happy about that. Just in time for the season, I've got some delicious and simple fall drink recipes you might want to make for your next autumn party or even for no reason at all!

Cranberry Crush 

If you've ever visited my blog before, you know I like to keep things easy! No complicated recipes here. That's why I love this drink....it's just equal parts of everything mixed together. 

To make it, you'll need: 

• Cranberry Juice (I like the Simply Cranberry)
• Orange Juice (Again, I like the Simply Orange, and sometimes I use the Orange Pineapple)
• Sprite (I don't like the added sugar of Sprite or the chemicals of diet drinks, so I subbed this for cranberry flavored Lacroix seltzer water) 

Mix it all up in a pitcher or punch bowl and you're good to go! You could also swap out the orange juice for limeade and garnish with limes! Seriously, it's dealer's choice y'all! 

Caramel Apple Cider Punch

Not a fan of warm apple cider? Then this drink's for you! It's a chilled apple cider punch, with just the right hint of caramel. 

Start by swirling some caramel or dulce de leche sauce in your glasses. Then add some ice and Simply Apple Cider (I promise this is not a sponsored post, I just love these products). Add in a splash of cream soda. Give it a sprinkling of cinnamon (or not) and you're good to go! 

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

You know it's just not fall without something Pumpkin Spice....and this healthy pumpkin smoothie is a great way to start your morning! It would also make a yummy dessert. 

To create it, you'll need: 

• 1 cup milk (I used oat milk)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin 
• 1/2 cup yogurt (can be plain or flavored)
• Sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice
• Dash of vanilla extract 
• Ice 

Mix it all up in your blender or food processor and enjoy! 

Celebrate National Blueberry Month with Simple Recipes!

Did you know July is National Blueberry Month? I've been enjoying this sweet fruit by the handfuls, but in honor of the occasion, I'm sharing some other ways to treat yourself to this healthy and delicious berry.

Speaking of healthy, here's the lowdown on how blueberries can be beneficial for your body as well as your tastebuds:

• Blueberries have more antioxidants than any other fruit
• They are packed with fiber and vitamin C
• Also a source for vitamin K & B6

Looking for some creative ways to enjoy blueberries for the rest of the harvest season? Here are three that you might want to try! 

Blueberry Salsa

 

Salsa is one of my favorite summertime foods and when I found a recipe for blueberry salsa, I knew I had to try it. It's so easy and incorporates lots of healthy ingredients to offset all the chips I will definitely be eating with it.

You can add or omit ingredients too, depending on your preference.

Here's what you need:

2 c. fresh blueberries
1 c. fresh corn (frozen or canned is okay if it's all you can get)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Corn chips, for serving

I chopped up some of the blueberries too, to help the flavors mingle a bit more. Mix it all together and serve. So tasty!

Blueberry Chia Pudding

I don't know about you, but chia pudding is one of those things I sort of forget I like until I see it on Pinterest and think, oh yeah, I should make that. It's so easy to make and can be healthy for you. Apparently, 1/4 cup of chia seeds have about as much protein as an egg. 

Of course, it is important to keep in mind added sugars, etc. 

For this recipe, I simply stirred 1/4 cup chia seeds into a cup of almond milk. I mashed up about a cup of blueberries (or you could use the blender or food processor), and stirred that in as well. Stick it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will give the chia time to expand and take on its more gelatinous consistency. Top with some chopped nuts or a bit of granola, and yum! 

Blueberry Orange Detox Water 

Infused water was a trend for a bit, but I have always loved this option as a way to add a bit of oomph to your already needed summer thirst quencher. 

Because of their antioxidants, blueberries are a great option to add to your water. And their flavor pairs nicely with slices of orange. Add in some mint leaves for a truly refreshing treat. 

If you can't spend your summer at a spa, bring flavors of the spa to you with this awesome infused drink! 

Cozy Winter Drinks to Brighten Your Day!

Winter is a necessary evil, but can really get me down, if I'm being completely honest. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and drab landscapes don't make me feel much like celebrating.

But alas, winter will pass and soon spring will have sprung. In the meantime, I'm trying to beat the winter blues with these delicious and easy drink recipes. Check them out and I hope you feel inspired!

