Red, White and Blue Grilled Veggies

Here's a simple way to add some of the season's colors to your 4th of July celebration.
How, by grilling some red, white and blue veggies of course!

Love the seasonal simplicity behind this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower chopped into bite sized pieces

2 red peppers, roughly chopped into large pieces

1 onion, roughly chopped into large pieces

15 small blue potatoes

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbsp minced garlic

Wash and poke fork holes into blue potatoes.  Cook the blue potatoes in the microwave for approximately 8-10 minutes on high.  Remove and slice in half.  Add the cauliflower, red peppers, onion and blue potatoes into a large bowl.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper and minced garlic.  Pour over veggies.

Place the mixture into a grill safe vegetable pan and grill over a medium hot fire for about 20 minutes or until veggies are soft.

Red, White and Blue Grilled Veggies printable recipe

Keeping it simple with seasoning allows all the flavors of the veggies to come out.  And those flavors, after being on the grill, are incredible!  The veggies have this nice smoky flavor too.  Chunks of tomato would be a yummy addition, but put those on at the end of your cooking because they will get too soft.  Also, having precooked the potatoes allows them to cook along side of the rest of the vegetables.  Otherwise they will need much more time on the grill.

As you prepare for your 4th of July festivities, add this to your side dishes.  It's colorful and tastes so good.
The aroma while it is cooking will make your tastes buds water!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with Six Sisters' Stuff, The Mandatory Mooch, NoBiggie, Lori's Culinary Creations,
Inside Bru Crew Life, Weary Chef, Confessions of a Plate Addict, The New Mrs Adventures,
The New Mrs Adventures, Gooseberry Patch, Skip to My Lou and Design Dining and Diapers.

Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Sundaes

So, it's summer...it's hot...4th of July is just around the corner...and you are hosting the festivities.

I have a simple solution that will keep everyone cool, will keep you in the patriotic colors of the holiday and uses some of the best summer fruit!  A pretty tall order, don't you think?  But, it is actually very simple and uses ingredients that are in your pantry, fridge and freezer.

Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Sundaes!

You start with your favorite vanilla ice cream and then add a strawberry coconut sauce or a blueberry lemon sauce or maybe both if you are feeling really festive!

Strawberry Coconut Sauce

Blueberry Lemon Sauce

Making your own ice cream sauce is really easy and adds a whole new dimension to your ice cream.  So, let's talk sauces. 

To make the strawberry coconut sauce, you will need the following:

2 cups strawberries, washed and chopped

2 Tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp coconut extract

1/2 tsp cornstarch

Place the strawberries and sugar in a medium sized pot over low heat.  Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until soft.  Add the cornstarch to thicken slightly and then add the extract.  Remove from heat.  Place in a mini food processor and pulse until smooth.  Let cool and then refrigerate.

To make the blueberry lemon sauce, you will need the following:

2 cups blueberries

2 Tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp lemon extract

1/2 tsp cornstarch

Place the blueberries and sugar in a medium sized pot over low heat.  Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until soft.  Add the cornstarch to thicken slightly and then add the extract.  Remove from heat.  Place in a mini food processor and pulse until smooth.  Let cool and then refrigerate.

Scoop out some vanilla ice cream and add the toppings. I added some whipped cream and broken graham cracker pieces to finish them off.  Now you got some red (strawberry coconut sauce), white (ice cream, of course) and blue (blueberry lemon sauce).  Your patriotic colors are in place.
And wouldn't it make a fun ice cream bar?

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

.Christine

Linking up with Six Sisters' Stuff, The Mandatory Mooch, No Biggie, Confessions of a Plate Addict,
 I Heart Naptime, The New Mrs Adventures, Skip To My Lou, 
Inside Bru Crew Life, Lori's Culinary Creations,
Design Dining and Diapers, The 36th Avenue, Your Homebased Mom and Weary Chef

Fabulous 4th of July Finds

Can you believe that July 4th is less than a week away?

Seems like summer has just gotten started!

In any case, time to get your red, white and blue on.

Here are some fabulous 4th of July finds that I absolutely love!

Make sure to click on the link for all the details:

Star Spangled Planter from Wait til Your Father Gets Home

Could that be any cuter?  I love the painted pot look all stacked up in the colors of the holiday!  An easy addition to your front porch.

Free 4th of July Printables from The 36th Avenue

Me and printables.  
Can't get enough of them and love to update the decorations in my house with holiday printables.
I'm thinking that seasonal simplicity is at work here, don't you think?

