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Lynsey Lou's

Enjoying Life One Bite at a Time!

Drinks/Beverages

SRC: Hot Toddy

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It’s the last Monday of the month, so we all know what that means.  Right?  It’s reveal day for The Secret Recipe Club.  This month I had Wendy’s blog, A Day in the Life on the Farm.  Wendy is a retired police officer who now lives on a farm with her husband, also a retired police officer.  Wendy keeps her plate full with gardens, chickens, dogs, hosting exchange students, scuba diving, painting, quilting and of course cooking.  Whew, I’m tired just typing all that!

Wendy has a ton of recipes on her blog that sound amazing.  Bacon waffles (can you say YUM!), rhubarb berry coffee cake, pull apart pizza bread, key lime coconut bundt cake, and Tagalong bundt cake are just a few of the very drool-worthy recipes that caught my eye while perusing her blog. I was torn by so many recipes, but ultimately ended up deciding on a beverage.

A warm beverage, because well….it’s down right frigid outside.

I decided to make her husband, Frank’s, infamous hot toddy recipe.

I stuck pretty close to the original recipe, really only straying from the type of liquor that was recommended.  Frank swears the secret to the perfect hot toddies are true Polish brandy.  BUT I’m not really a brandy kind of girl, so I strayed a little and used a blackberry bourbon rather than blackberry brandy.  And I must say, this version is pretty darn delicious.

I have always been a huge lover of black tea and I believe it’s the perfect base for this cozy beverage.  The blackberry bourbon, tart lemon juice and sweet honey balance one another perfectly and create a smooth and delicious hot toddy.

Grab a blanket, plop on your couch and cozy-up with this warm hot toddy.

Hot Toddy

Ingredients:


1 Cup hot black tea
1 Oz blackberry bourbon
1 1/2 Tsp honey
1/2 Tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

Directions:


Add bourbon, honey and lemon juice to a mug of hot black tea.  Stir to incorporate all the ingredients and enjoy.

Recipe source: barely adapted from A Day in the Life on the Farm

French Hot Chocolate

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I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all heated up a mug milk, stirred in that packet of cocoa mix complete with mini marshmallows.  Right?  It was a staple in my house when I was growing up, and even now.  My only complaint was it wasn’t chocolaty enough just using one packet.  And my mom felt my pain, so she would ALWAYS double the cocoa to milk ratio to add a little more chocolate flavor.

I sat by the fire and sipped on that warm mug of cocoa intently.  It was the best thing after a busy day playing in the snow…well, mostly ice in our neck of the woods!

While that cup of hot chocolate, with extra marshmallows of course, was always a welcomed treat on those cold days my mom and I both realized that more chocolate flavor was essential.  And I think it’s safe to say that I’ve finally got a recipe that checks off all the requirements for a rich, silky mug of cocoa.

Chocolate chaud.  OR French hot chocolate.


See, I’ve heard about the stuff.  About how decadent, rich and chocolaty it is.  And how it’s so thick you actually need a spoon to indulge.  Oh, and that fresh whipped cream is served along side and it’s main purpose is to “thin it out” to make it sippable (is that even word?).

Doesn’t that sound divine?

But, I’ve never been to France so I’ve never had the chance to actually try it.  So, what’s a food blogger to do?  Well, make their own at home.  I brought France and the French chocolate chaud shop to me!

I read up on the stuff.  Did my research and then starting playing around with different recipes until I came up with what I thought was a close resemblance of what they might serve in Europe.

All I have to say is that I’ve NEVER had a mug of hot chocolate like this.  Silky smooth, deep dark chocolate that’s not overly sweet and intensely chocolaty.

It’s amazing fresh off the stove but even better if it’s allowed to cool and then reheated.  Perfect with a big dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.  This hot chocolate is the perfect accompaniment for these cold winter days ahead.

Enjoy!

French Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:


1 1/2 Cups whole milk
1/2 Cup heavy cream
4 Oz good quality (at least 60%) bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 Tsp instant coffee powder

Directions:


Combine milk and cream in a saucepan and place over medium-low heat.  Once the milk starts to bubble around the edges, not boil, add the sugar, cocoa powder and coffee powder and whisk until completely incorporated.  Leave over heat until bubbles begin to return to the edges of the pan then remove from heat.  Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Divide between 2 large or 4 small mugs and serve with a side of freshly whipped cream.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

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Whiskey sours are a classic cocktail that have been around since long before my time.  People from all over have long enjoyed sipping on this classic cocktail.   If you’re a whiskey person, odds are you’ve had at least one or two of these cocktails.

Although I could I could sip on the original version of this cocktail throughout the year, it’s always a little fun to dream of seasonal variations.  Since we’re in the dead of winter; apples and cinnamon are some of the first things that come to mind.

