Tropical Pitaya Smoothie

So, I think I'm over winter now.  Yep, ready to move on.  Let's go, spring!  Show your face.  Oh, it's only mid-February, you say?  I need to be patient, you say?  STOP SAYING THINGS.  Let me vent about winter for a second.  Let me whine about grey skies and puffy jackets and unmatched mittens and dry skin and chapped lips and cooooold.  Ok thanks, I'm done whining.  I'll talk about food now...

Like this tasty and nutritious tropical smoothie that will make you feel like you're on a Hawaiian beach (sort of).  I've recently discovered frozen Pitaya (AKA dragon fruit) smoothie packets and they are delicious (I use this one).  They're subtly sweet and packed with nutrients.  The best part?  The smoothie possibilities are endless.  Actually no, that's not the best part.  The best part is they will turn your beverage into a punchy pink that no child can resist.  It's like drinking a unicorn!  

This particular recipe couldn't be easier.  In fact, you don't even need a recipe.  Just throw your favorite fruit into a blender, add something green (or not) and a liquid (almond milk, coconut water, juice, etc) and voila... the feeling of warmer weather in a glass.  Recipe below :) 

Tropical Pitaya Smoothie

Makes 1 

Half a banana (fresh or frozen)

Handful of frozen strawberries

Handful of frozen pineapple

Handful of kale or spinach

Half a pitaya smoothie packet

Coconut water (about 1/2 cup)

Shredded coconut (optional topping)

Blend first 6 ingredients in a blender until desired thickness is reached.  Pour into a glass and top with coconut.    

Bourbon-Cranberry Shrub

I'm kicking off my week of "Sweet Treats" with one for the grown-ups because, let's be honest, we deserve it.  I mean, we are doing SO much right now.  We're making lists and checking them twice hundred times, we're shopping and wrapping and wrapping and wrapping, we're baking and eating and eating and eating... basically we are juggling it all and trying not to turn into the Grinch while doing so.  I'm talking about myself.  So what better way to end your hectic day than with this sweet and lusciously smooth adult beverage.  It's made with bourbon, a homemade cranberry syrup (that's very easy to whip up) and a splash of seltzer.  I would have added a sprig of rosemary for a festive garnish but I didn't have rosemary STOP ADDING FOOD TO MY GROCERY LIST.

I'm not the Grinch.  I'm merry!  Cheers.  

Recipe HERE.

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

Happy Day After Mother's Day!  I hope your Sunday was full of happy children, thoughtful partners and a few minutes of alone time.  Don't y'all think that particular holiday should be a week long?  Cause I do.  I also think I should probably not use "y'all" like I'm from the South, because I'm from Minnesota, and we say things like, "yah, suuuure, ya betchya."  I'm finishing off my Mother's Day as I type this, eating stove-popped popcorn and watching Guardians of the Galaxy with my kids who are snuggled up on the pull-out couch (and it's driving my son crazy that I have no idea what's happening in the movie).  I had a magical day that began with Carson letting me sleep in (until 7:30, my body is incapable of anything past that) and then walking downstairs to freshly delivered bagels and homemade cards and art projects from my kids.  What more could a mom want?  Other than a week-long all-expenses paid trip to Mexico with her friends.

Kidding (sort of) aside, it was a truly great weekend.  The kind that makes your heart feel full.  We had Flag Football Friday followed by a sushi dinner and a mother-son karate class on Saturday that I'm STILL sore from, followed by a lot of recipe testing at home.  In the middle of all the cooking, I tried out a new cocktail that will surely become a staple this summer.  Freshly squeezed grapefruit, earthy rosemary and a hint of homemade simple syrup made this beverage more than delightful!  

Y'all should try it out.  Ya betchya.           

Recipe here.

Glowing Skin Green Smoothie

Did you know we are old?  I don't mean to collectively group "us" together, because I know "we" are all different ages.  But whatever that age is, it's older than you used to be (what up, Debbie Downer!!?).  I'll never forget the day I realized that I was older than the fictional characters in The Baby-sitters Club books.  It was mind blowing.  There was just no way I could be as cool and mature as Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey, and don't get me started on Dawn from Cali (sigh).