Chocolate Chia Smoothie

Want to start your day off right? Try a rich chocolate smoothie that tastes great and is good for you! It is simple to make and calls for only basic ingredients you may already have on hand, with the exception of the chia seeds and they are easy to come by. 

You'll need: 

• 1 peeled banana
• A cup of fresh spinach
• 3-5 ice cubes
• A cup of milk 
• 3 T chia seeds
• 2 T cocoa powder (the unsweetened kind used for baking)

Blend everything together and enjoy! 

Golden Turmeric Latte 

Want something warm and soothing that isn't coffee? Try a turmeric latte (also called a turmeric tea).

Turmeric touts many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Incorporate this rock star ingredient into your next warm drink!

Turmeric Latte Recipe: 

• 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• black pepper (just a pinch)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon of nut butter (almond, cashew nut or hazelnut)
• 1 ½ cups water (or milk, for a creamier drink)
• ½ - ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• pinch of salt 

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. This drink can be enjoyed warmed up or cold. Add cinnamon to your liking and enjoy! 

Wintry Coconut Mocktail

For this drink, I was inspired by Batida de coco, which is a Brazilian coconut cocktail. What better to help us get through winter in Tennessee than thoughts of Brazil? 

Batida (which means 'shaken' in Portugese) is a Brazilian cocktail recipe typically made with fruit juice and sweetened condensed milk. The version that inspired me substituted coconut milk for the fruit juice. It also calls for vodka (and you can find the original here) but mine is a mocktail for all ages! 

To make your coconut mocktail, you'll need: 

• 1 can of Coconut Milk (you won't need the entire thing, maybe just a cup)
• 1 tsp sweetened condensed milk (or honey)
• 1 can of LaCroix coconut flavored fizzy water 

Mix the first two ingredients well. I prefer to shake them in a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes. Pour into a glass and top with some chilled coconut fizzy water. Delicious and refreshing. Can't you taste summer now? 

Simple Summer Drink Recipes - Southern Style

Summer is almost here and it's a popular time for parties and other get-togethers. Don't just serve your guests boring beverages...think outside the box with some creative concoctions!

Here are three fun and simple drink recipes you might want to try this summer! They are perfect for everything from a backyard barbecue to a fancy bridal shower and everything in between.

Blackberry Lemonade 

There are a couple different ways you can make this delicious summer drink, one is a bit more labor intensive and the other is easy as can be!

For the recipe that's a bit more work, you need to make a simple syrup of blackberries and sugar. You'll need about a pound of blackberries, 1 cup of sugar and a half cup of water.

Bring the berries, sugar, and water to a boil in a saucepan over moderately high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until fruit is soft, for five minutes. Then remove it from heat and let it sit to cool. You can pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing gently it in and tossing the solids. Or you can use it with the berries and all, it's your preference.

Now pour this blackberry syrup mixture into a pitcher and add lemonade. I like the low-calorie version from Trader Joe's but you can use your favorite store-brand or make it from scratch.

The simpler method for blackberry lemonade requires, of all things, blackberry jam! Since this is my favorite type of jam, I always have a jar of the homemade variety on hand. Don't go thinking that I make it, but I have positioned myself well among talented jam-smiths (is that a thing?) who keep my larders fully stocked.

Add a teaspoon of blackberry jam to the bottom of a glass and top it with lemonade. I actually prefer a fizzy lemon soda which makes this drink seem even more special.

Best Homemade Peach Iced Tea Recipe 

Okay, now I know you're probably thinking...what's so special about peach iced tea? Seriously, what isn't special about it? The refreshing perfection of brisk iced tea mixed with the sweetness of peaches ripened on the tree in the summer sun! Need I say more?

I have a great secret for making peach tea and it's so easy. Two words....peach nectar. You can buy great quality peach nectar at most fancier grocery stores. I got mine at the Fresh Market on the same aisle with the cocktail mixers.

Of course you can make your own peach syrup (similar to the blackberry syrup above) but if you don't have time, go the easy route. Basically you just mix the peach nectar into your tea according to your tastes.