Incorporate those into this classic cocktail and you’ve got a delicious spiced apple cider whiskey sour.

Instead of traditional simple syrup, this version is sweetened with a cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup.  It adds just the right amount of spice and caramel-like flavor to the cocktail.  There’s also a good dose of fresh lemon juice and a splash of orange juice which add a burst of tartness and help to balance the sweetness from the cider and simple syrup.

This is the perfect balance of flavors and such a fun, seasonal take on the classic.

So build a fire, shake up this cocktail, cozy under a warm blanket and enjoy!

Cheers!

Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:


For the cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup-
1 Cup water
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1/2 Cup brown sugar
2 Cinnamon sticks

For the Whiskey sour:
2 Oz bourbon (or more depending on taste)
6 Oz apple cider
1/2-1 Oz lemon juice
1 Oz simple syrup
Splash of orange juice

Directions:


For the simple syrup-
Combine water and both sugars in a saucepan and place over medium heat.  Allow mixture to come to a simmer, and stir until the sugar dissolves.  Once the sugar has dissolved remove from heat, add cinnamon sticks and allow to steep until cooled.

Once cooled, place in a well sealed container and refrigerate.

For the whiskey sour:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake to combine.  Taste, add more bourbon or lemon juice if needed.  Divide mixture between two ice-filled glasses and enjoy.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa

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Salt + Caramel + Chocolate.  Three things that combine to make endless amazing treats.

I’m obsessed with salted caramel.  This time of year I’m also addicted to a mug of rich, thick hot cocoa topped with tons of marshmallows.

Now combine the two and you’ve got a cup of hot cocoa that is decadent, thick, and rich.  And, if I’m being honest with you, it’s just the best hot cocoa you’ll ever sip.  I promise.

Folks, I’m beyond obsessed with this drink.  This is the mother of hot cocoas.

There are several secrets to making this the ultimate cocoa mix.  First off, caramel.  Actual caramel is made, spread over a baking sheet and allowed to harden.  This is the most labor intensive part of the mix, but it’s do to the cooling and processing it into a powder.  Which is actual simple.  And in the midst of the process you get to whack the caramel with the back of a spoon…which also means you can take out some built of aggression or alleviate some stress!


After that two kinds of cocoa powder are added, along with a generous amount of that delicious sea salt and a little sugar.  It’s all mixed together and then one more secret ingredient is added.  Bits of dark chocolate and semisweet, which truly intensifies the the chocolaty goodness.

Like I said, this is the stuff dreams are made of.  Whip up a batch of this mix for yourself, for your neighbors and relatives, and it even makes a terrific housewarming or hostess gift.  This stuff is going to make you famous!

So warm up on these chilly winter nights with a big ol’ mug of this perfectly delicious salted caramel hot cocoa!

Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Mix

Ingredients:


1 1/4 Granulated sugar
1 3/4 Tbsp vanilla
1/2 Cup cocoa powder
1/4 Cup dark cocoa powder
1 Tbsp sea salt
1/2 Cup dry milk
1/3 Cup brown sugar
3 Oz bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
2 Oz dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Directions:


Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Place granulated sugar in a heavy saucepan and place over medium heat until melted.  Using a wooden spoon, stir frequently to avoid burning.

Once the sugar has melted, keep mixture over heat and add the vanilla (it will bubble up a bit), continue to stir until smooth.

Remove from heat and pour on prepared baking sheet.  Allow to sit for at least one hour, until the caramel has hardened.

When ready to make the mix, use the back of a spoon to break the caramel.  Place a few pieces at a time in a food processor and pulse until it becomes a powder.  .  Add the remaining ingredients, except the bittersweet and dark chocolate, and pulse until mixture is combined.  Add the chocolates and pulse a couple of times.

Divide mixture among bags or jars, tie a ribbon around them and you’ve got a delicious gift perfect for the hot chocolate lover.

To make hot cocoa, simply heat 1 cup of milk and stir in 3 tablespoons of mix.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Pink Starburst Cocktail

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If you were to give me a package of Starburst and tell me to pick out my two favorite flavors you would see a pile of pink and red quickly form.  But, if you told me I could only choose one flavor, it would have to be the pink Starburst hands down.

From the first time I tasted Starbursts, pink had my heart.  Not only is it my favorite color, there’s just something about that beloved pink candy that tastes so darn good.

So, when I saw that a person (who could only be deemed a genius) came up with a cocktail that held all the same great tastes as my favorite candy I was over the moon ecstatic.  Not only does it hold the flavors it, it also dawns the perfect shade of pink!

This perfectly pink cocktail comes together in about a minute, seriously!  It’s tart, sweet, creamy, everything that you expect from a Starburst.  And it’s got a slight fizz from the splash of soda which helps bring everything together.

