Quick and Easy

Chicken Salad

August 11, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

Chicken salad is one of my favorites. It’s great on sandwiches, crackers, lettuce wraps, and even by the spoonfuls. It’s easy to make and can be made in bulk to last a few days or a week…depending on how much you eat in one sitting!

It’s one of those things that’s a blank canvas and can be customized by adding as many different ingredients are as few as you like. Grab a rotisserie chicken at the store, boil your own or use leftover grilled chicken. The options are endless.

I’ve had a lot of chicken salads and I have enjoyed them all, but I’d have to say one of my favorite versions is simple. A little mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, shredded chicken, and grapes. That’s it.

The mayonnaise gives it creaminess, the sour cream adds a little tang, the grapes add sweetness and celery adds a nice crunch.

It can be thrown together in very quickly, made ahead of time and it’s one of those things that gets better as it sits. It’s great for snacking, entertaining and for weekday lunches.

I love it on croissants with a little lettuce, it’s also great in pitas, lettuce wraps, sweet bread or even on crackers.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

2 Cups chicken, cooked and shredded
1/3 Cup sour cream
1/3 Cup mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
1/2 Tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 Cups grapes, cut in half
1 Stalk celery, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic powder in a bowl and mix to combine. Add the chicken, grapes and celery and gently stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve on croissants, in lettuce cups or with crackers.

Recipe source: barely adapted from Favorite Family Recipes

Pineapple Mango Milkshake

July 31, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

So, I couldn’t let #nationalicecreammonth go by without sharing a cool, delicious and refreshing treat with you guys.

I am beyond excited about this milkshake. Five ingredients and a couple of minutes is all you need for this pineapple mango milkshake.

I am a huge fan of milkshakes, especially during these warmer months. There’s truly nothing better than slurping up all that sweet, creamy goodness on a hot summer day.

While I typically go for milkshakes that include cookies, chocolate and/or peanut butter, lately I’ve had a hankering for more fruity flavors. Like one of my favorite childhood treats; orange creamsicle. There’s something truly magical about the combination of tangy orange and creamy vanilla ice cream.

So, I’ve taken inspiration from my childhood favorite and combined them with ingredients I had on hand to create this pineapple mango milkshake. Tart pineapple, sweet mango and creamy vanilla ice cream come together to create a thick and oh-so-yummy milkshake.

I always have frozen fruit on hand for smoothies, so I used some frozen stuff for this shake. But you could use fresh if you happen to have it on hand. You can also customize this shake using whatever fruits you may have on hand.

It comes together so quickly. The fruit takes a quick trip through the blender to make a puree, then the ice cream and milk is added and another blend incorporates them all together. Viola, that’s it and then your ready to sip pure goodness on an oh-so-hot summer day.

Pineapple Mango Milkshake

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup chopped mango and pineapple
2 Tsp sugar
2 Tsp water (if fruit is frozen)
1/4 Cup milk
1 1/2 Scoops vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Place fruit, sugar and water in a blender and blend until the fruit is pureed. Add the milk and ice cream and blend until smooth and combined. Pour in a glass, top with whipped cream and garnish with fruit.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Shake

July 30, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

So, we all know I have a ~~slight~~ obsession with cookie dough. I mean it’s to the point that when I whip up a batch of dough I literally debate on whether or not to even bother turning on the oven. My conscience typically gets the better of me and I end up firing up the oven to actually bake some cookies, but it’s not a decision that’s made halfheartedly!

Then there are times where I don’t even want to wait on the butter to warm up to room temperature. Or, then the ultimate problem arises from time to time where the craving for cookie dough hits…in the morning.

While I sometimes let myself splurge, having a big ol’ scoop of cookie dough in the morning is something I can’t even do without guilt.

So, what to do, oh what to do when that craving hits.

Well, the next best thing. Take a classic breakfast option and infuse those beloved cookie dough flavors in it to make it perfectly acceptable to have cookie dough for breakfast. And folks, that’s just what’s been done here.

