Pineapple Margarita Recipe

The weather is warming up, the sun is setting later, and to me, that’s all I need as an excuse for a fresh margarita! As good as the whole lime standard is, I love seeing all the new spins people are putting on margs like Smokey Chipotle or Mandarin Mango! I decided to take a stab at the whole mixology thing and put together a cocktail that will become your summer staple from Cinco de Mayo to Labor Day!

Ingredients:

1 part Revel Blanco (Or your favorite blanco tequila)

1 part triple sec

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part fresh pineapple juice

Agave, to taste

In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients and give is a good shake.

Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with fresh pineapple, a little lime zest and a tiny sprinkle of chili powder for a little somethin’ somethin’. 

Dadadadada Dun.... TEQUILA! 

Sip On This! A Collection of Liquid Nutrition

Check out Liquid Nutrition!
by Kasey's Kitchen at Foodie.com

We are well on our way into 2015 and if you're like me, those resolutions have already started to dwindle down to a "good effort". Sometimes making those drastic promises to yourself can get really overwhelming and you just end up throwing in the towel...and not the gym towel.

I think that something I've learned over the years of making these "resolutions" is that it needs to be about baby steps and small lifestyle changes in order to get yourself on a routine. One thing that will help kickstart this lifestyle change would be incorporating nutrition packed smoothies and juices into your diet. With the recipes in the collection below that I've created with Foodie.com there's no shortage of good-for-you gulps! You get an insane amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and all that other good stuff on top of a super tasty snack! How can you go wrong? Who wants to join me in trying some of these in 2015 and sip our way to a healthier year!



*Disclosure - This post was created in partnership with Foodie.com and Mode Media. I was compensated for my time and content. All opinions are my own. 

The Insanely Good For You Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of chatting with Pure Organic creator Veronica Bosgraaf. She spoke about how she started the brand after her young daughter decided to become a vegetarian. Being a Midwest gal, Bosgraaf scrambled with the idea but wanted to support her daughter in this endeavor. She explained the struggle of finding delicious snacks that would help supplement the protein that her child needed. 

After a pop-quiz on ancient grains, Veronica whipped up an amazing smoothie packed with the benefits from grains such as hemp, flax, and cocoa.... yup, chocolate! Here's what you need to make this smoothie for yourself.

Ingredients

2 cup unsweetened almond milk, cold

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp hemp hearts

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp ground flax seed

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and serve.

Want to win an assortment of Pure Bar products? Just enter below!
(Winner will receive 2 boxes of assorted Pure Bars and Pure Sandwiches)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mix Up the Perfect Girls Night In with Trop50

Check out The Perfect Girls Night In with Trop50
by Kasey's Kitchen at Foodie.com

Living in Los Angeles there are plenty of over-priced Psychiatrists and "Life Coaches" out here but we all know that the best therapy and guidance comes from a chat session with your girls! And nothing gets your lady friends to open up better than gathering around good food and drink, am I right? I mean good conversation typically doesn't happen around an empty table so I've teamed up with Foodie.com and Trop50 to create a collection of recipes that will make your next Girls Night In even more delightful!

I've learned over time that the key to the perfect Girls Night In is plenty of share-able bites that everyone will enjoy. Be sure you are aware of any dietary restrictions your gal pals might have. Is Carrie going vegan this week? Try making a few Vietnamese Summer Rolls! Is Samantha trying to get more protein into her diet? Surprise her with Tofu-Cheesecake Parfait packed with a protein punch! Might Charlotte be sharing some big news?? Skip the alcohol in elixirs like the Blackberry Lemon-jito so everyone can enjoy! And yes, clearly I was watching syndicated Sex and the City while writing this post!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Trop50 via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Trop50.

Blackberry Lemon-jito - #MixItUp2014

The weather is heating up and soon enough we'll be poolside in need of the perfect cocktail to quench your thirst. Look no further because this Blackberry Lemon-jito is just what you're looking for. 

It's a great balance between sweet and tart, plus you can either booze it up or make it sans alcohol for the kiddos! 

Start Your Morning Right: Chocolate Banana Smoothie

I recently read an article about the benefits of starting your morning with a protein-packed breakfast. It's crazy how one little change in your diet can effect your day! 

Here are just a few of the benefits:

Alertness
A morning meal high in protein raises your brain's tyrosine levels. This helps your brain produce neurotransmitters called norepinephrine and dopamine, which give you energy and make you feel awake and alert.

Satisfaction
Just because Mick Jager couldn't get it doesn't mean you can't! Having a breakfast rich in protein can help you stay fuller for longer compared to having a lower-protein breakfast.

Oscar Recipe: The Glamour Shot

To "sip like the stars" and enjoy "The Glamour Shot" on Oscar Night, here's what you'll need:

1 ounce Baileys® Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream Liqueur

1/2 ounce Goldschläger® Cinnamon Schnapps

Edible Gold Flakes for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake well and strain into a chilled shot glass rimmed with edible gold flakes.