Uncle Sam from The Muddy Princess

Uncle Sam made out of pots, a can and some cute embelishments.  Add some paint and you too could have quite the patriotic centerpiece at your 4th of July shin-dig.

Such pretty centerpieces!  Red and white flowers in jars with blue colored water.  I am getting out my mason jars for that!

Mason Jar Tea Lights by Daily Savings.allyou

Speaking of mason jars, how about this tea light?  They used flags and attached them to mason jars.  Inserted a tea light and let the light shine through.  Adorable!

Check out A Sprinkle of This and That Red, White and Blue Pinterest Board
 to see more ideas from food to crafts.

Are you hearing the crackling of fireworks already?
There's always someone who gets a head start on the holiday.
I am just a sparkler kind of gal...no big fireworks for me.  I just like to watch from afar.

Time to get ready and I hope some of these ideas inspired you to put your own spin on the celebrating of the red, white and blue.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,
Christine

Guava Pastry Pockets

As I  have mentioned before, I attended Flood Blogher 2014 in Miami.

One of the awesome break out sessions I attended was all about the Flavors of Miami which included some Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisine.  The guest chefs made these awesome Guava Pastry Pockets.

Talk about a tropical flavor!  Guava is delcious!

These pastries are simple, yet so delicious.

I guarantee that they could rival any South Florida bakery!

Are you ready to make them?  Let's go...here's my spin on this tasty treat.

Ingredients:

1 package of puff pastry

1 8oz package of cream cheese

1 jar of Guava fruit spread

powdered sugar for dusting pastries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out the puff pastry to remove the folds.

Place 1 Tbsp of cream cheese in 4 by 3 rows.  See picture below.

Place 1 Tbsp of Guava fruit spread right next to the cream cheese dollop. See picture below.

Roll out the 2nd piece of puff pastry and lay on top of the piece that holds the dollops of cream cheese and guava.

Use a pizza wheel to cut out little packages of goodness.  You will end up with 12 pastry pockets.  Place each guava pastry pocket on a cookie sheet.  Bake for 12-13 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar.

Guava Pastry Pockets printable recipe

The guava adds such a sweet flavor and the cream cheese adds creaminess to the pastry pocket's interior.  And the pastry pocket is so flaky!  Puff pastry really creates that just from the bakery texture. Total YUM!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with The New Mrs Adventures, Yum Eating, The 36th Avenue, Lori's Culinary Creations,
No Biggie, Wine and Glue, I Heart Naptime, Weary Chef, Skip to My Lou, A Night Owl Blog,
Confessions of a Plate Addict, Inside Bru Crew Life, Six Sister Stuff, Mandatory Mooch and Your Homebased Mom.

Salsa Time

Grilled or baked chicken, pork, beef or fish can reach new levels of flavor intensity by just adding a salsa.

Check these out...click over on the link to get the recipe.

'Cuz it's salsa time!

Grilled Pork Chops with Mango Salsa

Grilled Pork Loin with Strawberry Salsa

Blueberry Salsa is also a wonderful addition to your meat.  I especially enjoy it with fish.

Blueberry Salsa with cilantro tastes so yummy!
Why not use the season's best?

Ingredients:
1 cup of blueberries, sliced in half
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
2 dashes of ginger
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 tsp cilantro

Mix all ingredients together.  Place in refrigerator for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.

It's salsa time!
Whether you create mango, strawberry or blueberry salsa, your meat will be so dressed up.  I bet you would even enjoy those salsas with chips.  Seasonal Simplicity at it's best and yummiest!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with Gingersnap Crafts, Wine and Glue, Lady Behind The Curtain, Your Homebased Mom, 
No Biggie, Lori's Culinary Creations, I Heart Naptime, Weary Chef, Skip to My Lou, A Night Owl Blog,
Confessions of a Plate Addict, The New Mrs Adventures, Yum Eating, The 36th Avenue, 
Mandatory Mooch, Six Sisters' Stuff and Inside Bru Crew Life.

Frozen Coconut Lemonade Slush

Are weeds taking over your garden?  Mine are growing like crazy!!!

I need to get out and weed, but I also want to stay cool.

This Frozen Coconut Lemonade Slush will do the trick.  Tastes a lot like the Polar Cup...which you Floridians will remember.  An icy lemonade flavor treat that came in a cup.  This recipe combines that lemonade flavor with coconut to really give it a tropical vibe.  YUM!

Here's how you make it...

Ingredients:

4 cups of ice

1 cup coconut milk

3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Pour all into the blender and blend until smooth.