This shake is thick, creamy and tastes just like cookie dough, complete with bits of chocolate in each sip. This is so deliciously indulgent that you’ll forget it’s actually a protein shake and a perfectly acceptable option for breakfast.

So go ahead, sip away on this awesome chocolate chip cookie dough protein shake!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Shake

Ingredients:

1-2 Scoops vanilla protein powder
Pinch salt
3/4 Cup milk
1/4 Cup uncooked oats
1/8 Tsp baking soda
3 Tbsp chocolate chips, plus more for garnish if desired
1/2 Cup Ice
1-2 Tsp maple syrup

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and all ingredients are incorporated. Pour in a glass, garnish with chocolate chips and oats if desired.

Recipe source: Adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie

Peanut Butter Brownie Milkshake

July 29, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

“My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard….”

You know that song was going through your head when you read the word “milkshake”. I honestly can’t think of a milkshake without those lyrics running through my head.

Anywho, now that’s out of my system let me tell you about this milkshake. This takes one of my favorite flavor duos and brings them together in one cool, creamy dessert. What could possibly be better than sweet and salty peanut butter combined with fudgy, chocolaty brownies?

Um, practically nothing. Unless you add ice cream to the mix and then, well that would just be the cherry on top!

This milkshake combines peanut butter, brownies, milk and ice cream to create one amazing, thick and delicious milkshake. You could also amp up that peanut butter flavor by using peanut butter ice cream if you’re so inclined.

This shake comes together in minutes…once you have made the brownies. And, it’s also a great way to use up that last piece or two of brownie that may be left sitting around. We typically don’t have a problem with uneaten brownies, but if you do this is a great way to use them up!

So go ahead, whip up this milkshake and all the boys…and girls will be running to your yard for this shake!

Peanut Butter Brownie Milkshake

Ingredients:

1/3 Cup brownie chunks, plus more for garnish
1 Heaping Tbsp peanut butter
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 Scoops vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Combine ice cream, milk and peanut butter in a blender and mix until almost completely incorporated. Add the brown chunks and pulse for a few seconds. Pour in a glass, top with whipped cream and brownie chunks and enjoy!

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Blueberry Moscow Mule

July 23, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

So, lately it seems like all the other cocktails I have shaken up and been oh-so-eager to share with you all have taken a backseat since I started mojito Mondays. I love my mojitos and I’m loving the series this summer, but I have another cocktail that has been screaming at me lately and I just can’t wait any longer to share it with you all.

Aside from my beloved mojito, the mule is right up there on my list of faves. It’s an effortless cocktail the comes together in about a minute, is refreshing and served in a copper mug. I mean, honestly, how could you not love a cocktail that’s simple, refreshing and served in an ice cold, copper mug?

It’s no wonder this 1940’s cocktail has been taking the bar scene by storm and is holding strong. Not only are the traditional mules on the menu, tons of variations are making appearances too.

I’ve taken the basic mule recipe a step further by adding muddled blueberries to the mix. This yields a beautifully colored cocktail that is filled with sweet blueberries, tart lime and crisp ginger beer. Making this an ideal cocktail to enjoy on these long, hot summer days.

And, if you need that extra little push to make these let me help you out. Along with being national ice cream month, July is also national blueberry month. So grab a handful of blueberries, a lime and some mint and muddle them together, top with vodka and ginger beer and sip away.

Blueberry Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

3 Oz vodka
Half lime, cut into quarters
1/2 Cup raspberries, plus more for garnish
12 Oz ginger beer

Directions:

Place 1/4 cup of blueberries and a 2 quarters of lime in each cup. Using a muddle, firmly press the limes and blueberries until the raspberries are crushed and the juice is released from the lime. Add one and a half ounces of vodka to each glass, stir to combine. Fill each glass about half way with ice. Top off with ginger beer and stir to combine. Garnish with additional blueberries and a lime wedge.
This can easily be made into a mocktail. Most varieties of ginger beer are alcohol free, so omit the vodka and fill with the ginger beer. An equally delicious and refreshing beverage!

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Watermelon Mojitos

July 14, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

Growing up there were several events that happened that let me know summer was truly here. Softball season cranked up, our pool opened up which meant countless hours splashing around, hearing burgers sizzle on the grill and watermelon.

