May | 2014 | Home Everyday

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May 2014

Thu
29 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Fresh Pink Lemonade

Posted by Erin — No Comments

Sometimes when I am up late at night writing or doing homework, I will have the TV on in the background. It is a bad habit, but I swear this story about my weird little quirk will lead to a great THIRSTY THURSDAY, I promise. Brian and I were both on our computers, typing away and chatting, and all of the sudden, Bridesmaids appeared before our eyes. This is one of those movies where we stop what we are doing and watch because well… Bridesmaids. Hello.

One of my favorite scenes is when Kristen Wiig has a meltdown at Maya Rudolph’s elaborate Parisian shower. It is hysterical because it is so real to the human experience. We have all been in that moment. Who hasn’t had enough and just wanted to punch a hole in a giant cookie? Right before Kristen Wiig is banned from receiving a puppy, she is served some “fresh” pink lemonade. She wants to hate it, but she can’t.

So this week’s THIRSTY THURSDAY is a recipe for PINK LEMONADE that is so fresh you want to hate it, but you can’t.

So Fresh (You Wish You Could Hate It) Pink Lemonade (makes 1 pitcher)
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup hot water
3 cups ice cold water
Mint for garnish

In a large measuring cup mix together hot water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved and set aside. Puree raspberries in a blender or food processor and strain to remove seeds. (NOTE: You may add a few tablespoons of water to blender for ease of pureeing berries).

In a pitcher, mix together lemon juice, sugar mixture, strained raspberry puree and ice water. Serve with ice and mint for garnish.

You’ll be saying, “Sh*t, that’s good,” just like Kristen Wiig. I was able to get the mint from our veggie garden, check out how it is progressing so far this season.

What is your favorite scene in Bridesmaids? Do you keep the TV on in the background too?

If you like summertime beverages, try these recipes for homemade lemonade or perfect sweet tea. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Tue
27 ^th

A Happy Home and a GIVEAWAY from hhGregg

Posted by Erin — 3 Comments

When I think of a happy home, I think of one that not only contains my most favorite people, but I think of one that functions and has synergy.

When Brian and I lived in our 2 bedroom condo, we loved it because that was our first home and where we brought home our oldest kids, but we always knew that it was a temporary place. It wasn’t long before we were outgrowing that space. When things seemed backwards or when we used our dining room as an office or a bedroom closet as holiday storage, we never really thought too much about it. It wasn’t perfect synergy, but it worked at the time because it was temporary.

When we moved into our current home, it was all about happy function. We wanted to make things our own in the sense we wanted it to be personal to our not only our style but also what worked for us as far as function goes. Using a painted dresser as our command central is a perfect example of our home’s synergy. We like to repurpose old pieces that have meaning and we find beautiful, but these pieces also need to have some serious purpose in our home.

Sure, there is junk in my home, but for the most part everything in my home has a purpose. Whether the purpose is for business or pleasure, I try to strike a balance that creates a happy space.

Some fellow bloggers and I had the pleasure of attending the Happy Home event at my local hhGregg recently, and was so happy to see that I am not the only one striving to strike a balance between functionality and decor in my home. hhGregg is trying to do that as well! From large appliances to furniture, technology to kitchen gadgets hhGregg has everything you need to create the happy home you want.

One area that we are currently looking to improve in our home is our laundry room. Brian and I have been in the process of demoing our sub-basement and know that once that space is finished the laundry room isn’t going to be far behind. Just like a good washer and dryer, hhGregg and Maytag are a perfect pair and helping families follow the latest trends in laundry rooms. Whether you like top loaders or front loaders, or just need to spruce up your laundry room with some storage or drying racks hhGregg are here to help. Just check out some of these amazing laundry spaces on the hhGregg Pinterest page.

Gorgeous right? hhGregg is having a $25 gift card GIVEAWAY for Home Everyday readers to get you started on the journey to a happier home!

To enter, leave a comment telling me about what your favorite space in your home is, and then let me know in the form below that you left a comment. You can also get two additional entries by following my Home Everyday’s Facebook fan page and following me on Twitter.

a Rafflecopter giveawayIf you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thu
22 ^nd

Thirsty Thursday: Pure Vanilla Shake

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

This weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer! Can you believe it?! Even though school is still in session, we have already started doing some things you can only do in the summer time. We have been playing in the water table, staying up a little later, playing lots of catch outside, and enjoying our favorite frozen treats.