That sudden awareness of my age still happens as I get even older.  Like when college students suddenly look like babies (and it's even possible you could be the incoming freshmen's mother).  The day you realize professional athletes are actually much, MUCH younger than you.  Or even that mom friend you see every day and you just assume you were born on the exact same day because you both have kids and then you realize she's not even in her 30's yet.  And so on, and so forth.

My point is, I feel young, which is good I guess!  But sometimes I'll have those long, stare-at-your-face in the mirror, somber moments and it will again occur to me... I'm older than I used to be.  One of my new year's resolutions was to take better care (or ANY care) of my skin.  I'm usually so tired by the end of the day that I'm lucky if I brush my teeth.  But I keep vowing to wear some masks, exfoliate, put on night cream, I don't know, something.  Anything!  Enter, this smoothie.

I have to admit something: I am not a smoothie person.  Or a juice person.  I like to chew my food.  I like to chew it reeeeeal good.  It has always seemed like a lot of work to make a smoothie in the mornings when toasting a bagel requires little to no effort.  Alas, as I slowly become a Golden Girl, I've decided I need to embrace all of the different ways of the world, like the smoothie ways.  And I'm glad I did!  This took me MINUTES to make, using mostly frozen fruit, fresh avocado (which we always have on hand), a handful of spinach and coconut water.  Best part?  It's supposed to make my skin glow, so my goal is to try one for breakfast every day this week.  Check out my Instagram for the before pic... and next week I'll post a transformed photo in which I look exactly like Dawn from The Baby-Sitters Club.      

You can find the recipe HERE.

p.s. This kept me full for HOURS, which is Breaking News in my world.  

Pineapple Vodka Soft Serve

Yep, you read that correctly.  This is creamy soft serve, made from chunks of fresh pineapple with, yes, VODKA in it.  Tasty videos for the win again!!  When I saw this it wasn't a question of WILL I make it, it was WHEN.  While it did require freezing for 6 hours, the entire process was pretty simple!  Especially if you're lazy and buy pre-chopped up pineapple like me.  This is the perfect little (adult) treat for the summer heat.  

You can find the recipe in the comment section HERE.

Bolthouse Farms

I recently partnered up with Bolthouse Farms and attended an event where they premiered a line of new beverages.  The ingredients are fresh and honest and the flavors unique and exciting, such as Mango Pineapple Colada and Banana Honey Almond Butter (my personal favorite).  They sent me a bunch to try and challenged me to come up with four recipes featuring their smoothies, shakes and juices, and they are posted below!  It was so much fun to think outside the box (or bottle - puns are sort of my thing), and I'm really happy with each creation.  My family was my main source of inspiration, particularly my middle child who desperately needs more fruits and vegetables in her life, and I am NOT above sneaking nutrition into her diet in a covert manner.      

First up, these muffins that are a great snack or breakfast on-the-go.  When I tasted the combo of banana, honey and almond butter, I immediately wanted to bake with it.  Adding the shake to the muffins keep them moist, and adding ripe bananas and almond butter make them burst with that perfect flavor combination.  My toddler LOVED these, and I was happy knowing she was getting some extra protein in her diet!     

Banana Honey Almond Butter Muffins

Yields: 12 muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup Bolthouse Farms Banana Honey Almond Butter Protein Shake

1/4 cup almond butter

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed

Turbinado sugar (cane sugar) for sprinkling (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Whisk first 5 ingredients in a bowl, set aside.  In a separate bowl, whisk together both sugars with protein shake.  Stir in almond butter, egg, vanilla and mashed bananas.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.  Place into paper-lined muffin tins, about 3/4 of the way full, sprinkle a little cane sugar on top of each muffin, and bake for 18-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.  