You'll need a spoon to eat this icy mixture of summer flavors!

I served mine right away, but you could keep individual servings in the freezer for anytime you want a cold treat.  And, as they melt...grab a straw and slurp it up!

I guess my slushie break is over...back to the weeding...

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with Inside Bru Crew Life, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Your Homebased Mom, 
Lady Behind the Curtain, Weary Chef, Skip to My Lou,
Six Sister's Stuff, Mandatory Mooch, No Biggie, I Heart Naptime,
The New Mrs Adventures, Yum Eating, The 36th Avenue, Lori's Culinary Creations and Wine and Glue.

Cocktail Hour Crostinis

It's Cocktail Hour

and

every cocktail hour needs snacks!

Grab your favorite alcoholic or nonalcoholic cocktail, some friends and a whole wheat baguette.

3 EASY Crostini toppers coming your way.

Slice one whole wheat baguette on the diagonal and rub each slice with a garlic clove.  Lightly brush with olive oil and season with sea salt.  Place in a 400 degree oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.  Now for the toppings.

Goat Cheese and Pepper Jelly Crostini:

Ingredients:  1/3 cup pepper jelly and 1/3 cup goat cheese

Spread 1 Tbsp of jelly on the crostini and sprinkle on some of the goat cheese

BLT Crostini:

Ingredients:  6 Tbsp mayo, 2 tsp fresh ground pepper, 5 sun dried tomatoes (halved), 1 cup arugula, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 3 strips of cooked bacon

Whisk the mayo and black pepper.  Spread onto crostini.  Top with sun dried tomatoes.  Toss arugula with olive oil and add to top.  Put a couple of pieces of bacon to finish it off.

Salty Butter and Radish:

Ingredients:  6 Tbsp unsalted butter, 6 radishes (sliced) and sea salt

Spread butter onto crostini.  Top with several pieces of radish.  Sprinkle of the salt.

Great ideas from Pure Wow.

They are impressive and so delish!

All from a baguette!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with A Little Claireification, Chelsea's Messy Apron, Joyful Healthy Eats, A Night Owl Blog,
 Confessions of a Plate Addict, Wine and Glue, I Heart Naptime, Weary Chef, Skip to My Lou,
 Inside Bru Crew Life, The New Mrs Adventures, Your Homebased Mom, Lady Behind the Curtain, 
Lori's Culinary Creations, The 36th Avenue, Yum Eating, Six Sisters' Stuff and No Biggie. 

Crab Puffs and Microgreen Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Yummy Crab Puffs with a Micro Green Salad
In the summertime, I love to eat lighter and healthier...warmer weather does that to a gal.  What a great combo!  Pair this meal with a glass or two of wine and sit out on your deck to enjoy all that summer has to offer.  First let's look at how to make the crab puffs.

Originally from Lilikoi Joy

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

4 oz cream cheese

2 Tbsp mayo

12 oz canned crab meat

2 green onions

2 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut puff pastry into 12 squares.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl.  Place a heaping tablepoon amount into the center of each puff pastry square.

Take two opposite corners and fold them over each other.  Wet finger to seal the connection.

Place each crab puff on a slightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Crab Puff printable recipe

The puff pastry has a flaky crust and is filled with a delicious crab mixture.  YUM!

Now for the microgreen salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Microgreens are the tiny, green vegetable shoots of a plant and are the latest things at high end restaurants.

They are incredibly nutritious and delicious!

You can actually get them at your local grocery store or grow your own.  I asked at the grocery store for microgreens and they were totally confused.  I kept looking and found them in with the sprouts.  Call them sprouts and the grocery store employee will be able to point them out.

Ingredients:

microgreens:  clover, cabbage and fenugreek

arugula

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp honey

4 Tbsp lemon juice

Mix together your microgreens and arugula.  In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients.  Pour lemon vinaigrette over microgreens and serve.

Microgreen Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Microgreens have become my new thing, thanks to meeting up with Cooking with Jacque at Blogher Food 2014 in Miami.  She introduced me to the whole microgreen concept.  Thanks Jacque!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with Chelsea's Messy Apron, Six Sisters' Stuff, Joyful Healthy Eats, No Biggie, 
Confessions of a Plate Addict, Cooking On The Front Burner, Inside Bru Crew Life, 
Your Homebased Mom, Lady Behind the Curtain, The 36th Avenue,
 I Heart Naptime, Lori's Culinary Creations, The New Mrs Adventures, Skip to My Lou,
Wine and Glue, Yum Eating and Design Dining and Diapers.