The kids are currently on a vanilla milkshake kick, and while I appreciate the ease of dumping vanilla ice cream and milk into a blender, my oldest complained that it doesn’t taste like a vanilla cupcake. I agreed, it just isn’t vanilla-y (is that a word?) enough. So this week for THIRSTY THURSDAY, I made it my mission to fix this problem!

I played around in the kitchen. I don’t know if you all remember my hot vanilla from the winter (I know we are all trying to block out winter), but I tried a few tricks from that creation, and I think I have found the perfect recipe for a PURE VANILLA MILKSHAKE! (NOTE: A good grown-up version might be to add a shot of vanilla vodka! YUM!)

PURE VANILLA MILKSHAKE (makes two large shakes)
2 cups vanilla ice cream
2 cups cold milk (I used 2%)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbs sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
whipped cream for garnish

In a blender, add ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream.

What is your favorite summer frozen treat?

If you love milkshakes, try this recipe for an OLD FASHIONED CHOCOLATE MALT. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Tue
20 ^th

Refreshing and Mild Pineapple Salsa

Posted by Erin — No Comments

When it comes to dinner in our house, Mexican food is a safe choice. We usually all agree as I get to show off some of my culinary skills and try new recipes, and the kids aren’t opting for chicken nuggets (what IS it with kids and chicken nuggets anyway?). Also, Brian loves all kinds of cuisine, so he happily tries all of my new recipes.

Sometimes, I will try and think of a great place that Brian and I ate at when were dating or on vacation, and recreate a recipe to reminisce. That is what I did with this pineapple salsa. When we were dating, we used to eat at this great place on the North side of Chicago that had great pineapple salsa, and I have wanted to recreate it every since. I had some fresh pineapple in the house, and the kids wanted Mexican, it seemed like the perfect thing to accompany tacos and quinoa salad.

I was not worried about the kids enjoying it as it is mild and refreshing. (NOTE: I made this batch without cilantro, but you could easily add in a handful of fresh chopped cilantro and it would be awesome!)

Pineapple Salsa
1/2 pineapple finely chopped
1 large red bell pepper finely chopped
1/2 red onion minced
1 lime zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients. Serve with chips or top tacos or quesadillas. Store in an aright container and refrigerate, good for about 4 days. (ours didn’t last nearly that long).

Are there any recipes that you try to recreate to remember a special time?

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Mon
12 ^th

How I Write: Also Known Organized Chaos… Ok Just Chaos

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

Today, I am participating in a blog tour. This sounds so fancy. It is when bloggers write on the same topic over a period of time and share their posts. Kari Hoban of A Grace Full Life asked me to be a part of this tour with her about writing. We had been admirers of each other for awhile.

The blogosphere is a weird place in that you can kind of become friends and learn a little about a person through her writing and becoming friends through different social media channels and blogging circles (you know, stalking). Kari and I kept finding ourselves in many of the same circles whether it be Chicago Parent or Listen to Your Mother. Finally, we met in person at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Workshop in Dayton, and it was like we were writing sisters. So then we made THIS VIDEO and the rest is history.

How I Write.

1. What am I working on?
The short answer: my sanity. Currently, I write for Home Everyday, ChicagoNow, ChicagoParent, I am in the final stages of the writing program at Second City Training Center in Chicago which means I am writing (re-writing) sketches for a four week review to premier in June/July, and just like the mind of any writer my mind is always swirling and capturing and doing side projects.

I write in coffee shops, my dining room table, my couch.

Right now, I am on the edge. Not the edge you’re thinking… I am trying to find my medium. I know I love writing, but what does this mean? Do I want to continue blogging, if so, what kind? Do I want to continue writing sketch comedy? How? Should I keep my book ideas swirling around? Should I keep story telling like LTYM? Should I really try that open mic at The UP. How should I keep making anything and everything I write accessible? Can I do it all?

Then, the questions get too hard and I ask if the kids want to go to the park, because I know for sure right now that is something I want to do right now. They are only going to want to go to the park with me for a little while anyway. I know eventually I will find my groove, and will have the time to do it. Slow and steady wins the race.

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?
There is something to be said for creating your own genre. I started out trying to be the “next big DIY blogger.” Then I wanted to be the “next big comedy blogger.” After blogging for almost two years, I am really starting to find my voice (what can I say, I’m a slow learner), and I have realized that I really want to bring some life lessons and humor to home improvement. This is where I am hoping to come into my own, and create a place that is true to what we are living, but also that is relatable to my readers (and hopefully to the masses.) C’mon next hit comedy series (Idea: SAHM Like it Hot)!