Next, after sipping this sweet and tart Raspberry Blood Orange juice, I thought it would be great as a vinaigrette for salads (and I may or may not have poured some with vodka while I whisked away).  It's particularly delicious over peppery arugula, and would also make a great glaze for chicken or fish.

Raspberry Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Yields: approx 2 cups

1/2 cup Bolthouse Farms Raspberry Blood Orange Juice

1 small shallot, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

3/4 cup olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.  Taste, and add more salt and pepper if necessary.  Pour over salad or save in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Smoothie bowls have always intimidated me.  They look like masterpieces on Instagram, and too pretty to eat.  But after creating my own bowl, I was pleasantly surprised how easy and quickly it came together.  I added avocado for texture and creaminess, but the options are endless (banana, yogurt, leafy greens, etc).  And don't get me started on the toppings! 

Green Goodness Smoothie Crunch Bowl

Yields: 1 bowl

1 15 oz. Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness Smoothie

1/2 avocado

1/2 cup ice

Suggested Toppings:

Raspberries

Blueberries

Sliced bananas

Shredded raw coconut

Granola

Drizzle of honey

Combine Green Goodness Smoothie in a blender with avocado and ice and puree until smooth.  Pour into bowl, top with desired toppings and drizzle with honey.  

Finally, this cake.  This cake, that I want to make love to.  After one sip of the Mocha Cappuccino beverage, I knew I wanted to make something rich and decadent.  It tasted like such a treat, and I knew it would translate well as a dessert.  While this cake is creamy and indulgent... it's also light and would be a great thing to serve as the weather starts to get warmer! 

Mocha Cappuccino Smoothie Ice Cream Cake

Yields: 1 cake

35 chocolate wafer cookies, divided

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1.5 quarts coffee chip ice cream 

1 cup Bolthouse Farms Mocha Cappuccino Smoothie Beverage

1 cup ice

1 cup whipped cream

Chocolate chips or shavings for topping (optional)

Place 25 cookies in a food processor (or blender) and pulse until crumbs are formed.  Add butter and pulse until combined.  Place mixture in the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan (with approx. 3 inch sides) that is lined with parchment paper, and press with your fingers until crust coats the bottom of the pan.  Freeze for 10 minutes.  During this time, remove ice cream to soften and pulse remaining 10 crackers in the food processor, then set aside.  After the 10 minutes, remove pan from freezer and add ice cream.  Smooth with a spatula to create an even layer, then add cookie crumble on top, and place back in freezer for 10 minutes.  During that time, place ice and coffee beverage in a blender and pulse until a smoothie is formed.  Remove to a bowl, and fold in whipped cream.  Place on top of cake and smooth with a spatula.  Sprinkle chocolate chips or shavings on top, and freeze for 30 minutes or until ready to eat. 

Baby Brezza: Tropical Smoothie

You know those "first kid, second kid" commercials?  I think that perhaps I write them in my sleep and submit them to the diaper companies.  There is nothing more true than how much your parenting mentality changes from one kid to the next.  Our first kid had only age appropriate toys that I sterilized once every few weeks in a bucket of soapy water.  Our third kid plays with (and sucks on) my car keys.  It's just the way it goes!  Similarly, I made ALL of Jack's baby food.  All of it.  Down to pureed ground lamb, turkey and chicken that I called "meat paste" - oh man, did it look revolting.  Second and third baby?  Well, I definitely made a few things... but those baby food pouches are just SO convenient (enter major mom guilt!).  

However, I always say to new moms: it is SO simple to make homemade baby food.  Chop, steam, blend... it's truly that easy.  You can even make large batches of food at once and freeze individual portions.  Products like the Baby Brezza make the process foolproof.  At the touch of a button, you can steam and blend your food at desired intervals, or you can steam only, blend only, etc.  The other day, I made a smoothie for London with strawberries, mango, banana and yogurt, and with the leftovers I made frozen push-pops for the big kids.  6 thumbs up from them!  I do math!  

