Thirsty Thursday - Apple Cider Sangria

With Thanksgiving a week away, I came across this yumalicious recipe that I just have to share!

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Apple Cider Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 bottle or 750 ml of Moscato wine (semi-sweet white wine)
• 1 cup light rum
• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 1 cup ginger ale
• apple slices for serving
• ice

Directions

1. In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and stir well.
2. Serve sangria over ice with thinly sliced or chopped apples.

gotta love PBS!! Recipe via

Caramel Coffee

How many of you LOVE Dunkin Donuts Iced Latte?  I do!  It's my favorite!!  I don't make it to Dunkin very often because it's not close, luckily, but I crave their iced lattes.

While playing around I came up with a delicious iced coffee with 102 calories, saving you 18 calories if you get the 16 oz with skim.

All you need is:
Caramel (the kind you put on your ice cream)
Condensed Sweetened Milk
Your favorite 0 calorie coffee (which is most)

For the 102 cal version
1 tbs of Caramel
1 tbs Condensed Sweetened Milk
coffee to top

I let mine cool for a little bit before putting it over the ice, but you could do it either way.  
No sugar or sweeteners needed, it is already sweet with the combination of the two ingredients!  Of course if you want to have more caramel flavor, add more.

Enjoy! Hope you are having a fabulous week!

Best Peppermint Mocha Ever!!!

Holy geez friends, I'm totally in love with Dunkin Donuts Peppermint Mocha coffee.  I received a bag for my birthday the other day from my beautiful sister, and I'm addicted!!  Now don't get me wrong, it's delish brewed fresh by itself, but today, I thought I would give it a little something extra, and BAM, there is no turning back!

Grab a bag of Dunkin's Peppermint Mocha coffee
and
Your favorite hot chocolate powder mix

Add the powder in your cup and pour your coffee over, mix and enjoy!

Seriously, best cup of Peppermint Mocha you'll ever taste, and you don't have to leave your house, or spend $4.00 a cup {wink}

Prancer's Punch

Here is a great recipe for a punch this holiday season!

What you'll need
1 quart raspbery sherbert
2 quarts ginger ale
1 quart cranberry juice
1 (32 oz) can pineapple juice

Soften sherbert in punch bowl.  Add ginger ale, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice; mix gently.  Enjoy!

If you're looking to make it a little more adult, add some Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay!  Yummy!

Vampire Bite Cocktail

Who's ready for The Vampire Diaries to return tonight?  I AM!!! It has been a long summer without Damon!  So to celebrate Thirsty Thursday and The Vampire Diaries return,  I'd like to share a cocktail that looks and taste delish!

A Vampire's Bite

Ingredients 
1 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
1 oz triple sec
1/2 oz white creme de cacao
Drizzle of Grenadine

1.  Blend all ingredients in blender except grenadine, until smooth
2.  Pour into glass of choice
3. Drizzle grenadine over top
4.  Enjoy!

If you have a recipe you'd like featured on iBlog4me, email it to me at DATSSOCUTE(AT)GMAIL(DOT)COM  or tweet me today and let me know!

Be sure to say hi and hashtag #cheers!  Here's to a great day, and an excellent return of Damon, and The Vampire Diaries!

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3 simple drinks using Whiskey, Tequila and Rum

Good Thursday morning pretty people.  I know I've been bad about posting, and I'm sorry about that, but I'll make it up to you today with 3 yummy recipes for your summer spirits!

When I drink, I don't really like using tons of ingredients, I like to keep it simple.  So here are 3 of our favorite drinks, for the 3 liquors we have in the house.

Whiskey-Evan Williams Honey Reserve
11/2 oz Honey Reserve
Fill with Lemonade over ice

Tequila- Margaritaville Tequila
1 1/2 oz Margaritaville Brand Tequila
Fill with Margaritaville Brand Margaritaville Mix over ice, or blend
add a splash of grenadine
(you must use Margararitaville Brand, or trust me, it's not as good)

Rum- Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
1 1/2 oz Parrot Bay
Fill with Pineapple Juice over ice

Stir all ingredients and Enjoy!!! These are our favorite drinks for summer, and I know if you like those 3 liquors, you'll love these cocktails!