First day of class last March!

3. Why do I write what I do?
I made a diagram for you because this is how my brain works, but basically there are a few things in this life that really bring me true and real joy. Home and Laughter. The End. Sure all the other things in life are nice too, but I don’t get the same thrill or pitter pat in my heart that some people do from seeing the world. When I say home I don’t mean the physical structure, while I enjoy that too, I mean more the HOME that is the all encompassing breaking bread with family and friends. The feeling. My husband, kids and I sharing this space at this time in our lives. Home. When I say laughter, I mean when you say something really funny to someone who really needs it and he or she really laughs. This is why I write about all things domestic, and this is why I (attempt to) write funny. However, it is just starting to dawn on me how I should combine the two.

4. How does my writing process work?
NOTE: Priorities – these are on a ranked based on deadlines, who is depending on me, what is paid, and do I have Second City homework. I prioritize based on who needs what first and then fill in projects or writing where I want on my blogs. As a writer, I find that I must write every day or else my brain is mush.

Writing after a kitchen injury.

NOTE: Eclectic Styles – (once I sort out my priorities) because I write in a couple different kinds of mediums, the process for each of those mediums varies a bit, but the basics are the same: Capture, organizing my thoughts, write, edit, actually publish, look it over once more.

1. CAPTURE:
DIY Project Writing – When I am thinking of inspiration I hit thrift stores, JoAnn Fabrics, Home Depot, or the SuperMarket for inspiration. I snap photos on my phone and capture the idea for a rainy day.
ESSAYS, BLOG POSTS – I often text myself, makes notes on scrap paper or journals, keep notes in my phone, or write things on word documents on my laptop as they pop into my head (usually while I am writing. Writing begets writing for me.) I have even written things in the fog on the mirror in the bathroom when I hop out of the shower. I don’t ever want an idea to float away from me. Then about once a month, I take all my texts to myself, notes, scraps of paper, and put them in my “MASTER DOCUMENT” this is in EVERNOTE. I sort them into where I think they belong. This is a good topic for DIY, this is a good topic for ChicagoNow, this would be a good chapter in a book, this is a good sketch idea. I keep these for a rainy day. Sometimes, I sit and sift through and weed out the garbage (Sitcom Idea: Phoenix Heat, Segway Cops) and keep the good stuff (Recipe Idea: Lemon Blueberry Bread).
SKETCHES – writing exercises like lists of ten, free writing, or mapping that I learned via Second City help capture ideas.

2. ORGANIZING THOUGHTS:
DIY Project Writing – I take pictures of the process and jot notes and I do the project to be written in the post later.
ESSAYS, BLOG POSTS – I try to sort everything I want or all the thoughts I can about the topic. Sometimes, this also may require a bit of research or asking questions or testing out some funny sentences on people to see if they laugh. This step I sometimes write out, sometimes I do in my head while I’m driving, lying in bed, or in the shower. This is trying to figure out everything I want to say regarding the idea I captured.
SKETCHES – this is the initial pitching stage of a sketch. The whole who, what, where, why, what’s funny of the idea I have rolling around in my head.

3. WRITING: I write everything I can or remember about something. Sometimes I set a timer, sometimes I don’t. It depends on how important the piece is, or how much detail I want to be added. If I do set a timer though, I usually don’t allow myself more than about a half hour.

4. EDITING: This is more than just typos, this is cutting the unessential or punching up.

5. ACTUALLY PUBLISHING: I am trigger shy and still very insecure about my writing. If a piece doesn’t have a deadline sometimes I will wait to publish when I am feeling more confident. However, most days I just bite the bullet.

6. LOOK IT OVER ONE MORE TIME: Sometimes I read through my finished piece one more time. I like taking advantage of that moment to be proud of myself, oh and check to see if I missed anything.

There we have it my organized chaos.
If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Fri
09 ^th

Friday Fails: A Job a Anyone Can Do

Posted by Erin — 4 Comments

Since I have
started Home Everyday, I have had my share of fails. Let’s face it, failing is
not exclusive to DIY or blogging. Since I love a good theme, everyone loves a
funny story, and we can all learn from failing, I thought I would start another
series here at Home Everyday called Friday Fails.

