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Thirsty Thursday

Thirsty Thursday: Pineapple Banana Smoothies

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My regular readers know, I love television. I have always watched too much. I reference it constantly, and if it is funny, I’ll watch it. One of my favorite shows growing up was The Golden Girls. Maybe I’m an old soul, or maybe it is because the show was hysterical, or maybe because my grandma watched it, or maybe in the 80’s the show was at the height of popularity, but I was so obsessed with these four women in their golden years. When you think about it, The Golden Girls was pretty groundbreaking for its time. Perhaps I knew that even as an eight year old.

 

Even now, I love that show. (I have passed my love for The Golden Girls onto many. Including my friend Sara.) If you’re lucky, you can still catch re-runs of The Golden Girls in the morning. So, I thought I would create the perfect smoothie to enjoy while watching  The Golden Girls. It is delicious and is the same shade as Rose’s hair.

 

 

The Golden Girls Smoothie (makes 2)
2 cups chopped  fresh pineapple
1 large banana peeled and sliced
1 cup vanilla yogurt
2 tsp honey
2 cups ice
In a blender, put the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour in glasses, and enjoy while watching re-runs of your favorite show.

For last week’s Thirsty Thursday CLICK HERE. 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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Grown Up Root Beer Floats

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I did something crazy and amazing at the same time. I mixed beer and ice cream. I know. Most of you think this is disgusting. However, for some of you, I have made all your dreams come true.

 

Hear me out first. There is this amazing beer. It is beer, but it tastes like root beer. Like exactly like root beer. Not Your Father’s Root Beer is manufactured by Small Town Brewery and it is a must have for summer! Beer drinkers like it because it has a lot of interest. Non beer drinkers will love it because it tastes like pop!

 

And if you do what I did, and make an decadent grown up version of an old time favorite with it, you’ll have to keep some on hand at all times because your grown up friends will want you to serve up this treat all summer long!

Grown Up Root Beer Float (makes one)
1 bottle of Not Your Father’s Root Beer (chilled)
chocolate syrup
vanilla ice cream

Drizzle the inside of a large glass with about one or two tablespoons of chocolate syrup.

 

Then, in the same glass, add two scoops of the ice cream.

Finally, carefully pour the chilled beer over the ice cream. The beer will foam like a regular root beer float, so this is where an extra large glass comes in handy.

 

Serve with a straw for sipping and a spoon for scooping the extra ice cream.

Sit outside and enjoy being a grown up, while having a taste of childhood.

 

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.

Thirsty Thursday: Fresh Pineapple Whip Shake

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This week we have been prepping for a very special Disney party which you will be hearing more about next week. In order for me to get ready for such an event I have been trying different recipes and decorating (you can see a sneak peak below).

 

We have never been to Disneyland, but I know there is a special treat there that everyone loves called a Dole Whip. They sound divine, and if you search for one on Pinterest there are about 100 different ways to make them at home. However, because I like things to sipped through a straw and I already had some fresh pineapple in the house for brinner (breakfast for dinner) and cream (for some homemade ice cream) I thought why not try whipping up my own version.

 

I know adding cream to a shake sounds kind of decadent, but I didn’t add any ice cream, so I feel like it was kind of a wash.

 

Fresh Pineapple Whip Shake (make two medium sized shakes)

3/4 to 1 cup cup fresh pineapple cut into chunks
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 of a lemon squeezed
1 tsp sugar (optional)
lots of ice

 

In a blender add all the ingredients and blend until smooth.

Serve in a large glass with a straw.

 

I have a feeling everyone will like these a lot!

For all things beverage related, check out my previous Thirsty Thursday post or 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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Hot Lemonade with Vanilla

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When you have a sore throat, a cold, the flu it is best to push fluids. When you have the chills, all you want is a hot beverage to warm you up. Tea always seems to be the best option, but Not everyone likes tea (especially little ones).

My little ones have been under the weather recently, and I wanted to help them, but not all three love tea like I do. However, there is an alternative.

After surfing the web, I found a few things that people do to stay hydrated and warm when they are ill. The first was to warm some water and put some citrus or herbs into the water for a little flavor. The other was hot lemonade. This seemed weird at first, but when I read through some of the recipes, I started thinking, this sounds pretty good. So, I made up my own.

