Blood Orange Margarita for National Margarita Day

Happy National Margarita Day!!!  Yes,  friends I have stepped out of my comfort zone yet again and super excited that my good friend Heather aka girlichef invited me to celebrate National Margarita Day.   Now making cocktails is really not my strength - let's just say there have been a couple of failures albeit tasty failures in the process of making my Blood Orange Margarita… Yes, leave it up to the German girl to make a Margarita.  Rest assured that it only took a couple of tries and it has now been perfected.  

Please let me present you with my version of Blood Orange Margarita

Blood Orange Margarita

• 1-1/2 oz lime juice
•    1/2 oz triple sec
•    1/2 oz Blood Orange Simple Syrup
• 1-1/2 oz Tequilla
•    1/2 C freshly squeezed blood orange juice
•    ice cubes

1. Combine lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and tequila in a cocktail shaker {or use a mason jar with a lid} place some ice cubes with the liquid.  Throughly shake it up.
2. Pour liquid - strain the ice - into a tall glass
3. Top with blood orange juice
4. Add ice and serve

Are you ready for more Margarita fun…check all of it out…

Margaritas:

• Blood Orange Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes
• Blood Orange Margarita from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Caramelized Grapefruit Margarita from girlichef
• Cinnamon Orange Margarita from Sweet Life
• Cool Margarita Mule from Peaceful Cooking
• Iced Coffee Margarita from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Mango Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie
• Minty Papaya Margarita with Chile de Arbol Spice from Nibbles and Feasts
• Pomelo Margaritas from Food Lust People Love
• Winter Pomelo Ginger Margarita from Muy Bueno Cookbook

Margarita-inspired food:

• Blood Orange Margarita Jello Shots from The Spiffy Cookie
• Pink Cadillac Margarita Cupcakes from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Salted Margarita Shortbread from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Strawberry Lime Margarita Cupcakes from Wishes and Dishes
• Strawberry Lime Aide Margarita Popsicles from Simply Healthy Family

Blood Orange Rum Fizz for #Valentines {#TripleSBites #drink}

Can you believe that I have yet another post this week?! Yes, I am on a roll…

Today it's time for an adult beverage for the #TripleSBites event just in time for Valentine's Day.  Now truth be said, I like cocktails but never really make them at home well except for the occasional Campari with OJ or Soda so this really took me a bit out of my comfort zone.  Remember the Blood Orange Simple Syrup?  Yes, it does not just turn into Blood Orange Lemonade, but it's also a cocktail.
Let me introduce you to the Blood Orange Rum Fizz.

yes, another not so great picture…sorry I really was going to take another pictures….

Blood Orange Rum Fizz

• 1-1/2 TB Blood Orange Simple Syrup
• 1-1/2 TB Light Brown Rum
• Slice of Blood Orange
• Prosecco, or other sparkling wine
• Optional ice cubes

1. Add Blood Orange Simple Syrup and rum to a tall glass.  Stir and mix together
2. Add Prosecco and blood orange slice

Now don't forget to enter in the giveaway for fantastic by visiting my #TripleSBites Kick off post and be sure to visit all of the participating blogs.

Are you ready for more great inspiration for Valentine's Day from the rest of the fantastic #TripleSBites bloggers?

An InLinkz Link-up

Disclaimer:  I have received free products from the sponsors for this event.  All opinions are my own.

Blood Orange Lemonade #Valentines #TripleSBites {#dairyfree #recipe #giveaway}

I am on a roll this week.  Can you believe it? A post almost every single day this week. Today it is another post for the #TripleSBites for Valentine's Day and it is something quite out of the ordinary for me a drink.  Yup, that is right I am getting outside of my comfort zone with this one.

Now let's talk Valentine's day for a wee bit - for some it is all about spending time with their sweethearts, others do not care about Vday the least bit, while others yet celebrate the day with their spouses plus kids.  We belong to the last category - we have a special little day for the entire family so there has to be a special drink for everyone not just the parental units.  So now let me present you with homemade Blood Orange Lemonade.

Okay, yes the pictures are less than impressive Ron already told me that but look at this…

yes, that is the Blood Orange Simple Syrup that is the entire basis for this drink. So simple, yet the result is beautiful, deep red in color, plus absolutely delicious…

Blood Orange Simple Syrup

• 1-1/2 C fresh blood orange juice {juice of about 2-3 blood oranges}
• 1/2 blood orange, organic, zested
• 1-1/2 C sugar 
• 1/8 Tsp almond extract

1. Combine blood orange juice and sugar in a sauce pan.  Constantly stirring bring to boil, reduce heat to a simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Add zest together with almond extract and mix under the syrup
3. Let syrup cool down and transfer into a glass container.  Close glass container tightly and store in refrigerator.