Leave us a comment with your favorite drinks!

Join me today in some twitter conversation and hash tag #ib4mtwitterhop

xoxo

Iced Coffee

For all you coffee lovers out there, this is the post for you.

I had a coupon to try the new International Delights Iced Coffee, and thought it was time to give it a whirl.

I love mocha and thought it sounded like my best option.   We all know I'm a Coffeemate lady, but I thought it would be ok to try out the International Delights.

Being that I'm trying to lose weight, and it is working, I watch every calorie I consume.  Here is the ID.

Can you see that?  150 calories for 1 cup.  UGH, I guess that's ok if you have the calories, but I found a way to save a few calories.

Make your own.  I brewed some extra coffee in the morning, which is only 5 calories a cup, let it sit until I was ready for it, and then made my own ice coffee.

I used my 1 cup of coffee, added 3 tablespoons of my favorite creamer, which is 105 calories for the 3 tablespoons + 5 for the coffee, making it 110 calories, and it's my favorite flavor!  Saving 40 calories!  I can eat 1 cookie, or some fruit with my coffee for 40 calories.  Just another reason for me to choose Coffeemate!  

What are you drinking?  Have a terrific Thursday!

St. Patrick's Day cocktails

For all you adults out there, here is a little green shot that is sure to green up your St. Patrick's Day.

Grasshopper
1/2 oz. Green Creme De Menthe
1/2 oz. White Creme De Cacao
2 oz. Coffee Creamer


Can we say yummy!!!!

Or how about an
Irish Coffee

1 oz. Irish Whiskey
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
Fill with coffee


Cheers, be safe and have a Happy St. Patrick's Day

Simple Shamrock Shake

For all of you that love McDonald's Shamrock shake, and would love to have it more than once a year, here are a couple recipes just for you.

There are two ways to do it, depending on what you like.

Here is my version, it gives it a little different taste, but I love chocolate, so it does't bother me.

What you'll need:
2 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream
1 1/4 cup milk

Blend in blender in until smooth, pour in cup, top with redi whip and enjoy!

Or if you don't think it tastes quite right,

use:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 tsp mint extract
8 drops of green food coloring

Either way, you can it your Shamrock shake at home, year round!

Leprechaun Punch

I thought I would start sharing some St. Patrick Day treats!  Today's is super Simple!

Leprechaun Punch

Ingredients:

Lime Sherbet

Sprite

maraschino cherries

lime slices

Put contents of sherbet and sprite in glass bowl, add cherries and lime slices for looks, enjoy!

Your little Leprechauns are sure to love this treat!

Hotty Toddy

Sorry I've been MIA this week, I've been sick since Sunday, and today is the first day I've even remotely felt like sitting in front of the computer.  I'm not better, but at least I feel like sitting up.  Thankfully I have two little guys that will cuddle up next to me and watch movies.

 I thought I would share a recipe for those of you that have ever had a sore throat or bronchitis, that is supposed to help soothe the throat.    For all of you Ole Miss fans, it just a staple for game days down in the Grove!


Hotty Toddy

   Ingredients:
1 tsp honey
2 oz water
1 oz whiskey
1 tsp lemon juice
cinnamon stick or nutmeg


Directions:
Water needs to be warm or heat all in coffee cup
Enjoy!


Recipe via my wonderful friend, straight out of Mississippi Kim!  Thanks and I love ya!

♥y Punch

Here's a nice little punch recipe for that Valentine's party or just as a treat!

What you'll need:
1-12 oz. can lemonade concentrate
1-12 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate
3-4 ripe bananas
2 cups frozen sweetened strawberries

(if you want it to be a little more adult, add some rum, and have some fun!)

1. Prepare lemonade and orange juice according to package directions
2.  Blend reconstituted juices, bananas and strawberries in blender in 2 cup batches.  Blend thoroughly
3. Enjoy

Easy and delicious!  Hope you enjoy and have a beautiful day!