Another trick I like to use is to freeze some of the peach nectar in an ice cube tray. Then, you can just drop the peach cubes into the tea and enjoy more of a hint of flavor as they melt.

Easy & Delicious Non-Alcoholic Bloody Mary 

I've never made a Bloody Mary but the southern beau and I had one the other day at a great local eatery and ever since, I've been thinking about trying it out at home.

I grabbed a bottle of Fat & Juicy Bloody Mary mix at the Fresh Market and while perusing the drink aisle, I saw a four-pack of Dry cucumber soda.

For a simple and tasty non-alcoholic Bloody Mary, mix equal parts of the tomato juice mixture with the cucumber soda and voila, that's all there is to it. You can add vodka if you want a more spirited concoction but I think it's pretty tasty without it. This recipe is great for a summer brunch or a picnic!

And there you have it...three simple summer drink recipes! Don't forget to liven up your summer parties with some tasty treats. And always drink responsibly!

Three Simple Drink Recipes for Spring

Spring is just around the corner and lots of trees and flowers are already blooming. Except Knoxville just got hit with a bit of colder weather. Hopefully it won't last and before too long we'll be enjoying warmer days spent outside on patios and porches. And what's better than a refreshing drink on a warm spring day? Here are three simple drink recipes you might want to make this season!

Not Your Childhood Cherry Cola 

Cherry cola always felt like such a treat in childhood. Granted, it was easy enough....just putting a few maraschino cherries into your Coke, but that combination of flavors hit the spot.

Not only are cherries delicious, they are great for your health. Packed with antioxidants, cherries may help fight cancer. Plus, one cup of cherries has as much potassium as a small banana. This helps keep your blood pressure under control. 

So let's drink to our health....with an updated version of that childhood favorite.

Try swapping your usual cola for Red Rock, a brand of soda founded in 1885 in Atlanta, Georgia. For the first part of the 20th century Red Rock was a soda leader, even getting endorsements from baseball player Babe Ruth. It fell out of favor but has made a comeback in the past twenty years or so. I thought it was delicious and had a less syrupy quality than other colas.

Instead of those bright red maraschino cherries, try using morello cherries, which are more sour and commonly used in pies and cobblers. It makes for a great flavor combo if I do say so myself. Cheers y'all!

Iced Chai Tea with Grenadine & Vanilla

I drink iced tea all year long, but spring is definitely one of the times I enjoy it most. There's pretty much no iced tea I don't like, but sometimes I enjoy adding something a little bit special.

I've been on a chai tea kick lately, enjoying the savory and aromatic variety with all its flavors. To take my chai to the next level this spring, I'm adding grenadine and vanilla extract.

The vanilla only helps to enhance the flavors already in the chai and the grenadine adds just the right amount of sweetness. Delicious!

Dreamsicle Margarita 

Recently I saw a guy on television making margaritas with Mountain Dew and tequila. While this doesn't exactly sound all that appealing to me, it did inspire me to experiment with a few other options. This is how I ended up finding a recipe for the Dreamsicle Margarita....tequila, orange soda, and vanilla ice cream are all on the ingredients list....delish! Head over to Genius Kitchen to find the full recipe.

Yum! I'll definitely be enjoying this one come spring.

Happy sipping y'all!

Drink it Up: Black Cow Ice Cream Floats

I grew up drinking Coke floats, but I recently heard this drink referred to as a "Black Cow" and I love the name. Maybe it's because I always loved the black and white cows that made their home in the pasture on my great-grandparents' farm.

Maybe it's because I had a beloved black and white dog who sort of reminded me of a cow.

Black Cows or Coke floats (or ice cream sodas) are pretty much some of the easiest drinks you can make. There's just nothing to it.

Take a few scoops of your favorite ice cream and put it in a tall glass. Pour some Coca-Cola (or another type of Coke) over it. Voila!

There's something about this drink that's just perfect for summer. The days are long and hot and here in the sweet south, we need something to help us get through it.

As a kid we'd sometimes get Slush Puppies or Frozen Cokes from the local K-Mart. These always felt like such a treat. I can't remember making ice cream floats all that often, but it was definitely something I looked forward to the few times we did.