Tropical Baby Food Smoothie

(Makes 4 small glasses, or 4 frozen push-pops)

Printable Recipe

1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, roughly chopped

1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango, roughly chopped

1/2 banana, sliced

1/2 cup whole milk yogurt

Place first 3 ingredients into the Baby Brezza.  Choose the 'Steam and Blend Only' feature for 15 minutes.  Once the fruit has been blended, add the yogurt, and choose the 'Blend Only' feature until your desired consistency is reached.  Pour into glasses and place in fridge to cool.  I poured some into push-pop molds and froze for the big kids. 

Found my "Cool Cones" at Michael's, but can also be purchased here.

Taco Tuesday on Today

I have many irrational fears.  Like of spiders crawling into my mouth while I sleep or clowns popping out of the sewers as I walk by.  And don't even get me started about driving over bridges.  (By the way, I love that you can google ANYTHING and Buzzfeed has already turned it into a list.)  Some of my fears involve trains.  Like realizing you're on the wrong one or falling asleep, missing your stop and waking up in Alaska.  This morning, I witnessed the terror in a poor girl's face as the train ticket person (I'm sorry, I'm sure there's a more official name for that person) very nonchalantly told her that she was on the wrong train.  And then, not long after that, it happened.  I fell asleep!!!!  I woke up in a flash, nearly dropping my coffee everywhere, and realized I was only one stop away from my own!  So uh, yeah, it all worked out and I didn't end up in Alaska.  BUT JUST THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED!?  (Oh, I would have been just fine?  Ok.)  

  I was so tired, because all three of my kids decided to wake up at different intervals last night.  And why wouldn't they do that?  I actually had something important to do this morning!  I was on the Today Show!  So of COURSE they wanted to give me as little sleep as possible!  (I love my kids I love my kids I love my kids I love my kids.)  Well, after a cold shower and a LOT of hot coffee, I woke up and had a great time cooking and grilling with Carson... it's Taco Tuesday!  We made a basic street taco with the tastiest steak ever, homemade corn tortillas that only require one ingredient, and a stripped down delicious margarita.  If you missed the segment or want to check out the recipes, you can find everything here at Today.com.

Photos by Samantha Okazaki.

Oscar Party Ideas

If you're having an Oscar party this weekend, or you just want to make something festive for yourself, here are some ideas from my blog.  I haven't seen many of the movies, but if Julianne Moore doesn't win for Still Alice, I will throw things at my TV.  Have a great weekend!

Popcorn: 4 Ways

Parmesan and Herb Cheese Straws

Orange Sugar Cookies with Orange Icing

Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Parmesan and Herb Cheese Straws

Three Green Bites

Cocktails: 5 Ways

Help a MN girl out and VOTE!

You know those weekends that center around food?  (Oh you mean every weekend, Siri?)  Boy did I just have one.  Two of my closest friends came to visit and if you are a close friend of mine, then you love food.  Pizza, pasta, bagels, burgers, tacos, pastries, carbs carbs carbs carbs... we ate it all.  So I'm going to shift focus from stuff you chew and talk about drinks.  

Whether you're experiencing triple-digit heat or crisp fall temps, I don't think you can deny that the Peachy Pina Colada above looks perfect.  Chef Jamie Oliver's Drinks Tube is searching for a new Cocktail Star and the contest has been narrowed down to 5 finalists.  There is one, lone American in the running... who also happens to be from Minnesota!  Her name is Stephany, and she is one entertaining lady (check out her site, Making It with Stephany).  Please take a minute and click here to VOTE for her Peachy Pina Colada (my favorite part is when she compares the peach to a butt).  By voting, you are eligible to win an iPad mini (or as I like to call it, a 'Slightly Larger iPhone 6 Plus).   

ALSO, the winners of the Alpha Grillers Garlic Press & Peeler sets are Julie Hicks, Becky C. and Shelley Snyman!  Please email me (contact info at top of page) with an address where you'd like your prize sent.  Thanks for participating in the giveaway all of you all!   

