Showing posts with label Tasty Tuesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tasty Tuesday. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Halloween Drinks (For Adults)

Will you be dressing up (or not) and walking the kiddies around to Trick or Treat?
OR
Will you be handing out goodies to the little gremlins and like at your door?
 
How a bout a little somethin' something' to warm the cockles of your heart on the darkest night?
 
Try these frighteningly delicious drinks.
 
Baileys Caramel Apple
 
2 oz Baileys Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur
0.5 Smirnoff Green Apple Flavored Vodka
1 dash of Goldschlager Schnapps
 
Pour Baileys & Vodka into an ice-filled shaker. Shake & strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Float Goldschalger on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
********************
 
Cabin Cider
 
1.5 oz Cabin Fever Maple Flavored Whisky
4 oz hot apple cider
 
Add whisky to warm or cold cider in a Collins glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
***********
 
Hot Maple Chocolate
1.5 oz Cabin Fever Maple Flavored Whiskey
1.5 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
4 oz hot chocolate
Add whiskey & Irish Cream Liqueur to hot chocolate in a mug. Top with whipped cream.

***********
Of course I have to share my favorites. 
Try a spiced red wine warmed up. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick. 
 

 


Monday, August 24, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Cherry Smash!

I missed the Traverse City Cherry Festival this year. *sigh* Stupid Covid crap. 
To honor one of the many things that didn't happen this summer, I lift a drink. 
Park your tush on my deck and enjoy a Cherry Smash with me.
Bottoms up to Summer 2020.


This flirty cocktail has only 161 calories and a nice amount of Vitamin C

Ingredients:
1 cup pitted fresh or frozen cherries
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 4 mint sprigs
8 teaspoons of sugar
6 ounces (3/4 cups) dark rum
1/4 cup lime juice
3 cups cherry-flavored seltzer (plain
seltzer will work too)

Preparation
Using 4 glasses evenly divide the cherries, mint leaves and sugar. Mash the ingredients with a wooden spoon and then stir in the rum and the lime juice, top it off with seltzer. Add mint sprig for color.

******

When we first moved in, I planted two different kinds of mint in my ditch. It's gone a bit wild over the years. I will often pick a few springs in the morning after a walk to place in a vase, add to a dish or feed to Teeko the guinea pig.

Monday, May 18, 2020

Tasty Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite comfort food. But if you're like me, I'm tired of making the same-old-same-old. Quarantine 2020 is providing many opportunities for experimental baking. Since my sons are all around, I have plenty of willing taste testers.

During this time, I recommend having some fun in the kitchen with your honey.  Pour each of you a glass of wine. Wear matching aprons. Feel free to get a little silly... remember when you first were living together?

I found this unique recipe and didn't tell son #2 about the cream cheese, (he hates the stuff). The addition of cream cheese gives these chocolate chip cookies a rich, dense, cake-like texture. 
Give it a try!



Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 ounces butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips

Preparation:

·         Heat oven to 350°. Grease a cookie sheet, or spray with nonstick cooking spray, or line with silicone liner.

·         In a mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Slowly beat in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.

·         Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet(s), leaving about 1 inch between cookies. These cookies spread very little. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly browned around the edges.

·         Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Tasty Tuesday - Sex on the Beach

Ah... summertime. Nothing beats sex on the beach
if you don't mind sand in your butt crack and other crevices, that is.
 And don't forget if you're caught, you might have a fine or get arrested.  


So let's play it safe with the other Summertime favorite

Sex On The Beach
(the drink)

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz peach schnapps
2 oz cranberry juice
2 oz orange juice
Add vodka and peach schnapps to a highball glass over ice.
Fill with equal measures of cranberry juice and orange juice, and stir.

CHEERS

Monday, January 12, 2015

Tasty Tuesday–Spike Your Cocoa

Last week the temps here in Michigan were flirting with zero. My friends in Minnesota experienced frigid temps. (Lets look for a baby boom in nine months.) Cold temp means opportunity to warm up by cuddling with a mug of hot chocolate.

cocoa stationI have a hot cocoa station in my kitchen for the kids. I found some decorative canning jars and filled them with various ingredients. Powder cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, flavored creamer. Keep mugs or cups handy. Use mugs with names to prevent confusion or use a variety of cups for fun.