Blood Orange Lemonade

• 2 TB Blood Orange Simple Syrup
• crushed ice
• sparkling water
• 1 blood orange slice for garnish

1. Pour Blood Orange Simple Syrup into tall skinny glass
2. Add ice
3. Top off with sparkling water - stir syrup up 
4. Garnish with blood orange slice

Enjoy!

Now don't forget to enter in the giveaway for fantastic by visiting my #TripleSBites Kick off post and be sure to visit all of the participating blogs.

Are you ready for more great inspiration for Valentine's Day from the rest of the fantastic #TripleSBites bloggers?

An InLinkz Link-up

Disclaimer:  I have received free products from the sponsors for this event.  All opinions are my own.

Mint-Lemon Balm Syrup = memories of a castle hike {Hocheppan Alto Adige}

Oh the sweet memories of vacation...I am so glad that it is still summer, giving me time to recreate this delicious syrup.  Minty - yet lemony Mint & Lemon Balm Syrup; good things both are growing like weeds in our yard :)  The girls first taste of this delicious drink was at our hike to Hocheppan, Sued Tirol {Alto Adige}.  Let me just say it was a well deserved break - we hiked down a very steep canyon from Perdonig to Hocheppan then after a break continued on to Schloss Boymont and then back to Gasthof Steinegger our hotel. This was the longest, most difficult hike of our trip however it was so worth it; as a side note if you go on this hike be sure to wear sturdy shoes :).

Now take  a look at the castle {can you find Alena}....

There are not that many pictures of our hike as -
shame on me - the battery ran out -> ooops for not charging the battery properly....but Ron did make a video of Mia Rosie's favorite friend Sascha on the visit...

Anyways now we are back in Portland and I have memories of that delicious drink.  Mint-Lemon Balm Syrup in sparkling water - oh yes. I am happy to report, that the experiment of recreating the syrup worked out :)

We first harvested the herbs in our garden, washed the lemons, cut them, brought the mixture to a boil and let it sit for a couple of days....

Mint-Lemon Balm Syrup

• 1 Bunch of fresh mint 
• 2 Bunches of fresh lemon balm
• 5 organic lemons washed, and sliced
• Large pot
• 10-3/4 C of water
• 4-1/2 lbs. sugar
• app. 5 wide mouth quart sized canning jars {I ended up with three jars and three bottles}

1. Rinse herbs, then pluck the leaves off and place in the large pot
2. Add the lemon slices, and water to the pot
3. Bring to a rolling boil, cover and remove from the heat
4. Leave covered for two days at room temperature.  Stir occasionally
5. Remove herbs, as well as lemons from the mixture.
6. Place the pot back on the stove, adding the sugar.  Bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently.  Boil for about 5 minutes then remove from the heat and fill the syrup into prepared jars and bottles. 
7. Prior to filling the jars and bottles, place cheesecloth on top of the jar/bottle.  Be careful not to burn yourself.  The syrup is very hot!
8. Add to Sparkling Water, or Prosecco, or White Rum, or.....the options are endless :)

Enjoy!

Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco for #SundaySupper {#MothersDay}

Happy Sunday, and Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mom's. The theme for today's #SundaySupper is Mother's Day.  I like to think that this is the day where my spouse will be taking over the kitchen and he surely will find a lot of inspiration from of today's #SundaySupper contributors. Well, let's just see about that :)  actually I will be very happy with a little bubbly, and well behaved children :)

Today's lovely event is hosted by Heather of Hezzi-D's Book's and Cooks - thank you so much for hosting this great event :)

I am bringing today something for the mother's, grandmother's, father's, and adult children.  No, this time it is not something for the entire family as it is a drink.  Yes, a real drink as in bubbly.  I guess, it could be made child friendly by substituting bubbly water, or lime soda.  Well, okay you already know what I am brining to the table today - it is easy, breezy and I am even willing to put it together on Mother's Day :)  Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco - I was introduced to this fantastic treat a few years ago by one of my good German girl friends.  And really, believe me it is easy, it is delicious, and a celebration all by itself....

Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco {two servings}

• Two scoops of good quality Lemon Sorbet
• One split bottle {187 ml} Prosecco or other dry bubbly such as Cava {do not use anything sweet}
• Two champagne flutes

1. Scoop Lemon Sorbet into each champagne flute
2. Fill up with bubbly

Enjoy!!! It will become frothy on top and that is my favorite part...refreshing, delicious, and easy...

Now check out what the rest of the #SundaySupper team is brining for today's event

Mother's Day Brunch:

• Blueberry Coffee Cake from Peanut Butter and Peppers 
• Cornbread Pancakes with Blackberries from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Crepes from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks 
• Hot N Sweet Mango Chutney from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Lemon Glazed Raspberry Scones from Juanita's Cocina
• Quiche Lorraine from Supper for a Steal
• Seafood Quiche from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Strawberry Rhubarb Compote from Noshing with the Nolands
•  Sweet French Breakfast Crepes from Curious Cuisiniere
• Vidalia Onion Quiche from Comfy Cuisine

Mother's Day Entrees:

• Cod with Stewed Tomatoes from Cindy's Recipes and Writings 
• Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches with Herbed Goat Cheesefrom Foxes Love Lemons
• Lemon Risotto from Healthy. Delicious.
• Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp Caper Sauce from Family Foodie
• Pork dumpling (Shumai) from The Urban Mrs.