This cocktail could easily be a mocktail by omitting the alcohol.  This pink concoction would be great for all those Race for the Cure celebrations this week, and perfect for Halloween parties taking place closer to the end of the month.

Cheers!

Pink Starburst Cocktail

Ingredients:


1 Oz Pinnacle whipped vodka
1 Oz half and half
1 Oz fruit punch
Orange juice
Lemon Lime soda, for topping off

Directions:


Combine vodka (if desired), half and half, and fruit punch in an almost 12 ounce glass glass.  Stir to combine.  Fill glass almost all the way with orange juice, stir to combine.  Top off with soda and serve.

Recipe source: Happy Food Healthy Life

Homemade Pink Lemonade

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When it comes to lemonade I have a few requirements.  It has to be the perfect balance of sweet, tart and a hint of sourness.  I’m one of those sour-loving people.  I mean, I like to feel it in my jaw and have my cheeks pucker.

I know so of you are quite the opposite, and probably reading the above paragraph you’re thinking “that girl is crazy”.  But, what can I say, I love my sour stuff.


This applies to my lemonade too.  I love sipping on freshly squeezed lemonade; it’s sweet, sour and so refreshing.  Getting those bits of pulp through the straw only make things that much better.

I’ve always been a lemonade junkie; pink, yellow or combined with various other flavors.  Pour it over it, stick a straw in it and I’ll slurp it up.  The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree; my little man is just as obsessed as me, if not more so.  When we go out to eat there’s a 99.999999% chance he will get lemonade.  He’ll drink whatever is on hand, but his preference is pink…unless we are at a certain chicken restaurant and then he’s all about the yellow version.

So, this got me to thinking.  I’ve made various flavors of lemonade over the years, but have yet to make the pink stuff.  Why is that?  Honestly, I have no clue.  But, I did know that all needed to change.  And now.  So, without further adieu I present this perfectly pink homemade lemonade.

This lemonade is beyond simple to make.  It comes together in about 15 minutes and consists of 4 very basic ingredients.  Does it really get much better than that?  I think not!  So go ahead, whip up a batch of this lemonade, pour it over ice and sip away!

Homemade Pink Lemonade

Ingredients:


2 Cups water
1 Cup sugar
2/3 Cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 Cup 100% Cranberry juice

Directions:


Combine sugar and water in a saucepan, stir and place over medium-low heat.  Keep over heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally, once the sugar has dissolved remove from heat and allow to come to room temperature.

Combine the cooled water, lemon juice and cranberry juice in a pitcher and stir to combine.  Add a quarter cup of cold water, stir to combine and place in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

SRC: Gin, Lemon and Mint Martini

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I have been on a minty cocktail kick this summer.  Between the various flavors of mules I’ve enjoyed to one of my favorite series ever, mojito Monday; I’ve been sipping the mint packed, cocktail goodness.

And for this month’s Secret Recipe Club things haven’t changed too much.  This cocktail may not a my regular mule or mojito but it’s got the mint and the citrus so it was calling my name!

I browsed over Karen’s blog, Karen’s Kitchen Stories, from one mouthwatering recipe to the next. Baby baked burritos, caramelized onion jam, tomato, corn, and chipotle salsa, and apricot braided loaf are just a handful of the numerous recipes that caught my eye.  But in the end a cocktail claimed the victory.

It didn’t matter how many recipes I looked at, the combination of lemon and mint were sticking in the back of my head.  So, with that I knew what I was making for this month’s swap.

I’ve long enjoyed the combination of mint and lime, but for some reason had never thought about combining mint and lemon.  Well…until now.  I have to say, it’s an amazingly delicious combination.

Like Karen, my mint plant is overflowing so I snagged a handful of mint,grabbed a lemon from the fruit bowl and began cutting, muddling and shaking.  It wasn’t long before I was sipping on one mind blowing martini.

Cheers.

Gin, Lemon and Mint Martini

Ingredients:


2 Oz good quality gin (vodka could be substituted as well)
1/2 Oz lemon
Handful of mint leaves
1 Tsp agave syrup or 1 Tbsp simple syrup

Directions:


Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of the cocktail shaker or a large glass.  Add ice, gin, lemon juice, agave (or simple) syrup and shake or stir until mixed.

Pour in a chilled martini glass and enjoy.

Recipe source: Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Frozen Mojitos

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A couple of weekends ago we were breaking 100 degrees and doing any and everything we could to stay cool and beat the heat.  What better way to beat the heat than splashing around a water park all day long?

So, we met up with a few friends and did just that.  The kids had a blast; swimming, sliding, lounging in the little lazy river and running all over splash island.  While they were keeping themselves busy the adults got a chance to visit and catch up.