Like Thirsty
Thursday, this was an idea of my sister, Beth. Like the good older sister she
is, Beth has been threatening to start her own blog telling “the rest of the story”
explaining all of my fails to everyone. She does have a point though. As a
student of comedy, and one who loves a good lesson I thought I would beat her
to the punch and just bust myself. After
all, Tragedy + Time = Comedy, and now that I have had a bit of time to process
these things, I am able to laugh about them, and now share them with you.

So welcome
to the first of what I am sure are many many Friday Fails.

For those
that don’t have the pleasure of living in the Midwest, you had to hear about
the horrendous winter we had second hand. As sorry as I am for the people who
had to live through the winter, I also feel sorry for the people who lived
somewhere much more mild but had to hear our constant whining about how cold it was here. It is
like when someone orders a spciey tuna roll at a sushi restaurant knowing it is going to be spicy and then all you hear for the rest
of the meal is how hot it is. We get it, its spicy, you knew it was going to be.

In our
defense, though, I am 33 years old, I have lived in the Midwest my entire life, and I
have never experienced anything like the winter we just had. Also, considering
we are just coming off the first nice week we have had since September 2013, I
think we have some room to complain.

Finally the trees are blooming in my yard!

When there
is a winter like the one we had complete with tons of ice, snow, and bitter
cold, it has potential to do some structural damage. Our house experienced what is known as an
ice dam. This is when ice actually gets so heavy and thick and gets trapped
UNDERNEATH the shingles on a roof. When the ice melts, the water has only one
place to go and that is into your house. So the ice was melting underneath the
shingles, through the plywood, into the attic and into our our kitchen ceiling. There was water coming in through where our light fixture attaches to the ceiling. Fun, right?

It was only
a small section, and compared to most people, we considered ourselves pretty
lucky. We had the roof repaired, our gutter rerouted so water will no longer
collect on the roof, and the ceiling damage is scheduled to be repaired soon. Everything is fine. Almost.

We
noticed that the light fixture in our kitchen didn’t seem to be working correctly. When the light was on for even a few
minutes it would begin to flicker. This made Brian and I nervous. We thought
that perhaps there could be water in the light fixture some how.

Brian and I
like to consider ourselves pretty handy people. Whenever we are questioning our
“handiness” or DIY capabilities we say, “But we built our dining room table for
pete’s sake. We can figure it out.” However, when it comes to electrical and
plumbing. We don’t’ like to mess around. Sure we can put in a light fixture,
fix a clogged toilet, but we are not equipped to handle a water damaged
electrical line.

So, we called
our electrician.

When our
electrician arrived, this is the conversation that transpired.

Me: Hi,
Carol. Thanks for coming!

Carol: No
problem. What’s going on?

Me: Well,
Brian said he told you about our ice dam and our leak. The water was
coming right from where that light fixture is, and now the light flickers, and
we are just worried there could be some kind of water damage and we don’t want
to mess with that.

Carol: Ok,
well let me just turn the light on. Oh, so I see you use compact flourescents.

Me: Yep.

Carol: Well,
have you thought about changing the light bulb in this light fixture.

Me: (Blank
stare.)

Carol: I
mean you have changed it since the water?

Me: Well,
no. We didn’t want to use this light because there’s water damage.

Carol: Let
me just take a look at the light bulb here. (takes glass off light fixture, unscrews light bulb) Yep, look at that. This
is a bad light bulb. Sometimes they flicker right before they are about to go
out.

Me: (fumbling like an idiot) The
light bulb?

Carol: Sure,
just go get me a new one, and I’ll switch it out for you and we can keep and
eye on it for a minute, just to make sure there’s no more flickering.

Me: (heat
rising in my cheeks) Ummm, ok.

Carol: Is
that all you had for me today?

Me: Well,
Brian will be home any minute, let me grab that lightbulb and he can tell you
when he gets here.

Carol: Sure,
no problem. That’ll be $150.

Me: (shocked
face)

Carol: Just
kidding!

I was
mortified.

But this
story only gets better (or worse depending on who you are). You see, not only did Brian and I call an electrician
out to change a light bulb, but we had just done some rearranging in the
basement and I couldn’t find a damn light bulb!

I was
frantically searching/stalling in the basement, knowing Brian would be home any
minute to rescue me. Fortunately he did and found a lightbulb for Carol.
Thankfully, he also had another teensy question for Carol to help me save (my very red) face.