When my mom walked in the door with that first watermelon of the season I could barely contain my excitement. It was almost a celebratory occasion with the first cut of that big ol’ melon. We’d slice big peaces, head outside with a roll of paper towels and a shaker of salt and chow down.

We weren’t prim and proper when it came to consuming watermelon. If the juices of the watermelon weren’t streaming down your arms and dripping off your elbows, well that was just all sorts of wrong. The more watermelon juice running down your arms the better. After all that watermelon was consumed, rinds were thrown in the woods and we hopped in the pool to rinse off all that sticky, sweet goodness.

I’ve tried to keep that tradition going with my little guy. We don’t have a pool, but I still show up with a melon, slice it and we sit down and enjoy all the goodness that is that sweet juicy watermelon.

Since watermelon is one of my all time favorite fruits of the summer, it only makes sense that I add it to one of my favorite cocktails. I’ve loved all the various flavored mojitos I’ve made the past few weeks, but I’d have to say this watermelon mojito just may have made it’s way to the top of the list.

Sweet, juicy watermelon, tart lime and cool mint are combined and marry perfectly in the cocktail. A splash of rum is added to the mix and then it’s finished off with sweet, refreshing and fizzy ginger ale. This cocktail perfection.

Watermelon Mojitos

Ingredients:

1/2 Lime, cut into quarters
12 Mint leaves, rinsed and roughly torn
3/4 Cup fresh watermelon, cut into cubes
3 Oz white rum
Ginger Ale or Sprite
Ice cubes or frozen watermelon chunks

Directions:

Divide lime, mint and watermelon between two glasses. Using a muddle, gently press the ingredients to release the juices. Add the rum, stir combine. Fill the glass with ice or a mix of ice and frozen watermelon cubes. Top off with ginger ale or sprite and serve immediately.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Blackberry Limeade Floats

July 10, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve reached the appropriate temps to refer to the weather as scorching. Mid-July is when mother nature really decides to open the infernos and show us what she’s truly capable of. While she’s not fanning those flames as much as she has in years passed, we are teetering on some of the warmest temps we’ve seen this year. And well, it’s just downright hot.

We’re beating the heat by consuming ice water by the buckets, cranking up the sprinklers, and turning the water park into our second home. Sometimes all of that just doesn’t cut it. An ice cold, sweet treat isn’t only desired, it’s necessary.

Some of the fondest memories of my childhood were spent sitting on the wooden benches on the square in my hometown, holding a big ol’ waffle cone full of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The sunshine beaming down on me and streams of minty green ice cream running down my arms. But it was all in the name of staying cool and savoring every last drop of my beloved ice cream.

Much hasn’t changed over the years. I still require those cool treats when the summer starts getting unbearable. A glass of tangy, cold limeade is truly refreshing on a hot day. A float is another one of those undeniably amazing summer treats.

So what happens if those two come together?

I’ll tell you. Only the best thing to hit those taste buds ever. Think about it; tangy, tart limeade complimented and toned down by creamy, cool ice cream. Um, yes please. I’ll take 3!

Flavored sparkling water, a few fresh blackberries, fresh lime juice and ginger ale are all mixed together and poured over creamy vanilla ice cream. You get the fizz required by all floats from the ginger ale and the sparkling water, but you also get that tartness so desired by a glass of limeade. It sounds like it might be a bit much, but I promise it’s not. They all come together to create an awesomely mind-blowing drink that will cool you down on the hottest of summer days!

Blackberry Limeade Floats

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
3 Large blackberries
1 Tsp sugar
1/2 Cup black raspberry Sparkling Ice water
1/2 Cup ginger ale
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
2 Old fashioned glasses

Directions:

Place blackberries in a glass, using a muddle, gently press the berries to mash and release the juices. Add the lime juice and sugar and stir to combine. Add the sparkling water and ginger ale and gently stir to incorporate.