Hot Lemonade with Vanilla (makes one serving but can be made in batches)

1 cup lemonade (I used Minute Maid fresh squeezed in the refrigerator section)
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of cinnamon

Heat the lemonade in a small sauce pan over low heat or in a heat safe mug in the microwave. I like things very warm, but heat until your desired temperature.

Once in a heat safe mug, stir in honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Serve immediately.

For all things beverage related, check out my previous Thirsty Thursday post or 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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Cocktail Terms Beginner Bartender and Mixologist Should Know

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Ever watch an old movie and wonder what some of those old cocktail terms everyone is using actually mean? Ever host a cocktail party and not know how to exactly measure out a guest’s drink? Or go out for a fancy night on the town and not know what some of those “fancy” drinks like Port are?

Your Thirsty Thursday gal is here to for the rescue! While I am not a professional bartender, I know enough from watching movies and asking questions and a little research on the internet to figure it out, and I have put it all here for you in one convenient location. Also, I have my favorite “go to” cocktail recipe with a literal twist at the end to get you ready for Valentine’s Day and impress your friends.

Measurements: I will share the most basic forms of measuring when it comes to creating your cocktails. For those that read me regularly know, measuring ingredients is not my strong suit, however when it comes to cocktailing and mixology it can make or break a drink.

 

 

  • Shot: this is the size of a standard shot glass 1 1/2 oz (45mL)
  • Jigger: a special tool used to measure spirits that has two ends. The larger end has holds 2 oz (60 mL) and the smaller end holds 1 1/2 oz (45 mL)
  • Pony: 1 oz
  • Dash: this measurement is often used to describe things like bitters, tobacco sauce, or other ver strong cocktail ingredients. The bottles these drink ingredients come in often have a top that helps to control how much goes into the cocktail. However, the actual measurement is 1/32 of an oz.
  • Splash: this is for slightly larger additions to drinks such as water, grenadine, syrup, or a stronger spirit. Its actual measurement is 1/8 of an oz.
  • Barspoon: Have you ever seen one of those spoons with the long corkscrew handles? That is a barspoon and used to mix up things in tall glasses or pitchers. Sometimes it can be used to measure a bit of something too (or in my case fish out some maraschino cherries out of a jar). This is about a teaspoon.
Jargon: when you’re hosting a large party or even have a few friends over for dinner it is important to have some basic bar jargon down so as to prepare their favorite drink the way they like it. 

 

  • Neat: this is serving a spirit with no mixers, ice, or water. Typically it is served in a tumbler glass meant to be sipped. (“I’ll have a whiskey neat, please.”)
  • On The Rocks: this is when someone prefers to have their favorite spirit poured over ice. (“A vodka on the rocks, please.”)
  • With a Twist: this is when a thin strip of citrus peel is squeezed and put into a mixed cocktail, spirit, or even non-alcholohic beverage for added flavor.
  • Mixers: non-alcholic additions to drinks such as sodas, juices, or syrups.
  • Nightcap: a mixed drink, liqueur, or wine served at the end of the evening, typically after dessert.
What Kind of Drink is That? here are some terms when it comes drinks.

 

  • Cocktail: a drink made with combinations of both spirits and mixers. (Note: Not all cocktails are martinis, a martini is a specific kind of drink.)
  • Dirty Martini: A martini (a cocktail made with gin and vermouth typically served with either an olive or a twist) with olive brine stirred into it.
  • Port: a fortified wine (meaning brandy has been added at sometime during the fermentation process) that is typically served as a nightcap
  • Liqueur: a very sweet liquor or spirit often used for mixing, but can be consumed alone as well. An example is Baily’s Irish Cream.
  • Shot or Shooter: this is a combination of spirits and mixers poured into a shot glass and meant to be drank quickly.
  • Virgin or Mocktail: these are drinks that contain no spirits but often replicate a standard spirit drink.
Now that you know some basic beginner mixologist terminology, how about a recipe with all of your knowledge? A Cranberry and Vodka is one of my favorite drinks and it is such a pretty color for Valentine’s Day. It also uses a lot of the terms we talked about today, and I can show you how to make a twist! 