A Toast to all the Lady Survivors!

I would like today's cocktails be Pink for all the ladies out there that are survivors of Breast Cancer, are battling this disease, but continue to fight!  You are all strong, amazing women that I personally look up to!  


A very special friend of mine is having surgery tomorrow to remove her cancer.  I can't imagine what she is going through, but know that she's a fighter and will not give up easily!  She is an amazing woman and I love her dearly!  
If you would please say a prayer, send a good thought, whatever you believe in to her and all the ladies that are battling this disease, I'm sure they would all appreciate it!  Thank you!


Today we raise a glass to all you fighters!  Continue to fight, and never give up, you are loved by us all!  

A few coctails I found, enjoy!

CHAMBORD PINK-TINI 

Ingredients:
1 oz Chambord
1.5 oz honey vodka
.5 oz lime juice
3-4 raspberries

Directions:
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass or crushed ice-filled rocks glass. Top with more crushed ice. Garnish with raspberries.

RASPBERRY MOJITO

Ingredients:
2 oz rum
.5 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
6-8 fresh mint leaves
2 lime wedges
1/2 tsp sugar
club soda

Directions:
Add sugar, mint leaves, lime wedges and a splash of club soda to a tall glass. Muddle until sugar is dissolved. Add ice to glass. Add rum and Chambord. Stir to mix. Top with a splash of soda.

Frozen Pink Lemonade


Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Stoli Citrus-infused Vodka
1 tbs sugar
1/2 juice of lemon
1/8-1/4 oz grenadine


Directions: 
Blend all ingredients with ice


ENJOY!  Have a beautiful day! Love, BJ

Mountaineer Cocktail

To celebrate West Virginia's Win over Clemson last week, I thought I would share a cocktail in honor of my beloved Mountaineers!

A Mountaineer on Acid 

1 oz Jagermeister
1 oz Malibu Rum
1 oz Pineapple Juice

Cheers, and Congrats WVU on your massive win!

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

While surfing the net for a little something to warm the bones, I found this yummy recipe!  We all know I'm a coffeeaholic, but this little gem is something that will be made often!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups hot water 
5 tablespoons French Vanilla Flavor NESTLÉ COFFEE-MATE Powdered Coffee Creamer 
3 tablespoons NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa 
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur 
2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur 
Whipped cream (optional) 

Instructions:

COMBINE water, Coffee-mate and cocoa in pitcher; stir until dissolved. Stir in coffee liqueur and hazelnut liqueur. Divide between 2 mugs; top with whipped cream.

Thank you coffeemate for this yummy recipe!

New Year's drinks

Yummy cocktails for the old and one for the young to enjoy this New Year's Eve!  

Cheers, 

and be safe!

Midnight Martini

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 oz vodka or coffee vodka
• 1/4 oz coffee liqueur
• lemon twist for garnish

Directions:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Stir with a bar spoon.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The San Francisco, TGI Friday's

Ingredients

• 2 oz. sweet and sour mix
• 2 oz. Rose’s lime juice
• 1 oz. cherry syrup
• sparkling soda

Directions

Fill tall glass with ice. Add first three ingredients. Top with soda.

Kiddie Holiday Juice

Ingredients

• 1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle cranberry juice
• 4 liters lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 3 oranges, sliced into rounds
• 8 cups crushed ice

Directions

1. In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice and orange slices. Pour in the lemon lime soda and crushed ice. Serve immediately.

Passion Fruit Mojito

Ingredients

   

•         2  parts Passion Fruit Mojito mix
•         1  part white rum
•         Ice
•         Club soda
•         Mint sprigs
•         Lime slices

Directions

1. Combine in a pitcher 2 parts Passion Fruit Mojito mix, 1 part white rum, and ice. Mix, then pour into ice-filled glasses. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime slice.