Place one scoop of ice cream in each glass. Divide the berry mixture evenly between the two glasses, top off with more ginger ale if needed.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Frozen Coconut Limeade

July 8, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

I don’t know about other places, but I do know it’s hot here in The Natural State.

It’s mid-July, so yes it’s mid summer and it’s supposed to be hot. But here in Arkansas it’s not just a regular heat, it’s unbearably hot days that are only getting hotter. We haven’t hit actual 100 degree temps, yet, but that heat index has sure felt like 100-110. Stepping outside, out of the comforts of your cool, air conditioned house can easily be described as stepping into a hot, humid sauna that takes your breath away. Yes, it’s lovely.

So, to survive the sweltering heat cold beverages are a must.
I love lemonades and limeades. There’s something so delicious and refreshing about those cheek-puckering, tart beverages. The basic lemon and limeades are great, but I so enjoy playing with different flavor combos. Strawberry, cherry, blackberry, I mean the options are endless.

Another one of my favorite flavor combos is lime and coconut.

Just saying that makes me think of that song…put the lime and the coconut and mix it all together.

So you know, that’s what I did. I took that tangy lime juice, smooth, subtly sweet and creamy coconut and some ice and I threw it in a blender and mixed it all together.

And you know what? I think I have a new favorite drink. This frozen coconut limeade is nothing short of absolutely amazing! It’s all the goodness of a tart limeade, the coolness of a slushie and slightly creamy like a milkshake.

So go ahead, embrace the warm summer sun and all the heat that comes along with it. Because you’ve now got an awesomely delicious way to beat the heat!

Frozen Coconut Limeade

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 Cup cream of coconut*
3 1/2 Cups ice

Directions:

Combine lime juice, cream of coconut and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide mixture between two glasses, garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.

*Cream of coconut can be found on the cocktail mixers isle at your grocery store.
*To make this an adult frozen beverage add a glug or two of Malibu rum or vodka.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Homemade Orange Italian Cream Soda

July 7, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

It’s undeniable, both kids and adults alike thoroughly enjoy sipping on fun beverages. Especially when sitting poolside. Although it seems like the kiddos get left out of the fun a lot of the time because most of those fun drinks with the little umbrellas contain some giggle juice. And they honestly don’t understand why in the world they can’t have a sip of that fun, colorful drink with the mini umbrella and cherries.

And, I honestly don’t blame them. Why can’t they get one of those drinks that’s packed with all their favorites; fruit, cherries, whipped cream and a fun, paper umbrella?

Well, they can. Cream sodas are a favorite of all; it doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 95, everyone likes that creamy, fizzy beverage. And it’s a plus if it’s flavored.

What’s not a plus? Well, paying that hefty price that restaurants and soda fountains have attached to the beloved favorite. So, instead of dropping a wad of cash for a bit of relaxation and nostalgia make your own at home.

Wow your guests, impress your kiddos and bask in the simple, yet amazing flavors of your own, homemade cream soda. There are about 100 flavor combinations you could use in these homemade sodas, the options are endless.

I let Tucker take the reigns on this one and gave him full creative control and he opted for orange vanilla. I couldn’t find orange Torani syrup, so I pursued the snow-cone isle in Wal-Mart and found some flavor packets and one of them just happened to be orange. So, I added a little powder to a cup along with some water, stirred it together and we had our own orange flavored syrup.

These drinks came together in about 60 seconds, which is the perfect amount of time when you’ve got a kiddo watching you and intensely awaiting the awesomeness that is homemade Italian cream soda. The bright, cherry orange color didn’t help him contain his excitement either. The wow factor was taken up about a million notches when he saw the the half and half hit the soda mixture and streams of cream oozed through the ice cubes and struck through the bright orange soda. As if that weren’t enough, topping them with whipped cream and a cherry truly sealed the deal!

Slightly tangy from the orange with the subtle undertone of vanilla, a creaminess from the half and half and some fizz thanks to the addition of club soda. It’s the perfect mix of flavors. These sodas are an ideal beverage to sip on poolside, the perfect afternoon treat, and a wonderful option to wow guests pre or post meal. They can me customized by using your favorite flavor combos as well as for any holidays.