Guinness Chocolate Cookies with Sea Salt

Over the weekend, we had dinner with some friends and I was told to bring an "adult dessert."  Well, when you attach the word "adult" to food or drink, my mind goes to one place... booze.  I started to think about all the possibilities - rum, tequila, wine - but with football on in the background I settled on beer.  Specifically, my favorite beer of all the beers in the land, Guinness!  I've cooked with the dark stout before (here and here) and have always loved the results, so when I found this recipe I had a feeling it would be a hit.  You can't go wrong when you pair Guinness with chocolate, and that is a fact.  A fact!  These cookies were intensely rich with chocolate flavor, and I definitely tasted a nice hint of the dark beer as well.  The perfect "adult" treat for fall and football.  Cheers!   

Hope you tuned into The Voice last night!  I was slightly obsessed with the coach performance.  Blind Auditions continue tonight on NBC, and for old tailgate recipes, click here.

Q's Green Smoothie

Y'all know me.  I'm a 'cup of coffee slash chocolate croissant' morning kind of person.  I'd rather eat a salad, not drink one.  Hell, it's breakfast time and I'm devouring a cookie as I type this (I'm still pregnant, right?).  So you'd be correct in assuming I haven't had many green smoothies in my lifetime.  In fact, up until the other day, I hadn't even had one!  But Carson's sister Quinn was visiting, and she decided to change all that by making me one.  Guess what?  I enjoyed it!  It was very smooth, just slightly sweet and extremely fulfilling.  She threw it together in a matter of minutes... a very encouraging thing because now I have a thousand children and zero time.  I will make you again, Green Smoothie!  And probably balance you out with a chocolate chip cookie (let's be real here). 

Q's Green Smoothie

(Makes 2 glasses)

Printable Recipe

2 cups super greens (if you can't find, use any combo of spinach, kale, etc.)

1 cup ice

1 avocado

1 banana

1 cup egg whites

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

Stevia to taste

Blend everything together and enjoy!

           

Craving Cocktails...

Yup.  Need I say more?

Officially 9 months pregnant and day dreaming this morning.  Is it too early to day dream about this kind of stuff?  I don't care.  Listen, I don't completely deprive myself during pregnancy and enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner (or Guinness beer, mmm), but what I really want right now is to sit in this hot, humid heat and sip a crisp, cold cocktail (alliteration at its finest).  

These are the 5 I'm craving the most: 

Old Fashioned 

Carson's Bloody Mary

Blood Orange Margarita

Rose Sangria

Extra Dirty Martini

What cocktail (or food) did you miss the most during pregnancy?

Takeya Iced Teas + Giveaway

When I'm pregnant, more than any other time, I drink iced tea like mad (I almost wrote "like a Mo-Fo" and then remembered this isn't 1997).  I am not a hot tea fan, but iced tea is so refreshing, and with summertime fast approaching now is the perfect time to keep a fresh pitcher in your fridge.  Which is why I am so excited that Takeya offered me an Iced Tea Maker, along with a line of iced tea flavors, to review and giveaway.  That's right, one of YOU will win what you see below, just by commenting on this post!  (Please insert my commercial-y ad voice there.)    

(the mugs are mine, you can't have those)

Just look at all those flavors!  The whole thing is wonderfully simple to make, coming together in just minutes - a bonus when you're pregnant with two small humans to look after.  If you can pour, brew and shake, then you can create the perfect glass of iced tea.  Here's how you do it...    

Pour pre-measured tea into infuser.  I tried out the fresh green tea here...

Boil water, let it cool for a few minutes, and then pour into iced tea maker, about halfway full...

After a few minutes of brewing, remove infuser and fill with ice.  Seal lid and shake for 30 seconds.  Here is mine post-flash chilled... 

It's delicious, and did I mention the whole thing is dishwasher safe?!  Perfection.  There are about a million ways to flavor your tea and make it unique, and below are 4 wonderful recipes to help you do just that.  To win your own Iced Tea Maker + Iced Teas, simply comment below and tell me which flavor you're most excited to try!  (Must be an official follower of this blog to qualify, and a winner will be chosen at random this Friday, May 16th at 12p EST.)