 

 

 

For the adults, keep flavored schnapps handy. A shot of peppermint is michigan-cherry liqueurdelicious. My favorite is Michigan Cherry liqueur – tastes like a hot chocolate covered cherry!

 

 

For a bit of romance… sip a mug of spiked hot cocoa while cuddling with your honey. 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - Spiked Mulled Cider

Many of you know I'm a Football Mom. My boys are Youth Football, High School Football and College Football. That's sitting outside weekday for pracitce plus games on the weekend. I've learned to dress in a kazillion layers but once the cold creeps into my bones there is no getting rid of it.

However...

I discovered a shot of Hot Damn schnapps in some mulled cider works wonders. 
.




When making mulled cider use a hand held sieve to eliminate consuming the spices.



Single serving Spiked Mulled Cider:

Pour apple cider into a pot and simmer over low heat. Add clove, cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Float orange slices. Pour a shot of Hot Damn Schnapps into a mug before filling with the warm cider.

I found prepared mulling spices at my local market. After adding some to a pan, I add a few cups of cider and simmer over low heat. The longer you simmer the richer the flavor. Add a shot of Hot Damn or favorite fall schnapps to the mug before filling with the warm cider.


Easy Spiked Crockpot Cider for a crowd:

1/2 gallon apple cider
4 whole cinnamon sticks
8 whole Allspice Berries or Cloves
Orange peel or slices from 1 orange
(add lemon peel from one lemon during cold season)
 3/4 cup spiced rum
 1/2 cup Hot Damn
 1/2 cup Buttershots

Cook on high for one hour then switch to warm and serve.



For the best benifits 
this hot beverage should be read while reading a steamy romance book 
next to a cozy fire.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - New Release from Sarah Castille

New Release! Sexy fighter romance Yield to Me by Sarah Castille

Pick up for your summer reading at $2.99

BLURB
Below the belt, no-holds-barred attraction...

Amateur MMA fighter, Marcy Foster is determined to win the state championship. But dark secrets and a broken trust mean there's one submission she just can’t master. Fortunately Club Excelsior has hired a coach who knows all the right moves.

Sexy, confident and commanding, fight consultant Jax demands control, both in and out of the ring. But once he has Marcy against the ropes, Jax knows he’s in too deep. He has the dominance to give her what she needs, but once he unleashes her hidden passions, there's no going back.

Under Jax's skilled hands, Marcy submits to her deepest desires. But when her personal and professional worlds collide, she is forced to face a brutal truth—yielding to her darkest needs may be the one thing that costs her the fight...and her heart.

BIO
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and traveled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Readers can find her at sarahcastille.com.

EXCERPT
“Mount.” Jax beckoned her forward, his voice curiously husky, and for a moment she wondered if his touching exercise had affected him as much as her.

Marcy crawled up his body and then sat astride his abdomen in Full Mount. God, his stomach was rock hard. Just like the rest of him.

Jax’s body stiffened beneath her. “Christ, Marcy. Are you trying to kill me?”

Puzzled, she shrugged. “I thought you wanted me like this.”

“I do. No. Hell. I mean…to practice the submission, you need to be in High Mount.”

Understanding dawned and she tried and failed to repress a smile. “Am I mounted too low for you, Jax?” She was sorely tempted to give a little wiggle because she could feel something hard pressing into her ass and she was desperate to know if he was wearing a cup. In all her years of training she’d never affected a guy this way and she had to bite back a laugh.

His eyes blazed with liquid heat and his voice dropped to a husky bark, “Move up.”

Marcy eased herself up, her thighs parting wider as she positioned herself high on his chest, her knees under his armpits. “High Mount is easier with female fighters. Your chest is so broad…”

He cut her off with a low growl. When she glanced down to see what she’d done to irritate him this time, she was caught in the blistering heat of his gaze.

“I’m on to you, little fighter.” His eyes glinted, amused. “Don’t think for a minute you’ll distract me from doing what I came here to do.”