New Year’s Sparkler

Ingredients

• 1 oz. SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit
• 1.5 oz. Pomegranate Juice
• 3.5 oz. Champagne
• 5-6 Raspberries

Directions

Combine SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit and pomegranate juice in a chilled champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with raspberry tree.*

*Slide 5-6 raspberries onto long skewer and place vertically in champagne glass.

Skinny cookies and drink for Santa

I came across a couple delicious recipes in my Biggest Loser cookbook that I thought would be great for the "Big Guy" or for you (wink)  I know I feel guilty with some of the things I eat this time of year, and when better to start watching what I'm eating than at Christmas.  Why wait another week for New Years?  So here you go.

Peanut Butter- Oatmeal Cookies

What you'll need:
 12 Pitted Dates
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
1 tablespoon reduced-fat peanut butter

Place the dates in the bowl of a mini-food processor fitted with the chopping blade.  Process until the dates are very finely chopped and stick together.  With a spatula, transfer to a small mixing bowl.  Add the oats and peanut butter.  Using an electric mixer fitted with beaters or your hands, mix well.

Divide the mixture into 4 equal amounts.  Shape each into a ball.  Place one ball between two sheets of waxed paper.  Flatten the ball to a 3" diameter cookie.  repeat with each ball.  Serve immediately or stack between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight plastic container.  Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Iced Buffed Mocha

What you'll need:
1 tablespoon water
3/4 teaspoon instant coffee powder
1 cup light chocolate soy milk
2 tablespoons fat-free, artificially sweetened vanilla yogurt
1 package sugar substitute
8 ice cubes
2 tablespoons aerosol fat-free whipped topping
Cocoa powder

In a small microwaveable cup, combine the water and coffee powder.  Microwave on high power for about 20 seconds, or until hot.  Stir to dissolve the powder.

In the jar of a blender, combine the milk, yogurt, sugar, reserved coffee mixture, and ice.  Blend on high speed or ice-crush setting for 30 to 60 seconds, or until smooth.  Pour into a large glass.  garnish with whipped topping and dust with cocoa, if desired.  Serve immediately with a straw.

I love the Biggest Loser Cookbook, (the original one)  It has several yummy recipes, and I highly recommend it if your going to start a New Year's resolution soon!

If you need a couple more cookie recipes or a shot, check out these yummies!

Happy Eating or Drinking! ♥ BJ

Strawberry Smoothie

This is what we are going to have for Christmas!  Thanks Betty Crocker!

North Pole Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1 package (10 ounces) frozen strawberries in syrup, partially thawed and undrained
1/4 cup water
2 cups vanilla frozen yogurt
2 tablespoons vanilla reduced-fat yogurt
1 strawberry-flavored or peppermint candy cane, about 6 inches long, finely crushed
Green decorating gel

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place strawberries and water in blender. Cover and blend on medium-high speed until slushy. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Transfer to 2-cup measure.

2. Wash and dry blender. Place frozen yogurt and reduced-fat yogurt in blender. Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth.

3. Place crushed candy cane on small plate. Pipe decorating gel around rim of two 12-ounce glasses. Dip rims into crushed candy.

4. Carefully pour yogurt mixture and strawberries at the same time into glasses, creating a half-and-half design. Serve with large drinking straws if desired.

Peppermint Patty Mocha

Are you excited about all of the yummy winter flavors out?  I had an amazing coffee yesterday, which inspired me to share a delish coffee recipe!  So here ya go, I hope you enjoy!  


In a 16 oz cup add the following:
2 shots espresso
3 shots chocolate syrup
1 shot ghiardelli's chocolate flavored liquer
1 1/2 shots Peppermint flavored Schnapp's
Fill to top with hot milk
Add froth
Top with candy cane bits

Wassail

Here's a yummy winter treat!

What you'll need:
1 gal. apple cider
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1-6 oz. can frozen lemonade
1-6 oz. can frozen orange juice
1 Tbsp. whole allspice (tie in cheese cloth)
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
4 cinnamon sticks (tie in cheese cloth)
1 tsp.  ground nutmeg

Simmer covered for 20 minutes.  Garnish with lemon and orange slices.  Enjoy!

Love, BJ