TAKEYA ICED GREEN TEA: 4 Ways

Printable Recipe

Pear, Lemon & Ginger

*While every pear variety will infuse to reveal a delicate fruit flavor, we recommend Bosc for its crisp, sweet flavor or Bartlett for its extra juicy fruit.

1) PREP ~ Add sliced ginger to bottom of the pitcher and muddle with a wooden spoon.  Tear open the TAKEYA Fresh Green Iced Tea Packets, pour tea into Tea Infuser and twist into lid.

2) BREW ~ Heat water to a boil, cool for 4 minutes and fill the pitcher halfway.  Lower the lid with attached Tea Infuser into the hot water, allowing steam to vent, and brew for 3 minutes.  Remove the lid and detach the Tea Infuser.  Stir in honey until dissolved.

3) FLASH CHILL ~ Top off with ice, seal lid and shake for 30 seconds to flash chill.  Remove 1 3/4 cups of the iced tea to make room for the fruit infusion.

4) ADD CITRUS FLAVOR ~ Twist the Citrus Juicer into the top of the pitcher and juice the lemons. Twist off the Citrus Juicer, seal and shake to mix.

5) ADD FRUIT FLAVOR ~ Twist the Fruit Infuser into the Infuser Extender and add chopped pear.  Twist the Fruit Infuser into the lid, lower it into the iced tea and seal airtight.  Zip on the Thermo Jacket and infuse for 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Strawberry, Basil & Mint Lemonade

 *Basil might seem like an unusual ingredient for lemonade, but this earthy herb refreshes the palate while balancing the sweet strawberries, vibrant mint and tart lemon.

1) PREP ~ Add chopped mint and basil to the bottom of the pitcher and muddle with a wooden spoon.  Tear open the TAKEYA Fresh Green Iced Tea Packets, pour tea into the Tea Infuser and twist into lid.

2) BREW ~ Heat water to a boil, cool for 4 minutes and fill the pitcher halfway.  Lower the lid with attached Tea Infuser into the hot water, allowing steam to vent, and brew for 3 minutes.  Remove the lid and detach the Tea Infuser.  Stir in honey until dissolved.

3) FLASH CHILL ~ Top off with ice, seal lid and shake for 30 seconds to flash chill.  Remove 2 1/3 cups of the iced tea to make room for the fruit infusion.

4) ADD CITRUS FLAVOR ~ Twist the Citrus Juicer into the top of the pitcher and juice the lemons (rinse off Citrus Juicer halfway through juicing to remove pulp and seeds).  Twist off the Citrus Juicer, seal and shake to mix. 

5) ADD FRUIT & HERB FLAVORS ~ Twist the Fruit Infuser into the Infuser Extender and add chopped strawberries.  Twist the Fruit Infuser into the lid, lower it into the iced tea and seal airtight.  Zip on the Thermo Jacket and infuse for 3 hours in the refrigerator.   

Watermelon, Lime & Mint

*To get an even bigger watermelon kick from this drink, fill glasses with frozen watermelon cubes just before serving the Green Mint iced tea infusion.  Just slice watermelon into 1-inch cubes and freeze until solid.

1) PREP ~ Tear open the TAKEYA Green Mint Iced Tea Packets, pour tea into Tea Infuser and twist into lid.  

2) BREW ~ Heat water to a boil, cool for 3 minutes and fill the pitcher halfway.  Lower the lid with attached Tea Infuser into the hot water, allowing steam to vent, and brew for 3 minutes.  Remove the lid and detach the Tea Infuser.  Stir in honey until dissolved.

3) FLASH CHILL ~ Top off with ice, seal lid and shake for 30 seconds to flash chill.  Remove 2 1/2 cups of the iced tea to make room for the fruit infusion.

4) ADD CITRUS FLAVOR ~ Twist the Citrus Juicer into the top of the pitcher and juice the lime.  Twist off the Citrus Juicer, seal and shake to mix.

