Tasty Tuesday!

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.”
-John Gunther

Hello! I am sitting here, eating my breakfast while I type this up and I am wondering.. Now, why didn't I make that for myself this morning? I usually eat oatmeal or frosted mini wheats for breakfast, same old thing, day in and day out!! It may sound boring, but both are very tasty, give me energy and are easy!! The following recipe I am sharing today is great for a Sunday brunch or whenever the mood strikes! They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to heat them! Enjoy!


Oat Pudding
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

* 1-1/2 cups old fashioned oats, prepare per pkg directions, keep warm
* 4 tsp almonds, finely chopped
* 2 cups cooked oatmeal (from above)
* 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
* 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
* 4 Tbsp strawberry preserves (or your favorite)
* 1/2 cup organic vanilla yogurt
* 4 fresh mint leaves

Equipment Needed:

* 4 microwave save ramekins (3/4 cup size min)
* Cooking spray
* 4 serving plates (when ready to serve)

Directions:

1.) Toast almonds lightly in pan over medium heat, set aside.
2.) Spray the inside of four ramekins with cooking spray.
3.) Spread 3 Tbsp cooked oatmeal evenly on bottom of each ramekin.
4.) Top oatmeal with 2 Tbsp blueberries and 2 tsp almonds.
5.) Spread 2 more Tbsp oatmeal on top of blueberries using the back of spoon.
(spray back of spoon with cooking spray to make it easier).
6.) Lightly press 1/4 cup of strawberries into top of oatmeal layer.
7.) Spread 2 more Tbsp of oatmeal evenly over strawberries.
8.) Your ramekins should be filled even with top edge.
9.) Chill at least 2 hours or overnight until ready to eat.
10.) Once chilled, run a sharp knife along inside edge of ramekin to loosen pudding from sides.
11.) Heat pudding in ramekins in microwave on high 1 to 1-1/2 min.
12.) Spread a serving plate with 1 Tbsp strawberry preserves.
13.) Unmold pudding onto fruit spread by turning over & tapping bottom of ramekin.
14.) Top pudding with 2 Tbsp of yogurt.
15.) Garnish with sliced strawberry and mint leaf.

“So munch on, crunch on, take your nuncheon, / Breakfast, supper, dinner, luncheon!”
-Robert Browning

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Souper Saturday!

"Good manners: The noise you don't make when you're eating soup."
-Bennett Cerf

Hello! I know it is summer, but I decided to bring back Souper Saturday! There are so many great cold soup recipes that I can share, that I decided, WHY NOT! If you have never had a cold soup, the first time that you try one it is odd. However, they are very enjoyable and a great summertime meal! Enjoy!

"There is nothing like soup. It is by nature eccentric: no two are ever alike, unless of course you get your soup in a can."
-Laurie Colwin


Cucumber Soup
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

* 1 small sweet onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
* 3 tsp minced Garlic
* 1 seedless cucumber, peeled
* 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
* 2 containers (6 oz each) plain yogurt
* 8 oz sour cream
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 2 Tbsp finely chopped mint

Equipment Needed:

1.) Food processor
2.) Soup pan

Directions:

1.) Heat 3 Tbsp water in pan on medium heat.
2.) Add onion and garlic.
3.) Cook, stirring, about 6 min, until onions are soft and translucent.
4.) Peel cucumber. Cut into quarters; reserve one quarter for garnish.
5.) Add 3/4 of cucumber, onion, garlic, and lime juice to food processor.
6.) Pulse 10 times, then puree for 30 seconds.
7.) Open lid and scrape sides.
8.) Add yogurt, sour cream, and salt.
9.) Puree until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.
10.) Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

To serve:

1.) Finely dice remaining cucumber.
2.) Ladle soup into chilled bowls.
3.) Top each portion with diced cucumber and mint

Silly Joke of the Day:
What kind of ties can't you wear?
...Railroad ties.

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Mangia Monday!

Today I have two great drink recipes to share with you. Enjoy!

The first recipe is non-alcoholic and has been a popular summer tradition in Massachusetts since the early 1900s. The first time I had this drink was in Cape Cod many years ago, and now it is a yearly tradition for us on the Cape! You can make it with almost any type of berry and it would taste just as wonderful!

My second recipe today is an alcoholic drink, called a Mojito! The Mojito is known as the national drink of Cuba. Many people say it was invented in the late 19th century but, it actually may date back to an even earlier origin. It has been said that “pirates” of old, may have concocted drinks similar to the mojito, perhaps in the 16th century. The earliest mojito may have been a combination of a rum variant, aguardiente (fire water), and that these pirates of old introduced the drink to Cuba.


“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.”
-Alfred E. Neuman

Frozen Lemonade w/ Blackberry Puree
(adapted from Williams-Sonoma)

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

* 1 1/4 cups plus 1 tsp lemon juice
* 1/3 cup orange juice
* 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs simple syrup (recipe below)
* 1 pint fresh blackberries, juiced, plus more for garnish
* 4 1/2 cups ice cubes
* 4 fresh mint sprigs (optional)
* 4 Iced Tea glasses

Directions:

1.) Stir together 1 1/4 cups lemon juice, the orange juice and 3/4 cup simple syrup. in a small bowl. Set aside.
2.) In another bowl, stir together the blackberry juice, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 2 Tbs. simple syrup. Set aside.
3.) Put the ice cubes in a blender and add the lemon juice mixture.
4.) Using the crush setting, (or high speed), blend until smooth.
5.) Put 1 Tbs of the blackberry puree into each glass.
6.) Pour in the lemonade mixture, dividing evenly.
7.) Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a few blackberries.
8.) Serve immediately.


“Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.”
-Frank Sinatra


Mojito:

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

* 12 fresh mint leaves
* 3 Tbs simple syrup (recipe below)
* 2 Tbs lime juice
* Crushed ice as needed
* 2 ounces light rum
* 2 ounces club soda
* 2 lime wedges
* 2 high ball glasses

Directions:

1.) Place the mint leaves in the bottom of the highball glasses.
2.) Add the simple syrup and lime juice and mix well.
3.) Fill the glasses with crushed ice.
4.) Add the rum and club soda and stir.
5.) Garnish with the lime wedge.


Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup water
* 1 cup sugar

Directions:

1.) In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water to a simmer.
2.) Add the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves.
3.) Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
4.) Pour the syrup into a pint sized container and seal.
5.) Refrigerate until ready to use.


Silly Joke of the Day:

What is a tree's favorite drink?
..........Root Beer.


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!