Growing up, ice cream was something we only had on special occasions. We always had either Mayfield, made right in Tennessee with its headquarters in Athens, or Purity, made in Nashville.

These days I enjoy Cruze Farm ice cream, which is available in local stores around East Tennessee as well as at their summer pop-up shop on Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville.

June 20th is National Ice Cream Float day...but there's no reason you can't celebrate any old time you please.

 

Drink UP! 3 Easy Summer Drink Recipes

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer and I don't know about you, but I think I'm ready for it. Here in the south, we know hot weather is coming. And there's nothing we can do about it except try to stay as cool as possible with delicious cold drinks.

I've got three good ones you might want to try this Memorial Day, or later this summer. Drink up, y'all!

Sugarlands Shine Coconut Bellini 

I just love the folks at Sugarlands Distilling Company! And they have a brand new flavor of moonshine just in time for summer...Pina Colada! Trust me, it's delicious.

Here's a fabulous drink recipe using the new Sugarlands Pina Colada Shine - the Coconut Bellini. You'll definitely want to be sipping this at some point during the summer.

To make the Sugarlands Coconut Bellini, you'll need the following things:

Champagne glasses
2 oz of Pina Colada Moonshine
Champagne
Fresh berries of your choice

Mash the berries with Coconut Moonshine. Allow to chill if you have time. Top off with sparkling wine.

Sip sup!

Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink 

You may have seen this lovely concoction filling up your social media feed...the Starbucks Pink Drink. Originally a fan creation from the "Secret Menu" this drink is coming to Starbucks near you this summer. 

Try it out and see if you like it, but in the meantime you can make a similar version of your own at home. 

You'll need: 

4 acai berry tea bags

1 cup hot boiling water

1/2 cup white grape juice

1-2 cups unsweetened coconut milk

Fresh sliced strawberries

Agave nectar, optional

Pour boiling water over your tea bags and let them steep. Add white grape juice. 

Fill a large glass with ice cubes and add about a cup of the tea/grape mixture. Top it off with a splash of coconut milk. Add sliced strawberries and additional sweetener if you choose. 

Lemon-Limeade with a Kick 

I'm a sucker for anything Trader Joe's has to offer, and most of the time I'm happy with the products I find there. 

The most recent product I tried is their Organic Jalapeno Limeade. It's definitely got a kick to it, but for people who like a spicier option, you're going to love it. 

Mix it with some fizzy water for a more festival drink and add fresh lemons, limes and mint. Easy to make and great for your summer parties. You can also add tequila or vodka for a more spirited option. Enjoy! 

Drink it up - Sugarlands Pina Colada Moonshine Milkshake

Summer is just around the corner and my friends at Sugarlands Shine have just the drink recipe for your summer parties and barbecues! 

Sugarlands just debuted its new Pina Colada moonshine and you can find the recipe below for a Pina Colada Moonshine Milkshake. Delicious! The new Pina Colada moonshine mixes the refreshing taste of pineapple and coconut milk. This flavor is currently only available at Sugarlands' distillery in downtown Gatlinburg. 

1 cup of coconut sorbet

1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

¼ cup of pineapple juice

4 oz Pina Colada Moonshine

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Sugarlands Distilling Company produces award-winning spirits in East Tennessee. The downtown Gatlinburg distillery is a popular attraction where guests are invited to sample award-winning spirits and enjoy behind the-scenes tours.

The distillery offers live music, private tours and tastings, and distilling workshops. It is nestled in the Smoky Mountains, near the Sugarlands, an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park historically known as “moonshiners’ paradise.”  The distillery opened in March 2014 to perform the age-old craft of distilling fine spirits.  Sugarlands Distilling Co. is a locally owned, community–minded, “give-back” brand.

Simple & Delicious Drinks to Help Beat the Winter Blues

Winter can be downright depressing what with the dreary short days and cold weather. The holidays are over, which is something of a let-down and spring feels so far away. 

Even though Knoxville has been experiencing a relatively mild winter these past few weeks, cold weather is supposedly coming. 

I've ramped up my Vitamin D intake and am trying to be kinder to myself and those around me during these harsh times. I'm also trying to drink more water. But water gets boring and sometimes it's fun to enjoy a special drink, especially when winter really gets you down. 