5) ADD FRUIT & HERB FLAVORS ~ Twist the Fruit Infuser into the Infuser Extender and add chopped watermelon and mint.  Twist the Fruit Infuser into the lid, lower it into the iced tea and seal airtight.  Zip on the Thermo Jacket and infuse for 3 hours in the refrigerator.  

Grapefruit & Lime

*Wake up on the right side of the bed with this bright, citrusy infusion featuring your daily dose of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. 

1) PREP ~ Tear open the TAKEYA Green Mint Iced Tea Packets, pour tea into Tea Infuser and twist into lid. 

2) BREW ~ Heat water to a boil, cool for 3 minutes and fill the pitcher halfway.  Lower the lid with attached Tea Infuser into the hot water, allowing steam to vent, and brew for 3 minutes.  Remove the lid and detach the Tea Infuser.  Stir in honey until dissolved. 

3) FLASH CHILL ~ Top off with ice, seal lid and shake for 30 seconds to flash chill.  Remove 2 1/4 cups of the iced tea to make room for the fruit infusion.

4) ADD CITRUS FLAVOR ~ Twist the Citrus Juicer into the top of the pitcher and juice the grapefruits and lime (rinse off Citrus Juicer halfway through juicing to remove pulp and seeds).  Twist off the Citrus Juicer, seal and shake to mix before serving.  Zip on the Thermo Jacket and infuse for 3 hours in the refrigerator.  

*Please note: for the recipes above, a few extra accessories are needed and can be purchased here.

#VoiceTailgate: Homecoming Sliders + "The Carson"

This is it, my friends, tonight we find out who will make it to the Final 3 on The Voice!  I'm scurred.  Every season, I seem to get more and more attached to these contestants and I practically pee in my pants during the live eliminations.  One of my favorite parts of the Semi-Finals is watching the contestants from years past come back to perform, which is exactly what's happening tonight.  

So in honor of this "homecoming" of sorts, I made a sandwich for tonight's #VoiceTailgate that reminds me of my home.  It's one of those familiar dishes you come to expect when you get anywhere near your childhood zip code.  Everyone has one, and this is mine: deliciously sweet and savory, sticky, gooey, ham & cheese sandwiches on soft Hawaiian rolls.  I'm not kidding, make these for people in your town and you will become an instant local celebrity.  Just go to your town square, you know, the one with the gazebo from olden times, and hand them out to passer-byers.  After one bite, they will skip away, whistling a happy tune and proclaiming you the new town mayor.  In my hometown, our good friend Lucy made these famous.  What's your favorite "homecoming" dish?     

Homecoming Ham & Cheese Sliders

(Makes 12)

Printable Recipe

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 pound sliced ham

1/2 pound sliced swiss cheese

12 Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half

Place butter, brown sugar, ground mustard, poppy seeds and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil for about 30 seconds, remove from heat and set aside.  

Assemble the sandwiches with the rolls, ham and cheese in a baking dish (I like using the easy, aluminum, throw-away kind).      

Pour the sauce all over the sandwiches.  I like to use a basting brush to make sure it's evenly spread.  Cover with foil and refrigerate for as long as possible, a few hours will do just fine but overnight is preferable.   

(I doubled the recipe in the photo below.)

Once ready to bake, preheat oven to 375.  Cook for 10 minutes covered and another 10 minutes uncovered.  Serve warm.

Moving on to drinks...

If we're talking about drinks that remind me of "home" - it would have to be Carson's signature cocktail.  In fact, it's so signature, that at one Voice wrap party it was actually listed on the menu as "The Carson."  It's simple, refreshing and perfect for any time of year.  We often switch up the splash of OJ for a splash of pomegranate, or blood orange, but whatever juice you fancy it's the crisp and bubbly Fresca that makes the drink so good.  Oh, and the vodka doesn't hurt.

"The Carson"

Printable Recipe

Ice

Vodka

Fresca

Orange juice

Lime

Place lots of ice in a glass.  Pour desired amount of vodka, then Fresca almost to the top and a splash of orange juice.  Squeeze in lime slice, drop in glass and stir.  

