Sunset Punch

It's cocktail time!

One of my favorite cocktails is a Madras.  The combination of cranberry and orange juice with vodka makes a wonderful fruity drink.  Sipping this makes me feel like I'm on a tropical island with my toes in the sand and a breeze in my hair. Heaven!

So we were hosting a holiday dinner with some friends last month and I decided to make a variation of this drink.  I combined 3 fruit juices, and to make this an adult punch we topped it with some Prosecco.  

This was the perfect cocktail.  Of course I would also say that this would be the perfect blend of fruit juices to sip on a hot day without the alcohol as well!  And to make it kid friendly for a party or holiday mocktail, you can top it with sparkling apple cider, or a little sparkling water.

Just look at this color.  It looks like a sunset.
It tastes like a dream.  Dreaming of a vacation on a tropical island!

Enjoy!




Sunset Punch

1 pitcher

2 cups of orange juice
2 cups of cranberry juice
2 6oz cans of pineapple juice
1 bottle of Prosecco (substitute sparkling apple cider or sparkling water)

Add the juices to a pitcher, stir to combine.  Serve over ice filling the glass 2/3 full. Top with Prosecco.

Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa Drink and a Product Review: King Arthur Flour's Premium Hot Chocolate Mix

One of MGG's favorite pass times is going to get coffee.  I tell you it's not just an addiction, it's a "thing".

A thing like a social gathering kinda thing.  He loves his coffee and has to have it, but wants to go get coffee at a coffee house and then sits there, barely sipping his coffee. Unwinding and socializing I guess.  I tell you it really is a "thing".

So his favorite haunt is Starbucks.  Well..I must confess it's not my favorite. Only because I'm not a coffee drinker, and Starbuck's doesn't offer much for non-coffee drinkers.   So I usually end up with a Chai Latte, Hot Tea, or Hot Chocolate.

When it turns cold out I love a good hot chocolate.  I crave that chocolaty goodness which is so comforting to me, and if I can hop in my PJ's and have a cup of cocoa at home all the better!

(picture source: King Arthur Flour)

Which leads me to today's product review of King Arthur Flour's Premium Hot Chocolate Mix.  I splurged recently and order this.  The word "premium" got me.  It totally did.  So like I said I splurged on a 3lb bag of hot chocolate mix in anticipation of cocoa euphoria.  (3lbs! talk about an impulse buy).  Not to worry though, they sell this in a nice 12 oz. can as well.  

Let me tell you something.  This mix IS THE BOMB!  It is so creamy and has the best, I mean the BEST chocolate flavor. It's just incredible!  They use Guittard chocolate which in this case makes a decadent cup of hot chocolate.  I just about swooned when I had my first sip.

All you do is mix it with some hot milk and BAM!  The BEST hot chocolate to sip on.  No more Starbuck's for me.  I'm staying home and having my King Arthur Flour's Premium Hot Chocolate!

Then I got all fancy and created a Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa drink using the mix.  O M G !  Heaven!

Honestly, I've been bragging about this mix all over town. Strangers and co-workers alike think I'm off my rocker, but believe me...this stuff is good.  Try some....please...you've got to.

Below is my recipe for the Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa.
Enjoy!




Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa

serves 1

1 cup 2% milk (or whole if you choose)
3 Tablespoons Premium Hot Chocolate Mix (King Arthur Flour)
1 Tablespoon Peppermint Crunch (chopped peppermint)
Whipped Cream
Peppermint Crunch for sprinkling

Heat up the milk on the stove or 2 minutes in a mug in the microwave until the milk is nice and hot.  Add the chocolate mix and whisk to combine. Add the peppermint crunch pieces stirring until melted.  Top with shipped cream and more pepper crunch and serve.

Best of 2015

Here they are!  The recipes for 2015 that were most viewed by you.  

Taking a look back on the recipes that you gravitated to is a good way to reflect on past memories and the comfort they bring you.

They also tell me what types of food you are drawn too. From this compilation of recipes I see that most of you like no fuss meals.  Ones that are easy to fix, comforting, and are easy weeknight meals or slow cooker meals.  There is also a bit of weekend breakfast treats and a fabulous dessert!  

I'll keep all of this in mind during the upcoming year.

So on to the top 10 countdown of all time favorite recipes for 2015...

Lemon Blueberry Crescent Rolls - this was the most popular item.  A quick and easy breakfast treat that tastes like heaven.

Baja Chicken Sliders - These are a great entertaining idea for parties. Perfect for July 4th and other grilling holidays.

Southwest Chicken Spaghetti  - This is a fabulous slow cooker meal.  The flavors rock! 

Chicken Taco Meat - Freezer Friendly Bulk Recipe - This is my favorite 'go to' taco meat.  It makes a ton so you can freeze portions for later.

California Chicken Salad  - A staple recipe.  This one has the flavors of California in it!

Slow Cooker Greek Style Chicken with Spinach and Tomato Orzo  - Another wonderful slow cooker meal.  This one has great flavors and is a complete meal.

Quick & Easy Mini Sticky Buns  - Ohhh!  I love these little breakfast treats! Reminiscent of a true sticky bun, they are so easy to make.

Teriyaki Beef and Sugar Snap Stir Fry  - Can't beat a stir fry for a quick weeknight meal.  This one is delicious!

Bruschetta Chicken Rice Bowl  - One of my favorite lunch dishes.  A quick rice bowl full of garlic, chicken, and tomatoes.

Walnut and Rosemary Oven "Fried" Chicken - A healthier way to eat fried chicken with a wonderful rosemary crust.  Love it!

Banana Bundt Cake  - The only dessert to make the list and it is a winner! 

It was a wonderful year full of great memories and great dishes.  I hope you take the time to enjoy some of these favorites and I'm looking forward to bringing you more exciting recipes in 2016.

Happy New Year!