I'm sharing three of my favorite drinks to help you get through the most blustery winter day. Just think, March will be here before we know it! 

Morning - Rise & Shine Breakfast Smoothie

I tried to get on the green drink bandwagon, but many of the recipes I tried weren't really for me. There's something about sipping kale through a straw that I struggle with. 

But I found a great recipe for a breakfast smoothie that incorporates a little bit of green (spinach) with some yummy fruit for a tasty combination. I even added some hemp seeds for extra protein. 

To make it, you'll need: spinach + pineapple + banana + mango

One tip is to use frozen fruit instead of ice and your smoothie will be frosty and delish. 

Here's the full recipe from the site 100 Days of Real Food. 

Afternoon Pick Me Up - Dirty Chai Latte 

I only recently discovered my love of chai, which is the word for tea in many parts of the world. Chai (rhymes with 'pie') is a centuries-old beverage which has played an important role in many cultures.

Chai from India is a spiced milk tea that has become more and more popular in the past few years. It is generally made of:

• rich black tea

• heavy milk

• a combination of various spices

• a sweetener

The spices tend to vary depending on what region of India you happen to be in. The most common are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Indian chai produces a warming, soothing effect, and goes a long way on those cold winter days. I first tried it at a local coffee shop in my hometown and now I'm hooked. 

Add in a shot of coffee and it becomes a "dirty chai." 

You can make your own from scratch or take the easy route, as I have with a store-bought chai option from Tazo. 

Evening Nightcap - Honey Bee-tini 

I first tried this amazing drink while staying at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood. The hotel even has its own bees on the roof that produce the honey for the cocktail. 

To create your own bee-tini, mix equal parts vodka, tequila and lemon juice. Add in a teaspoon of honey and garnish with fresh honey comb. 

Great for those winter nights when your throat is feeling scratchy. Plus, it's just spirited enough to help you hang in there til spring! 

The world might feel like a harsh place right now, but let's all hang in there and hope that sunnier days are ahead! 

Drink it Up - Southern Mint Tea with Sugarlands Shine

Need a great drink recipe for your next social gathering? Try this tasty recipe from Sugarlands Distilling Company! 

Southern Mint Tea

1.5 oz of Mint Condition Peppermint 

1 oz of Southern Sweet Tea Moonshine

4 oz of Unsweet Iced Black Tea 

.25 tsp of sugar

3 mint leaves 

2 lemon wedges 

Muddle the sugar, 2 mint leaves and one lemon in the bottom of a glass with Sweet Tea moonshine. Add ice, Peppermint moonshine and tea. Garnish with remaining lemon wedge and mint leaf.

Sweet September - Celebrate National Honey Month

September is National Honey Month and I wanted to share some of my favorite recipes that incorporate this wonderful natural product. Who grew up with the little bear-shaped honey bottles as a pantry staple like I did? My granny saved them once the honey was gone and used the empty containers as make-shift sippy cups for us kids. 

Honey is a most versatile food. In fact, it's one of the only things I can think of that really works for any meal. Honey on a buttered biscuit for breakfast, or in your morning tea, followed by a peanut butter and honey sandwich for lunch and some kind of delicious salad with homemade honey dressing for dinner. What's not to love? 

I'm visiting those fabulous folks at Knoxville's Fox43 to share more of my favorite honey recipes! I hope you enjoy them. And if you have any favorites of your own, share them on social media with the hashtag #NationalHoneyMonth during September. I'll be pinning some more great ones on my National Honey Month Pinterest Board. Check it out! 

Sweet & Salty Goat Cheese Appetizer

For this simple crowd-pleaser of an appetizer, start with a log of goat cheese. Roll it in 1/2 cup of roasted, salted sunflower seeds (You could also use cracked black pepper). Drizzle with 1/3 cup of honey and garnish with nuts or fresh berries. Serve with your favorite crackers for delicious nibbles pre-meal. 

Quinoa Honey Breakfast Bake 

This recipe has been adapted from one that I ran across on the website of the National Honey Board. There are lots of great honey recipes there to check out! 