A smile curled her lips. All week she’d had to listen to the fighters at the gym talking about the aura of mystique surrounding Jax and his “fighter whisperer” ways. And yet his visible discomfort at her position on top of him made him seem all too human. All too male. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

He raised an eyebrow and exhaled through gritted teeth. “How about we try for Mid Guard?” The warmth of his breath caressed her inner thighs and heat flooded her veins. How unprofessional. She’d practiced this position countless times with other fighters in the club. Not once had she ever wanted to tear off their clothes and…

“Actually, probably better if we move to Full Guard.” Jax bucked suddenly, throwing Marcy forward and onto her hands and knees, a standard defense to High Guard, but one that put her breasts within an inch of his lips.

Her nipples tightened and she quickly rolled to her back to hide her body’s response.

Jax moved into position on top of her, taking his weight on his elbows, his legs tucked between hers. So hot. So heavy. So masculine.

Dominant. Controlling.

Arousal coursed through her veins and she tried to think of anything but the erotic weight on top of her.
Coach. Training. Professional. But her body, now a live wire, wasn’t on board.

“How do you want me?” Her breathy voice shaded into a whisper.


CONNECT WITH SARAH:
Sarah's newsletter for info about new releases: http://bit.ly/LgFZlb

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/sarahcastilleauthor
Twitter (@sarah_castille): http://www.twitter.com/sarah_castille

BUY LINKS FOR YIELD TO ME


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - Cake Mix Cookies

Other than being an author, I'm a mom to three boys...all athletes and involved in everything. Son #2 is on a school baseball team that plays double-headers regularly. A friend of mine cooks up hotdogs for the boys, others bring chips and I make cookies.

Being a busy mom I'm lucky the boys favorite cookie is one of the easiest to make. The boys like the flavor of the French Vanilla and the soft, chewy texture I create by taking the cookies out after baking for 10 min.

1 box French Vanilla cake mix
1/2 cup of oil
2 eggs
2 Tbsp water
1 cup of chocolate chips (I add a little more)

Mix well and drop by teaspoon onto a prepared cookie sheet. (I use parchment paper).
Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 min,
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before removing off the sheet. Place on rack to continue cooling.

Warning: the cookie dough is really yummy and may be eaten if kids are around

TIP: have your honey help you make these sweet treats and enjoy them warm with a glass of milk.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - Romantic Italian Toast

I made this as an appetizer to ease the hungry monsters (aka teen boys) while our pizza baked. However, it turned romantic once the creatures left hubby and I alone in the kitchen with our glasses of wine. This toast makes a nice snack with wine while enjoying a fire in the fireplace on a quiet evening.

 Italian Toast Guide and Recipe


Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
25 mins

·         Extra virgin olive oil
·         Kosher or Sea salt
·         Freshly ground black pepper
·         Dried oregano (optional)
·         Dried thyme (optional)
·         Garlic (optional)
·         Hot red pepper flakes (optional)


Process
1. Start by slicing a good quality baguette into ½ inch pieces and set on a large cookie pan. Drizzle olive oil on one side of the bread followed by the salt, pepper, and dry oregano.

2. Place the cookie sheet in your oven and set to broil and watch the bread carefully; as soon as you begin to see the bread turn brow remove from the oven.
The toast is great alone or add sliced/shredded Italian cheese during last 5 min of baking.

Here is our favorite topping to put on cooled toast:

Tomato-Basil 

Ingredients
·         Simple Crostini
·        3 Roman tomatoes diced
·         several fresh basil leaves, roll and slice
·         1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
·         1 teaspoon(s) red-wine vinegar
·        1 clove garlic diced fine
·          Coarse salt & Ground pepper
Directions
1. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, and red-wine vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Let sit for at least 5 min. Top toast with topping.

Have fun "playing" in the kitchen together. Couples can relax, laugh and steal some romantic moments...even with teens around. Be prepared for teens to roll their eyes and say, "Ewe!" as they walk away to give you privacy.

This recipe is a great way to use leftovers. I like to use French bread I purchase off the "day old" rack at the market. I recommend to try a fruity wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or even a Pinot Grigo. The bright crisp qualities of these wines will match up to the acidity of the fresh tomatoes.   while the fruit will play up its sweet, juicy characteristics. Personally, I'm a sweet red wine drinker and won't eat fresh romas without it.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - A Taste of Rome by Lucy Felthouse

I love Italian food especially when it's prepared with my honey.  When I think of a taste of Rome, I imagine hearty food, olive oil, sweet wine... Now my friend Lucy Felthouse has me thinking of a whole new Taste of Rome. Time for a quickie in the kitchen.