So, go ahead, make your own Italian cream soda in the comfort of your own home!

Homemade Orange Italian Cream Soda

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups club soda
1/3 Cup orange flavor syrup (Torani or even snow cone syrup)
1/4 Cup vanilla flavor syrup
4 Tbsp half and half
Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries

Directions:

Combine the orange and vanilla syrup in a small cup and stir to combine, set aside. Divide the club soda evenly between 2 glasses. Next, pour even amounts of the syrup mixture into each glass and stir to combine. Fill both glasses two-thirds full with ice. Slowly pour 2 tablespoons of half and half into each glass. Top with whipped cream and cherries.

Serve to guest, along with a spoon to mix the half and half into the beverage before drinking.*

*Alternately, you may mix the half and half into the soda and flavored syrups before topping with the whipped cream and cherries.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Cherry Mojitos

June 30, 2015 by Lynsey Leave a Comment

You know the saying, “Don’t go to the grocery store on an empty stomach”?

I have to admit, that’s a wise rule. But I also admit it’s not one I adhere to 100% of the time. And I can tell those times when I have gone to the store on an empty stomach, because when I start unloading my groceries I look at all the stuff I’ve come home with and wonder why in the world I even put that in my cart.

One thing, that I can never resist is fresh cherries. It doesn’t matter if I’ve just eaten or my stomach is turning inside out from hunger pains, I can’t walk by the cherry display without popping a bag in my cart. I think my grocery store knows my weakness too, because immediately when entering the store there’s a huge display of fresh cherries that greet me. I mean, I literally have to walk around them to get to the produce section. So, without hesitation I snag a bag of those delicious juicy cherries, plop them in my cart and continue with my shopping.

Cherries are one of my all-time favorite fruits. My mom couldn’t keep them in stock. She’d walk in with a bag and I’d snag them, head outside and devour those delicious bits of goodness. My obsession with this little fruit hasn’t weakened over the years, if anything it’s only gotten stronger. And, that love for cherries has definitely been passed down to my little guy.

When we pass the cherry display at the store it’s almost a race to see who can get them in the cart first. Once he spots them and gets them in the cart I can’t get through the store fast enough, he’s ready to get home and start snacking on them!

So, it’s no surprise I can’t keep cherries on hand long enough to make anything I’ve dreamed up or pinned over time.

With the latest purchase of this households favorite fruit I was bound and determined to make at least one thing; whether it be a beverage or dessert. I was going to make something.

So, I decided to make cherry mojitos. Mixing one of my favorite fruits ever with one of my favorite cocktails ever just seemed like a no-brainer. There wasn’t any baking or marinating involved which meant I could enjoy my creation immediately. Well, almost immediately…I did have to do a little photo shoot of it in all it’s glory for all of you folks.

Right after I unloaded the rest of the groceries I snagged a handful of cherries before my little cherry thief took off with the bag. I quickly removed the seeds, dropped them in a glass along with some mint, lime and a little sugar and muddled it all together. I then added a glug of rum, some ice and club soda, gave it a stir and then ~~started sipping~~ set it up for it’s shoot.

I have to admit I scooted through this photo shoot rather quickly because it was complete and utter torture. This cocktail was looking at me through the camera and calling my name. I snapped a few photos and quickly picked it up and took one sip to end the torture.

Oh-ma-goodness folks. This was worth the wait. I have to say, this is neck and neck with the original mojito as one of my favorite drinks. Juicy, sweet cherries, tart lime, fresh mint and a little soda water for some fizz. Oh my.

This, my friends is summer in a glass.

Cherry Mojitos

Ingredients:

12 Cherries, washed, pitted and stems removed
1/2 Lime, cut into 4 wedges
14 Mint leaves
5 Tsp sugar
3 Oz white rum
Club soda

Directions:

Divide cherries, lime wedges, mint leaves and sugar between 2 glasses. Using a muddle, gently press the ingredients to release the fruit juices and incorporate the sugar. Add the rum and stir to combine. Fill the glasses with ice, top with club soda and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wedge, if desired. Enjoy.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

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