It appealed to me because you don't have to cook the quinoa first. Plus, I figured you could use whatever fresh or frozen fruits you had on hand. I happened to have peaches and blueberries, which make for a tasty combo. For the full recipe, click here. Also, I don't see why you couldn't substitute oats for the quinoa. There are lots of great baked oatmeal dishes with honey out there. 

Bee-Tini Cocktail 

This delicious cocktail recipe is one I've shared before, but it's just so good I figured it warranted another post! I tried it first at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown. They actually have their own rooftop bees, which made it even more special! 

For more great honey info, check out the Honey Board website. Did you know that you can bring your honey back to life even if it crystallizes? Here are more fun facts and honey tips.

And don't forget to check out my Pinterest board for more honey fun! Happy National Honey Month y'all!

How to Throw a Wimbledon Watching Party

This weekend the 129th annual Wimbledon Championship tennis tournament draws to a close, with the final matches set for Saturday and Sunday. I went to Wimbledon about fifteen years ago, during my first trip abroad as a naive 18-year old having just graduated from high school. I knew nothing about tennis, and wasn't sure what to make of it all, but the entire experience made quite an impact. 

While my travel companions staked out a courtside seat to watch Anna Kournikova, I wandered around and entertained myself people watching and taking it all in. I had strawberries and cream. I drank Pimm's and Lemonade. It was the quintessential Wimbledon experience. 

When my friends at Knoxville's Fox43 asked me to share some ideas for throwing a Wimbledon watching party for their special Wimbledon show, I was happy to oblige! 

1) What to drink at a Wimbledon Party? 

Nothing but Pimm's & Lemonade will do! Pimm's is a liqueur with a spicy, citrus flavor and it mixes perfectly with all sorts of things. My favorite thing to enjoy with Pimm's is plain old lemonade, but you can also use a sparkling lemonade or just add in some club soda. 

Apparently Brits take their Pimm's very seriously, especially when it comes to the addition of mint. Tennis star Andy Murray's mom Judy tweeted a photo of her drink at Wimbledon, complaining about it having too much mint, which caused the Pimm's company to issue an official statement: 

"No more than three British-grown mint leaves should be used to garnish each glass." 

While I must confess that my mint was grown in Tennessee, Pimm's was easy to find at my local package store if you'd like some of your own! 

Recipe for Pimm's & Lemonade (Pimm's Cup) - 

Tradition Pimm's No. 1

Add two parts lemonade (sparkling or plain) to one part Pimm's liqueur. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, apple, and cucumber. And don't forget the 3 required leaves of mint! 

Supercharged Pimm's No. 1

Add five parts lemonade and two parts Pimm's to one part gin. Garnish as above. 

2) What to eat at a Wimbledon Party? 

If you ever have the chance to go to Wimbledon, you must have strawberries and cream. There are many possible explanations behind the popularity of this sweet, red fruit and its association with the tennis event. 

Wimbledon's head public relations person said recently it probably had to do with the fact that all the way back through the years, strawberries are always in season while Wimbledon is being played. Plus, eating strawberries was de rigueur in Victorian England. 

For my strawberries & cream, I decided to take it even a step further with the addition of a traditional English biscuit (what we think of as a cookie) crumbled up on top. 

Recipe for Strawberries & Cream 

Rinse your strawberries and remove the green tops. Slice and/or quarter and put them into small bowls (1 bowl per person/serving). Pour heavy whipping cream into a metal bowl that has been chilled in the freezer (a trick that always helps me) and beat it until stiff peaks form. Put a generous spoonful of cream over each cup of berries and top with cookie crumbles (I used McVitie's Chocolate Digestives, a popular UK brand of cookies that is carried by my local grocery store).  

Check out this cool infographic to see just how many servings of strawberries were enjoyed at Wimbledon last year. 

3) Decorations for a Wimbledon Party 

The official colors of Wimbledon are green and purple, so I tried to incorporate that with my party decor. As with any sort of entertaining, I always try to use what I have on hand before buying a bunch of party stuff that I don't really need. 

Wimbledon is also known for white, that is the crisp white attire players are strictly required to wear.

White serving pieces look great with pops of color, especially green and purple. 