In the end,
Carol didn’t charge us (she’s an awesome electrician). Also, she probably figured she has an excellent story to tell at
parties for the rest of her life.

You may want Brian and I to relinquish our DIY cards right here right now. I don’t blame
you. I mean we called a liscensed professional electrician to change a
lightbulb. This is clearly a job a monkey could do. Well, maybe not a wild
money, but maybe a trained one.

Regardless, we
did learn that it IS to be better to be safe than sorry. Oh and change the
light bulb and give it a go before you call an electrician.

Thu
08 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Flavored Waters

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Oh YEAH! Yesterday was deliciously warm, dare I say summer like. Instead of bundling up for soccer practice we wore shorts and the kids were actually sweaty. It.Was.Awesome!
Now that we will be outside more and exercising more, we have all been drinking more water around here.

I have to be honest though, after my morning cup of tea and a few glasses of water, by lunch I’m adding lemon. Water all day just seems a little bland. The self proclaimed Queen of Thirsty Thursday needs a little more zing! You know?

Then, I was thinking to when my sister and I go for our yearly SISTER DAY at the spa and how much I love the SPA WATER there. It is just water infused with just a hint of fresh fruit, veggies, or herbs. I decided to make some flavors of my own, and let me tell you, this is almost as relaxing as a cocktail as it makes me feel like I am back at the spa. Also, there are the added bonuses of no hangover, it is healthy, and no one is judging me for drinking it before 5:00 p.m.

I made three flavors: Minty Cucumber Lemon, Citrus, and Mixed Berry Mint these waters are perfect for making ahead and having to grab out of the fridge all day to stay healthy and hydrated!

Minty Cucumber Lemon Flavored Water (Makes one water bottle worth)
4 or 5 slices of cucumber
4 slices of lemon
5 sprigs of fresh mint
cold water
ice (optional)

In a large water bottle or mason jar, add cucumber, lemon and mint and add just enough water to cover. (NOTE: This will help to infuse a small portion of the water and then topping off with more water later will help to dilute as there won’t be such a strong flavor, and will also taste fresher.) Store in the refrigerator. When ready to drink or take with you add ice and fill to the top with water.

Citrus Water
4 slices of lemon
4 slices of orange
3 slices of lime (optional)
cold water
ice (optional)

In a large water bottle or mason jar, add lemon, orange, and lime. Then, add just enough water to cover. (NOTE: This will help to infuse a small portion of the water and then topping off with more water later will help to dilute as there won’t be such a strong flavor, and will also taste fresher.) Store in the refrigerator. When ready to drink or take with you add ice and fill to the top with water.

Mixed Berry Mint Water
2 Strawberries cut in half
4 or 5 raspberries
4 or 5 blueberries
4 fresh mint springs
cold water
ice (optional)

In a large water bottle or mason jar, add berries and mint. Then, add just enough water to cover. (NOTE: This will help to infuse a small portion of the water and then topping off with more water later will help to dilute as there won’t be such a strong flavor, and will also taste fresher.) Store in the refrigerator. When ready to drink or take with you add ice and fill to the top with water.

What flavors of what do you think you could come up with?

If you love all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Tue
06 ^th

Salad Season is Here: 5 Tips for Building a Perfect Salad Plus a Berry and Goat Cheese Salad

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

It is like the world has sighed a deep breath of relief. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and going outdoors is tolerable again.

My friend Tracy Jensen of It Builds Character and someone I shared the Listen to Your Mother stage with in 2013 said, “Salad in the summer is refreshing and delicious. Salad in the winter is nothing but a cold plate of disappointment.” Which is why, now that it is FINALLY nice, I am making salads on the regular, and cannot wait to share recipes all spring and summer long.

There is nothing worse than a salad with bland lettuce, a few wedges of tomato and gloppy dressing. If you are relying on salads as meals and to eat a little healthier, you should consider the following tips.

1. Consider Your Favorite Cuisine – Whether it be Asian or French, Mexican or American make a salad that is conducive to your palate. You will be more likely to enjoy salads and eat them more frequently if they contain flavors and ingredients that you like. If you don’t like Greek food, don’t make a salad with red onions, feta cheese, and olives.