See this cocktail and more during my preview of the Oscars here:

The Cranberry Bogger

The air is getting a bit more crisp, the flavors of Fall are filling the store aisles, and it's time for family to start gathering near. Clearly, that means it's time for a cocktail!

This recipe is based on a cocktail we served at the restaurant I worked at in college, Gourmelli's. Combining the tart cranberry, the spice of ginger beer, and the warmth of rum makes this drink an instant Fall fave!

Preppy Pink Punch Recipe

As summer is winding down, I find myself trying to cling on to those fresh and fruity flavors for as long as I can. I remember my mom making a delicious drink with fruit punch and sherbet for all of my birthday parties growing up and after trying the new Wild Cranberry & Blood Orange Cocktail from OM (Organic Mixology) Cocktails  I knew that this was going into an adult version of my childhood fave. 

Cheers to National Tequila Day!

I must admit, I'm pretty sure May 5th got robbed of this title but it turns out that today is National Tequila Day! Some of the LA Hot Spots sent over what they were stirring up to celebrate! Check it out! 

The Spot: The Corner Door

The Cocktial: That Girl is Dangerous - Courtesy of Head Bartender Beau du Bois  - Reposado Tequila, Aperol, Lemon Juice, Vanilla Orgeat

12477 W. Washington Boulevard

Culver City, CA 90066

310-313-5810

The Spot: Tin Roof Bistro

The Cocktail: Beverage Director Pablo Kovacs created the Tuk-Tuk, Serrano Chili infused Tequila, Thai inspired Coconut Milk infusion, Lime, Agave nectar, Rocks

3500 N Sepulveda Blvd

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

(310) 546-6180

The Spot: Cinco

The Cocktail: For National Tequila Day, revelers can score Molina's Tequila Gimlet featuring tequila, lime cordial, lime for its $6 Happy Hour price all night long.

Bonus: Chow down on a Tacos Borrachos special (Baja shrimp tacos with chipotle aioli and cabbage slaw). 

7241 W Manchester Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 910-0895

The Spot: Cecconi's

The Cocktail: Creative Bar Director Chris Ojeda serves up two classic tequila offerings that are all about the smoke and spice.

Rio Bravo - Cazadores Blanco tequila, mezcal, agave syrup, Peychaud Bitters & Angnostura Bitters ($14)

Picante de la Casa – The most popular cocktail at Soho House, this spicy take on a margarita is available upon request at Cecconi's, as well. Featuring cazadores tequila with muddled red chilies & cilantro, balanced with fresh lime & agave nectar. ($14)

Cecconi's

8764 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles , 90069

310-432-2000

  

The Spot: Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

The Cocktail: Naughty Maggie Margarita, an old school margarita with a kick inspired by a cocktail on Lazy Dog's original menu.  The cocktail features fresh strawberries, jalapeños, housemade sweet & sour, triple sec and Sauza tequila, topped off with a red chili and black sea salt rim. 

 

3525 West Carson Street

Torrance, CA  90503

(310)921-6080

The Spot: Manhattan Beach Post

The Cocktail: Man in the Yellow Hat – Sour with Del Maguey "Vida," Banana, Lemon, Coconut, Cardamon

1142 Manhattan Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA

(310) 545-5405

Check them out or try to make it yourself at home! 

Oscar Recipe: Award Worthy Cocktails

Whip up these signature cocktails by Patron and Ultimat to be sipping like the stars! 

The Patrón Gold Cosmopolitan

1 ½ oz. Patrón Silver Tequila
½ oz. Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur
2 oz. Organic Blackberry Juice
1 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh Blackberry Garnish
10 Carat Gold Rim

National Rum Punch Day!

In honor of National Rum Punch Day here is the yummy recipe from the "Penalty Box Punch" we served at our wedding this summer!

Mix 4 oz Cruzan Light Rum
1 oz Cruzan Pineapple Rum
1 ½ oz orange juice
A dash of grenadine Pour over ice in a highball glass, stir, garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Enjoy 'Mon!

Cynthia's Apple Pie Smoothie

My good friend Cynthia over at Cupcake Provocateur sent me over this recipe yesterday! Since she is home waiting for her little bun in the over to fully "bake", she's been taking in LOTS of fruits and veggies, but sometimes you need to get creative. And she did!

This recipe is great on these hot days when you want to cool down and nothing says "Ameruurrrica" like Apple Pie! 

Ingredients:

1 peeled and cored granny smith apple cut in chunks
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup whole milk or almond milk (a fave for smoothies)
A good sprinkling of cinnamon

Preparation:

Put everything in a blender, duh! and blend well until smooth.

Garnish with Carmel sauce if your feeling saucy or a little spiced rum if you're feeling naughty! Ok, I added that one in on my own :-) 

Yum!