I was inspired by this gorgeous arrangement I found on Pinterest, and re-created one of my own with purple hydrangeas in a trifle bowl. I also made some place card holders by cutting a slit in each tennis ball and inserting a place card. Simple and cute! 

Will you be watching the Wimbledon finals? Who are you cheering for? 

Drink it Up: A Honey of a Cocktail

I had the most delightful cocktail recently while traveling and I just had to share! If you aren't familiar with the Fairmont family of hotels, they are pretty special. For example, did you know that Fairmont Hotels have rooftop honeybee hives?

Each property is different, but the Fairmont I've stayed in is located in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. The hotel welcomed 105,000 Italian honeybees to its roof in 2009 and the area is now buzzing with three honey beehives. Not only do the bees enhance the hotel’s culinary program, it also provides a way to foster educational opportunities with local school students.

This spring, about 10 public schools in DC will have their own beehives and students will have a chance to learn about beekeeping and harvesting honey as they experience it firsthand.

We need bees because they are responsible for pollinating more than 80 percent of flowering plants, fruits and vegetables. So it's neat to see organizations doing their part to help. And I did my part to help as well by purchasing the Fairmont Georgetown's signature cocktail "The BeeTini." A portion of the proceeds from the drink support the DC Junior Beekeepers initiative.

You should definitely make this lovely drink...or better yet, if you have the chance to visit DC, try one at the Fairmont!

Fairmont Georgetown BeeTini

- 2oz Finlandia vodka
- 3/4 oz Sauza Tequila
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup spoonful of honeycomb
- Optional lemon or lime wedge

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice Shake for six seconds Strain while pouring into a martini glass Garnish with a spoonful of honeycomb A lemon or lime wedge may be added for more citrus.

Enjoy! (repeat as necessary!)

Simple Ideas for a Football Watching Party

The Professional Football Championship game is this Sunday and while we can't mention it by name, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm joining my friends at Knoxville's Fox43 to share some simple ideas that you might want to try while watching the Big Game on Sunday. 

Maybe you're just a big football fan or maybe you're a die-hard fan of one of the teams playing. I can't say either is true for me, but I do enjoy socializing and what's not to love about tasty snacks and drinks? 

Goal Post Punch

One recipe that is perfect for football watching is something I've dubbed 'Goal Post Punch.' It's simple to make, with just two ingredients. What's more, if you don't happen to like my ingredient choices, you can pick some of your own! 

To make Goal Post Punch, you need some type of fizzy cola and ice cream. I chose Boylan Creme Soda made with cane sugar and poured it over a couple scoops of talenti gelato in German Chocolate Cake flavor. So good! Plus, did you notice the cute football laces on the side of the cup? I created those with sticky labels cut into strips. 

Some other combos for your own Goal Post Punch include: 

Coca Cola + Vanilla Ice Cream (classic)

Cheerwine + Cherry Sorbet (fruity)

Root Beer + Butter Pecan Ice Cream (oh so sweet)

Dr. Pepper + Neapolitan (retro) 

Touchdown Dip

This is another super simple recipe, but it has a twist! You've probably had the layered Mexican dip that is so popular to serve at tailgates and other parties. Instead of making it in one big bowl, why not make smaller individual sized servings in plastic cups? 

It eliminates the issue of double-dipping plus everybody loves to have his or her own individual serving. 

Include things like refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa and anything else you might like! Top with tortilla chips for a great game watching snack! 

Half-Time Snack Mix

There's nothing quite like the combination of salty and sweet. Come on, you know you love it. Since football watching is all about snacking, here's an idea for a healthy-ish snack you can serve your guests, no matter which team they are cheering for! 

I grabbed some paper take-out containers (in each team's colors) and filled them with popcorn. Then I added a few handfuls of candy coated chocolates, in corresponding team colors. Serve colored versions representing each team so that in case you have party guests cheering for rival teams, you can make them both happy. 

If there's anything left, you've got ready-made to-go containers to send home with your guests. 

Extra Points!

Here is one extra thing you might want to try! 

Printable Bingo Game - This is such a cute idea and only requires downloading and printing it out. I found this version at the Hallmark Think.Make.Share blog, but you could make your own if you're artsy! 

I hope you enjoy the game!