2. Think Outside the Box – When most people think about salads, they are in a strict vegetable mindset. Adding different fruits, grains, proteins, and fats not only add flavor and interest, but round out the health factor. Sure we have all see pasta salad, but how about a salad with a tablespoon or two of cous cous or quinoa as a grain option. Instead of the typical shredded cheese, how about some crumbled goat cheese or a few pieces of shaved parmesan for a different take. Instead of the same old croutons which add crunch, but are not particularly healthy how about a few walnuts? Instead of the same old chicken how about some lean shredded pork or hard boiled eggs or even half an avocado?

3. Just a Little Bit – Remember Elaine Bennis in Seinfeld talking about “The BIG Salad?” A salad is the sum of its parts. If you are tossing or shaking (like my Mason Jar Salads) salads well enough, you don’t need to add to much of any one ingredient. The lower calorie items like veggies and fruits can get a handful or two thrown into the mix, but the higher calorie items like grains, nuts, proteins or cheese get a TBS or two and I usually only do a TBS of dressing.

4. Mix it Up – When it comes to dressings sometimes I make my own sometimes I use store bought. I have found a really good balsamic and a really good strawberry poppyseed that I buy at the supermarket, but when it comes to a cilantro lime dressing I make my own. Again, this is up to you, but I will say if there is more dressing in your salad than salad, then you need to up the ante a bit in what you are putting in your salad.

5. Storage – Whether it be tupperware, glass mason jars, or storage bags there are several ways to store salads. However, there are two things that ruin salads. Moisture and stink. My tip for keeping the moisture out is a little piece of paper towel at the top of whatever container I happen to be using. This helps to absorb any extra moisture or condensation when you put your salad in the fridge. Let’s face it, some foods are stinky. Red onions, broccoli, hard boiled eggs, fish are all examples of stinky foods. If I am making a salad that contains a food that I believe to be in the stink column and I am not eating it right away, I will leave that ingredient out and store it in a separate container and add it in when I am ready to eat.

BONUS: Last week, I happened to have the following ingredients in the fridge and I came up with this amazing salad and had to share.

1 bag baby spinach

1 cucumber (peeled, seeded and chopped)

1 red Bell Pepper (seeded and chopped)

1 avocado chopped (squeeze a bit of lemon juice over avocado to prevent browning)

1 handful blueberries

1 cup cooked cous cous

1 grilled boneless skinless chicken breast chopped

3 Tbs goat crumbled goat cheese

1 Tbs Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing (I used Marzetti’s Simply Dressed)

In a large bowl add all the ingredients except dressing. Toss together. Serve and then add dressing to each individual’s portion.

What is your favorite salad?

Thu
01 ^st

Thirsty Thursday: Two Kinds of Juleps

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Saturday is the 140th Running of the Kentucky Derby. All three of my kids are smitten with horses but especially my son, George. Everything is horses! Of all my kids’s obsessions Legos, Wii, Princesses, the horses are my favorite. I love that he has such an interest in such a beautiful animal. We love reading books, and pretending to be jockeys and watching Secretariat over and over again. It must be in our blood. My great grandfather before leaving Ireland for Chicago was a blacksmith.

Since I know we will be glued to the TV on Saturday for coverage of the race, this THIRSTY THURSDAY I thought I should learn how to make some Mint Juleps.

Also, because I cannot do anything traditionally, I made a change as a nod to my Irish roots and used made them with Irish Whiskey instead. In addition, I decided to make a NON ALCOHOLIC version so the kids and and anyone who is refraining from alcohol can join in on the fun!

Irish Mint Julep (makes one cocktail)
2 TBS simple syrup (in a sauce pan over low heat mix equal parts sugar and water and stir until sugar is completely dissolved and cool. Keep on hand for you cocktails for the day.)
1 shot (2 oz) Jameson Irish Whiskey
5 fresh Mint sprigs
1/2 cup crushed iced

In large glass muddle together mint and simple syrup. Pour this mixture over a small glass filled with ice and top off with Jameson. Garnish with another sprig of mint.

Virgin Julep Tea
6 oz Sweet Tea (CLICK HERE for my recipe, you may also steep mint leaves with tea for extra boost of mint flavor)
5 fresh mint sprigs
Sparkling Water or Club Soda
1/2 cup crushed ice

In a large glass muddle together mint and crushed ice. Pour in tea and and stir. Top off with a few ounces of sparkling water or club soda for some fizz and garnish with mint.

Now, time to decide which hat to wear!

This #ThirstyThursday was organized with Red Envelope as part of their #redBar project.

If Juleps are not your thing, but beverages are, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!