I was telling my friend about the #mojitoMonday series I was doing this summer and she was beyond excited!  We chatted about some of the various flavors I had made and then asked if I had made a frozen mojito yet.  No.  I said, and that quickly followed with an “I don’t know why in the world I haven’t”.  She told me she had gone to a restaurant that featured frozen mojitos and it was one of the best drinks she’d sipped on.

So, once I heard the words frozen and mojito in the same sentence I immediately knew that the frozen mojito had to be in this series.

Without further adieu I present you all with this amazingly cool, refreshing and delicious frozen mojito.  Packed full of freshly squeezed, tart lime juice, cool mint and a splash of simple syrup for sweetness; these simple ingredients plus some ice are all you need to make this cocktail.

Add some rum and make it a cocktail or leave it out to serve up a deliciously, refreshing mocktail.

This frozen mojito is to adults what icee’s are to kiddos.  I love this cool twist on one of my favorite cocktails; the perfect cocktail for summer.

Cheers!

Frozen Mojitos

Ingredients:


1/3 Cup fresh squeezed lime juice
12-14 Mint Leaves
1/4 Cup simple syrup
3 Oz rum
2 1/2-3 Cups ice

Directions:


Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Divide between 2 glasses, garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves if desired.  Serve.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Ginger Beer Mojito

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I first discovered ginger beer last football season.  We went to visit my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and root the Razorbacks on to a football victory.  After the game we went to a local pizzeria that happened to also specialize in mules.

It was then that I was introduced to ginger beer and all it’s refreshing goodness.  There’s nothing quite like it.

It was love at first sip and from then on I was addicted to the mule and one of it’s star ingredients, ginger beer.

But, did you know ginger beer isn’t solely for the mule?  It’s also quite perfect in the simple mojito.

Ginger beer in a mojito?  Yes, yes, yes!

Ginger beer is an amazing mixer to a variety of cocktails and mocktails.  It’s slightly sweet, fizzy and has a nice, spicy ginger kick.  The perfect addition to any cocktail and the zesty, refreshing flavors for summer cocktails.

This cocktail is nothing short of refreshing and amazing.  Tart lime, cool mint and spicy, bubbly ginger beer.  This drink is what summer nights are made for.

All you need is 5 simple ingredients and about a minute to assemble this perfect cocktail.  If you don’t drink or in need of an alcohol free drink, simply omit the rum and you’ll have a tasty mocktail.

Ginger Beer Mojito

Ingredients:


6 Lime wedges
16-18 Mint leaves (less if you don’t want it too minty)
1/4 Cup simple syrup
3 Oz white rum
Ginger beer

Directions:


For the simple syrup-
Combine 1 1/2 cups water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan and place over low-medium heat.  Leave over heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.  Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

For the mojito-
Divide the lime wedges and mint evenly between two glasses.  Using a muddle, gently press to to release the lime juice.  Add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup and 1 1/2 ounces rum to each glass and stir to combine.  Fill each glass with ice, top off with ginger beer and stir to combine.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original.

Southern Sweet Tea Mojitos

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I’m channeling my southern roots today.  It doesn’t get much more southern than sweet tea.  And in the south, the motto is “the sweeter the better”.

This southern elixir has long been a staple in my life.

Perfect to sip on during the hot summer days, even more refreshing with a splash of lemonade.  Heck, I’m so partial to the stuff I even dedicated a whole week to treats, cocktails, and beverages that featured this southern stuff.

Since sweet tea is one of my loves, it only seems fitting that it make an appearance in for #mojitomonday.

Start by making basic southern style sweet tea; water, sugar and tea.  Next mint and sugar are muddled together, mixed with rum then topped off with ice.  Sweet tea is poured over the mixture until the the glass is filled.

It’s simple.  It’s basic.  But there’s truly nothing basic and simple about the taste.  The taste of bold, refreshing sweet tea is quickly followed by lip-puckering lime then finished off by the cooling mint.

So go ahead, channel your inner southern belle, whip up a batch of these mojitos and enjoy these remaining lazy, summer days.

Southern Sweet Tea Mojitos

Ingredients:


2 Cups water
3/4 Cup sugar
4 Tea bags
1/2 Lime, quartered
12 Mint leaves, washed and removed from stem
3 Oz Rum

Directions:


Place water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.  Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.  Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat, add tea bags, cover and set aside.  Allow the tea to steep for about an hour to an hour and a half.

Divide the limes and mint leaves equally between 2 glasses.  Using a muddle, gently press the lime wedges and mint to release the juices and oil from the mint.  Pour 1 1/2 ounces of rum in each glass, stir to combine.  Fill the glasses two-thirds full with ice then fill the glasses with tea, stir to combine and serve.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

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