Cranberry and Vodka
1 jigger vodka
1 cup cranberry juice
splash of lemon lime soda
twist of lime
ice
In a glass, add ice, vodka and cranberry. Stir. Top with splash of soda and twist of lime. Serve immediately.To make a twist, simply take a vegetable peeler and very carefully peel a small the skin of a lime, being careful to only peel the skin and not the white part (known at the pith).

 

Once you have your piece of lime.

 

Twist over your drink to release the oils into the drink and add into the drink or put on the rim as a garnish.

 

 

Enjoy!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.

Thirsty Thursday: Easy Jingle Juice

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As you know, I have kind of been in a Zen like state this holiday season. I have really been trying to simplify around here, and focus on the joy and love. I think I have streamlined how to plan ahead to really enjoy some of the activities that come along with this time of year.

One of them being holiday cards.

This year, I thought it might be fun to make up a little cocktail and turn up the tunes while my honey and I addressed our envelopes. I decided to make Jingle Juice.

 

There are a million and one recipes for Jingle Juice, and some of them seem pretty intense with several kinds of fresh squeezed fruits and simple syrups and slices of things. I decided I would even make my Jingle Juice Zen like, and stream line that too.

Easy Jingle Juice (make 1 cocktail)

1 oz raspberry flavored vodka
2 oz cran-apple juice
2 oz orange juice
lemon lime soda
ice

 

In a small glass, add ice, and set aside.

In a cocktail shaker, add more ice, vodka, cran-apple juice, and orange juice. Shake for one minute. Pour into glass. Top with lemon lime soda. Serve immediately. (If you’re not into vodka you can leave it out.)

 

Don’t tell me this won’t make addressing those cards just the teeniest bit more enjoyable?

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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Warm Salted Caramel

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You knew a hot beverage was coming, right? I cannot help myself! After a super chilly soccer finale this past weekend, getting my youngest bundled for a trip to a pumpkin patch, and a walk in the leaves the other day, I had to come up with something. So for this Thirsty Thursday, I came up with the perfect Autumn beverage. Warm Salted Caramel.

 

With the kids allergies, it is hard for me to find a Hot Cocoa mix that is safe, so we have been making lots of hot vanilla. However, I thought with the Homemade Caramel Sauce I made the other day, I thought I would try mixing that with some warm milk. When I did, I added a  little whipped cream, and sprinkle of sea salt, and it was perfection. It is what I always imagined butter beer from the Harry Potter books to kind of taste like (I’m sure that this has nothing to do with what JK Rowling had envisioned).

Warm Salted Caramel (makes one mug)

1 cup milk
1 TBS caramel sauce (Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe link)
whipped cream for garnish
pinch of sea salt
More caramel sauce for garnish

 

If caramel sauce is not heated, in a heat proof dish, warm in microwave for 10 – 20 seconds or in a water bath.

In a small sauce pan over low heat, add milk. When tiny bubbles form around edges of pan, whisk in caramel sauce. Continue to stir for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour into mug.

 

Add whipped cream, drizzle of caramel sauce, and pinch of sea salt.

 

Serve immediately. Best enjoyed with blanket, and a Harry Potter book.

If you like this hot beverage you may like this warm vanilla spiced cider. 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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Tea

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Happy Thirtea (see what I did there?) Thursday!

One of my absolute favorite beverages is TEA! Hot or cold (or luke warm because I cannot get to it quick enough after folding laundry), with family or alone, while reading or writing, at the soccer field or at my dining room table.  I drink a cup almost every single day. Some of my best conversations have happened over a cup of hot tea on a cold evening or even a glass of iced tea on a hot afternoon. Plus with all the ways there are to doctor it up, it’s no wonder over half of all Americans drink it.

I’m not sure if it stems from my Irish ancestry, my Grandma Nano always offering someone a cup when someone walked through her door, my Mom serving up a tray for us after dinner, or my sister’s desire to serve me iced tea when I walk in her home, but for me tea says hospitality, home, and love. It is the perfect beverage when you’re feeling blue, it is perfect when you’re sick, and let’s face it, it is the perfect excuse to have a treat mid afternoon to accompany your tea.

 

Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day.