Blurb:
Book three of the World of Sin series.

Ryan Stonebridge and his friend Kristian Hurst have travelled to London and Paris on their “gap year” adventure, before starting university. Now it’s on to Rome.

The American girls they met in Paris are along for the ride, providing lots of sexy fun for the boys. But as no one in the foursome is looking for commitment, there’s still plenty of scope for hooking up with the locals. Voyeurism, cougars, risky outdoor sex and threesomes abound in the Italian leg of the boys’ European adventure.

*****
Excerpt:
Ryan came to the conclusion that perhaps this journey wasn’t so horrendous after all. He’d been a little miffed that the American girls, Shanna and Taryn, had wanted to tag along from Paris to Rome with him and Kristian. He’d been keen not to end up with any chicks who wanted more than a one night stand, figuring that any romantic entanglements would screw up their footloose and fancy-free gap year trip. Their last year of freedom, without commitment, before they went to University and had to grow up, buckle down.
In the here and now, however, Ryan decided that Shanna actually wasn’t that bad. It seemed she was determined to spice up the never-ending coach trip from Paris to Rome. Eight hundred and seventy miles, thirteen hours. They’d known when they’d booked it that it would be nigh on intolerable, but it was the cheapest way to travel. And having sat in the increasingly stuffy, tiny coach, Ryan could see why. It made cramped seats in coach class on a flight feel like first class.

Shanna had removed her jacket as the crap air-conditioning was utterly failing to cool down the cabin. It had been draped over her lap for a while before she slid it across so it covered part of his too. Ryan frowned, wondering why she thought it was a good idea to make him warmer. He was already melting in the heat. Then she slipped her hand beneath the jacket and moved it over his crotch. She squeezed his flaccid cock, making her intentions absolutely clear. He realized that if he continued to stare down at their laps it would be painfully obvious to anyone who glanced in their direction what they were up to. So he leaned over and kissed Shanna’s cheek, nuzzling her red hair out of the way to murmur into her ear.

“I’m going to try and act natural.” Then, remembering what had happened to him back in London when he’d ended up with cum-filled boxer shorts, he added, “Can you, uh, catch it in a tissue?”

Grinning, Shanna revealed the flimsy white material in her other hand. It appeared she’d already thought of that. Saucy wench—he liked her. She was a fun girl, gorgeous-looking and a great lay. Had things been different, he might have considered pursuing something long-term with her, but it wasn’t going to happen. He and Kristian had this one chance, this few months to live life to the fullest, do what they wanted, do who they wanted, go where they liked, and he wasn’t going to throw it away for a green-eyed, cute-accented chick. 

No way.

He wasn’t worried about upsetting her, though. He knew that she and her friend had a similar pact and outlook on their European travels. They too were hooking up, having a good time and moving on.
Ryan grinned out of the window. Life was good. A sexy girl was about to get his cock out on a coach and toss him off, and he was heading to the third destination on his gap year adventure. The Italian capital awaited and he couldn’t wait to see what it had in store.

Before he got there, though, he was going to have another orgasm on public transport. First the toilets on the Eurostar, now beneath a jacket on a coach. God, what was it with women and doing it in cramped, risky places? And Blanche—the French bird on the Eurostar—and Shanna weren’t the only ones he was thinking of. He was beginning to forget what it was like to have sex in a bed. Not that he was complaining—Christ, no. If a sexy woman propositioned him, who was he to refuse?

By now Shanna had undone his belt, button and fly and released his cock from his boxers. It had taken a while as she’d had to keep her movements slow, subtle, so no one realized what was happening. As a result of all the fumbling, his dick was rock hard by the time she got it out, and it sprung eagerly into her hand.
She leaned her head on his shoulder and he slipped his arm around her, pulling her close. Anyone who looked now would just see a couple of young people having a cuddle. Or possibly a hot redhead sleeping on the shoulder of a young man who could either be her boyfriend or a total stranger.

Carefully, she began to stroke him, getting into a rhythm that would drive him to climax without anyone knowing.