For a "mocktail" version, simply skip the vodka.  It may sound boring, but Fresca, a splash of OJ and a slice of lime in a nice glass (almost) tastes like the real deal when you're 6 months pregnant.    

So, who do you think will make it to the Final 3?!

#VoiceTailgate: Nacho Bites + Grapefruit Cocktail

Our Monday night #VoiceTailgate will be dedicated to Mr. Shelton.  Oh, Blake.  Blake is probably the coach I know best, he's like the tremendously tall older brother from the South I never had.  We all know how funny he is, how well he points at the top of his own head, and how that's probably not Starbucks in his Starbuck's cup during the show.  But what I like best about him is how genuine he is, and how he truly cares about people.  He'll meet any stranger and instantly want to know something about their life.  Even if he annoys the heck out of me by sending me ugly photos of myself he sneakily snaps with his iPhone camera.  So for the giant teddy bear, I thought I'd make something tried and true, and manly, of course, like iddy biddy bite-sized nacho cups.             

(By the way, I did not mean to make that one on top look like a cartoon character.)

Nachos are awesome anyway you make them.  But messy, and almost always accompanied by a cluster of hands reaching and grabbing at the same time.  So I thought, why not make them individual sized?  These are three-bite snacks that can be customized with a variety of toppings.  You can even make a basic nacho, create a toppings bar, and let your guests go to town on their own appetizer.  

THAT'S NACH-YO MAMA'S NACHO!!

I don't, I'm sorry, I had to.  

 I decided to keep these Blake-themed and make them Tex-Mex.  Even though Usher's the one from Texas, not Blake.  But just go with it.  So these are smothered with sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.  Yum.  They would make great Cinco de Mayo party food as well!  

And they are "Blaked," like Blake, but with a "d" at the end.       

"Blaked" BBQ Chicken Nacho Bites

(Makes 12)

Printable Recipe

4 flour tortillas

Cooking spray

2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded 

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Desired toppings (like diced tomatoes, black olives and chopped cilantro)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or a glass similar in size), cut circles out of tortillas.  I was able to cut 3 out of each.  

Spray a regular-sized muffin tin with cooking spray.  Place tortilla rounds into muffin tin, pressing down lightly with fingers to create a small bowl.  Spray top of each tortilla with more cooking spray.  Bake for approximately 10 minutes, until slightly golden around edges.  Remove from oven, and turn heat up to 400 degrees.  

In a small bowl add BBQ sauce to shredded chicken and stir.  Place about a tablespoon of chicken into each tortilla bowl.  Top with cheese.  

Place back in oven, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Carefully remove nacho bites from muffin tins, top with desired toppings and serve.    

On to the liquid portion of our diet.  This is a summer staple in our house, often consumed on our annual camping trip.  It's great with tequila or vodka (definitely Carson's preference), and the combo of grapefruit and pepper is so enticing.  A perfect beverage for your Cinco de Mayo, Blakey Blake #VoiceTailgate.  (Above coasters purchased here.)

Carson's Spicy Grapefruit Cocktail

Printable Recipe

2 parts fresh grapefruit juice

2 parts tequila (or vodka)

1 part cointreau 

Thin slice of Serrano pepper

Shake the above liquids in iced martini shaker and pour into glass if making individual cocktails.  Add a slice of Serrano pepper per glass.  For bigger quantities, pour into closed pitcher that can handle being shaken, then pour over ice in glass.  

*Note: the longer you let the pepper sit in the cocktail, the spicier it will get.  If you remove the seeds from the pepper, it will be less spicy.

*Another note: that is a Jalapeño pepper above because I could not find a Serrano pepper.  Find Serrano peppers, they are better.

*Ohmygosh one more note: if you would like a virgin spicy grapefruit mocktail, omit the alcohol and add fresh lime juice and some simple syrup to taste.

Make sure to watch the Top 8 perform tomorrow night at 8/7 Central on NBC!