Grilled Guava Shrimp Skewers

Since being in Miami, I have really been on a guava kick.

Guava is so delicious and has been called the "nectar of the gods."  It is sweet and makes you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.  Soooo good.

Finding guava fresh in the grocery store can be a little bit of a challenge.  But, you can always find guava in jars as a jelly in the jelly aisle or in the ethnic aisle of the grocery store.  Have no fear!
You can make these awesome

Grilled Guava Shrimp Skewers

The shrimp is so flavorful.  My daughter even commented about how nicely the marinade carmelized on the shrimp. (That girl is learning!)  This is how you make it...

Ingredients for guava shrimp marinade:

50 small or medium sized uncooked shrimp, peeled and tail removed

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp guava fruit spread (found in the jelly/jam section of grocery store)

1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar

Ingredients for guava dressing:

1/2 cup mayo

3 Tbsp guava fruit spread (found in the jelly/jam section of grocery store)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

Whisk together olive oil, honey, guava fruit spread and vinegar in a large bowl.  Add the shrimp and marinade in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile soak bamboo skewers in water.  Makes for easy shrimp removal and the wood won't burn as much on the grill.

For the guava dressing, mix together mayo, guava fruit spread and soy sauce.  Set aside in refrigerator until ready to use.

Remove shrimp from marinade and skewer on bamboo skewers.  Grill over a hot fire for 3-4 minutes per side or until shrimp turns pink.

Remove and lay on a bed of lettuce.  Drizzle the guava dressing over top.

Grilled Guava Shrimp Skewers printable recipe

The shrimp has this sweet, carmelized flavor.  I loved the guava sauce with the lettuce.  A very, light summer meal!

If you have never given guava a try, check it out.  It really does say summer.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with Lil Luna, Six Sisters' Stuff, Chelsea's Messy Apron, Joyful Healthy Eats, No Biggie, Inside Bru Crew Life,
Cooking on the Front Burners, Design Dining and Diapers, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Your Homebased Mom, 
The 36th Avenue, I Heart Naptime, Lady Behind The Curtain, 
The New Mrs Adventures, Weary Chef, A Night Owl Blog,
Lori's Culinary Creations, Wine and Glue and Skip to My Lou.

Orange Infused Brownie Cupcakes

Our downtown shopping district is filled with some popular mall stores as well as quaint, smaller stores. One such store is  Twisted Olive Imports.  It is darling and filled with all these large, silver cansisters that dispense olive oil.  They have so many varities of extra virgin olive oil as well as balsamic vinegars.  You pick out what kind you would like and they fill these adorable bottles.

I chose the Blood Orange EVOO.  Oh my, it's fragrance is out of this world!  The reason I chose the olive oil was because one of the employees mentioned how it could be used in brownies.  Say what?  She told me to just replace the recipe's vegetable oil with the Blood Orange EVOO.  I learned that, "whole blood oranges are pressed together with handpicked olives to create this unique aromatic oil."  Did I mention how aromatic the scent was?

Well, that's exactly what I did!  I replaced the vegetable oil with Blood Orange EVOO.

What a simple change that turns a yummy brownie into an unbelievably tasty brownie!  My house smelled delightful and the taste of the brownies...well, you'll just have to see for yourself.

Orange Infused Brownie Cupcakes

adapted from Sonoma Farm

Ingredients to make 8 brownie cupcakes:

1/4 cup blood orange infused olive oil

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

1/2 cup flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease muffin tin.

Beat oil, sugar, and vanilla.  Add in eggs.  Finally add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Pour into the prepared muffin pan and bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and let sit 8-10 minutes before removing brownie cupcakes from pan.  Cool and dust with powdered sugar.

Orange Infused Brownie Cupcakes printable recipe

The brownies have a slightly crunchy exterior with a gooey orange flavored center.

WOW!  Chocolatey goodness with a hint of orange.  I have to say I am in love with this kind of brownie!

Check out an olive oil store in your area or a grocery story that carries unique flavored oils.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Linking up with NoBiggie, I Heart Nap Time, Cooking on the Front Burner, Design Dining and Diapers,
Lori's Culinary Creations, Wine and Glue, Inside Bru Crew Life, Skip to My Lou, Six Sisters' Stuff, 
Your Homebased Mom, Weary Chef, Joyful Healthy Eats, 
Chelsea's Messy Apron, Lady Behind the Curtain, Wine and Glue, The 36th Avenue,
Confessions of a Plate Addict and The New Mrs Adventures.