Ryan turned back to the window, giving the appearance of looking out at the darkening sky. Shanna’s grip tightened, her movements grew faster and he grew closer to coming. He dug his teeth into his bottom lip in an attempt to regain some kind of control. It didn’t help—his hormones raged and the familiar tingle at the base of his spine was a dead giveaway.

Looking as chilled out, as casual as possible, he turned to Shanna and whispered, “You’d better get that tissue ready—otherwise I’m going to make an awful mess.”

She gave a single nod of understanding and moved her other hand beneath the jacket, slowly, languidly. It probably looked as though she was just changing position, rather than anything naughtier. Ryan, however, was at the stage where he didn’t care. If anyone happened to look across, happened to confront them, he’d hold a hand up to keep them quiet until he finished.


*****
Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women's Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, and is book editor for Cliterati. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9



Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - Cherry Cheesecake Brownies


Fat Tuesday?
You can keep that fancy paczki.
Give me something chocolate with ice cream.

I'll share!



CHERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIE SQUARES

1 (21.5 or 23.6 oz.) pkg. fudge brownie mix
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
1 lg. can cherry pie filling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix as package directs. Spread into lightly greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in condensed milk then egg and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Pour evenly over brownie layer, bake 25 minutes longer or until set. Cool. Chill. Stir remaining 1/2 teaspoon almond extract into cherry filling and pour over brownies


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - Simmering Soup on Freezing Day

We have a house guest
 who is on a gluten free diet and I found this delicious soup everyone enjoyed. 
 It's perfect with sandwiches on a cold winter day.



Lentil & Sweet Potato Soup
·         2 tablespoons canola oil
·         1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
·         2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
·         2 medium celery ribs, chopped
·         1 bay leaf
·         1 garlic clove, minced
·         1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
·         2 cups dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
·         2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
·         1 package (9 ounces) frozen cut green beans
·         1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
·         1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
·         Coarse salt and black pepper
·         Plain low-fat yogurt, for serving

Directions
1.     In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, carrots, celery, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
    Add 7 cups of water and lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 10 minutes. Add potatoes and continue to cook, covered, until lentils and potato are just tender, about 15 minutes.
   Add green beans and tomatoes with juice. Cook until warmed through, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add cilantro; season with salt and pepper. Serve with yogurt.


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Tasty Tuesday - Hot Chocolate Covered Cherry


Here in Michigan and across the country the temps are low and the snow is deep. After the morning coffee is finished, I clean out the pot and fill with water. I try to keep a pot of hot water available all day for my snowmen to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa when they come in from the cold. 

While at the grocery the other day, I checked out the discounted liqueur and found a bottle of Michigan Cherry.
An decadent idea came to me.

Make a cup of hot cocoa (I prefer Hersey's Dark Chocolate Cocoa)
Add 1 TBSP of coffee creamer
Add 1 shot (or more) of the Cherry liqueur
Feel free to top with whipping cream & a cherry.

I call it a Hot Chocolate Covered Cherry.  

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tasty Tuesday - Beer Pizza Date Night

A night in making pizza can be fun, especially for a couple looking for a cheap date night. 
It has become a family event every Saturday. My teen boys love the homemade dough and creating their own pizza with too many toppings. Hubby and I remember the days when just he and I would pour some wine and enjoy the time in the kitchen with only each other.

Here is the recipe I used for my
Beer Pizza Dough.

 
Ingredients

    • 1 1/3 cups water ( Or 1 Cup Water and 1/3 Cup Flat Beer for better flavor)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
    • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
    • 3 1/2 cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast

Directions

1.   Add ingredients to machine in order.

2.   Set to “Dough” mode.

3.   Once completed, place in greased pan to rise about 20-30 min, and split in half.

4.   For easy storage, put in Ziploc bags, stack flat to be used as needed. Will be good for 2 days.

5.    When you are ready to make pie, slap the dough on a cornmeal/floured surface, roll flat, Hand spin if you are willing to trash the kitchen with flying pizza!  

6.   Add light layer of sauce and pre-bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

7.   Remove from oven and add toppings of your choice.

8.   Bake in oven at 400 degrees until done (approx 20 min, depending upon topping thickness).