So, with a little help from the inter webs, here are some awesome facts about tea. Maybe you will join me in a cup today.

1. Icey: According to the Tea Association of the USA, Americans prefer their tea iced. In fact, 85% of the tea drank here is cold. I will drink it iced or hot, but if I am going to have it cold it must be perfectly sweet.

 

2. Caffeination: While most people like a little spring in their step and prefer caffeine in their tea, there are many decaffeinated varieties. Also, here’s a tip from my Grandma if you don’t have any decaf at home and have a guest who prefers the less zippy kind. Steep the tea for about 5-10 minutes, then reuse the same tea bags, or loose tea and brew again with fresh water. The tea will have the same flavor (you may have to steep a little longer), but will be caffeine free!

 

3. Leaves: I learned this fun tip from my friend Emily (a fellow tea drinker). She told me that Black Tea comes from leaves that are mature and wilted, Green Tea comes from mature leaves which are untitled and sometimes steamed after harvesting help keep their green color, and White Tea comes from leaves that are immature or barely grown.

4. Who Loves It? According to The Richest the top three countries who consume the most tea are Turkey, Morocco, and Ireland.

 

5. Popular: Tea is so popular across the globe and is one of the oldest beverages around. In fact, according to She-Tea it is the second most consumed beverage. Water is the first.

6. Favorite Stir Ins: Everyone has their favorites, and while I prefer my hot tea black (with nothing in it at all). Many people like to add sugar or honey for sweetness. Others add citrus like lemon or orange wedges for some flavor. Like coffee, there are even people who will add a splash of cream or milk.

7. Tea Time: When my brother lived in Ireland, he told us all about Evening Tea. Which was a light meal which would be served at a time comparable to an early dinner. The largest meal of the day was served in the middle of the day. When I would go to my Grandma’s house after school, we would sometimes have tea while she made dinner. Sometimes while the kids are having afternoon snack, that is when I am making tea for myself. My vote is tea time is anytime.

If you like Tea, check out this Julep Tea or Nectarine Green Tea. 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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Pear Vanilla Smoothies

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There are some flavors of fall that I find completely under rated. Of course, there is always the pumpkin spice craze and then there is the apple, but for me, it’s all about PEARS lately. I have been trying to incorporate them into everything. Pear tarts, pear salads, if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you’ll see I tried Pear Hard Cider, and for this week’s THIRSTY THURSDAY, I made Pear Vanilla Smoothies.

 

They are great for a healthy breakfast or a nutritious after school snack for the kids, and contain some old fashioned oats to help keep you full.

 

Pear Vanilla Smoothies (makes 1)

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (I used Fruyo)
1 large ripe pear cut into chunks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup ice

Add ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

 

 

If you like Autumn drinks, check out this pumpkin pie shake. 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.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Apple Whiskey Mule

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So, it is officially fall. The Autumnal Equinox happened at 9:29 CST on Monday, and I have been relishing in all the fall glory since. This has always been one of my favorite times of year, but for some reason this year I was counting down the minutes until fall. Perhaps it was because I couldn’t wait to start enjoying all the fall foods, or start wearing my favorite fall clothes, or maybe it is because snuggling on the couch reading books with my littles is one of my favorite things to do. Doing it in the summer is just not the same.

With Autumn comes great drinks, and last year I was all about the hot beverages, but since it is still quite warm out, I thought I would try some cooler refreshing beverages to start out Fall right. So, for this THIRSTY THURSDAY, I am switching up one of my new absolute favorite cocktails, the Moscow Mule, and have created an Apple Whiskey Mule.

 

Apple Whiskey Mule (makes one)
1/2 of lime juiced
1 tsp sugar
2 oz Irish whiskey
4 – 6 oz Hard Apple Cider (I used Angry Orchard Apple Ginger)
Ice
Apple Slices for Garnish

 

In a copper mug or glass, add ice to chill.

 

In a cocktail shaker add lime juice, sugar, whiskey, and ice and shake until well combined (about 30 seconds). Pour into mug or glass and top with cider.

 

Garnish with apple slices and serve.

 

Happy Autumn, Readers!

 

If you like Autumn drinks, check out this vanilla spiced cider. 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.

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