Mother's Day Sides:

• Spaetzle from Magnolia Days

Mother's Day Desserts and Drinks:

• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Gotta Get Baked
• Chocolate Kahlua Cream Pie from Ruffles & Truffles 
• Espresso Brownies from What Smells So Good?
• Fresh Blackberry Elderflower Sorbet from Shockingly Delicious
• Fresh Fig and Walnut Pie from Vintage Kitchen 
•  Gluten Free Coconut Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Berries, and Fresh Whipped Cream from Neighborfood
• Lavender Shortbread Cookies from girlichef
• Lemon Meringue Pie from Pies and Plots
• Lemon Petit Fours from Home Cooking Memories
• Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Milky Way Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Mini Coconut Pies from La Cocina de Leslie
• Mini Strawberry and Cheese Pies from Basic N Delicious
• Mom's Apple Crisp from Cravings of a Lunatic 
• Mom's Texas Sheetcake from Daily Dish Recipes
• Raspberry and Hazlenut Friands from Happy Baking Days
• Semolina Balls (Suji Laddoo) from Soni's Food
• Too-Good-to-Be-Lowfat Chocolate Eclair Icebox Dessert from The Weekend Gourmet

nd Gourmet Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter Sunday! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat, or join us by TweatChat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.  Coming to Orlando July 19-21, the first annual Food and Wine Conference sponsored by #SundaySupper.  Have you purchased your ticket yet? Good news,you can get a $100 discount on the full conference pass if you participate in the #SundaySupper chat tonight at 7 PM EST. The discount code is "SundaySupper" and only valid during the chat time today, May 12th, 2013 from 7-8 PM EST. 

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement

Orange-Rosemary Punch for #SundaySupper

It is the time of year for get togethers. People - friends, co-workers, acquaintances, families - get together to enjoy each other's company.  This week's #SundaySupper theme is Holiday Food & Appetizers.  This week's host is Conni aka  as The Foodie Army Wife.  

I am bringing something different than my usual Gluehwein.  Gluehwein - these days in red {rot} amd white {weiss} - as well as Punsch is a staple at German Christmas markets {Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlmarkt, etc.}.  It is warming, and comforting on a cold evening. 

Looking for a different kind of punch I came across the recipe for Orange-Rosemary Punch. It is different, but delicious - plus we have a nice rosemary bush in our garden.  Perfect, right?!  Let me tell you, this is an amazing drink. Plus it is super easy to make - just be sure not to boil it, or all the alcohol will get lost...unless that is what you want....

Orange-Rosemary Punch source


2 bottles of white wine {I used Trader Joe's - Sauvingon Blanc} 
1/2 C honey
1 untreated orange
4 springs of rosemary
2/3 C Orange Liquor {I used Harlequin brand}

1. Wash and zest the orange. Reserve the fruit
2. In a stock pot combine white wine, honey rosemary, orange liquor, and orange zest

3. Warm the mixture on the stove top {covered}.  It needs to get 
   hot but not brought to a boil.  Turn off the heat and let 
   steep for at least 30 minutes before serving
4. Cut the orange slices into bite size pieces.  Put a few pieces 
   into each mug, before filling it with the hot Orange-Rosemary
   Punch


Wait, do not go yet - be sure to check out what everyone else from the #SundaySupper Team has to offer.

Holiday Cocktails

• Glühwein from Magnolia Days
• Cookies-n-Cream Cocktails from The Urban Mrs
• Cranberry Fizz from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Rosemary Orange Punsch from Galactopdx
• Candy Cane Martini from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Raspberry Hot Chocolate from Momma’s Meals
• Chocolate Peppermint Eggnog from The Daily Dish Recipes
• Jamaican Sorrel from The Lovely Pantry
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Spoons from Chocolate Moosey
• Homemade Eggnog from Flour on my Face
• Moroccan Mint Tea from MarocMama
• Cherry Bomb from Noshing with the Nolands
• Wassel from There And Back Again
• Cranberry Sparkler Mocktail from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Pomegranate Cosmo from Supper For A Steal
• Poinsettia Mimosas from Big Bear’s Wife
• Mulled Wine: Spiked and Steamy from Daddy Knows Less
• Poinsettia Cocktails from The Catholic Foodie
• The Red Carpet Diva from Cooking Underwriter

Holiday Appetizers or Hors d’oeuvres

• Cheese Ball Wreath from The Meltaways
• Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts from My Catholic Kitchen
• Prosciutto Goat Cheese Rolls with Fig Preserves and Arugula from Shockingly Delicious
• Muenster and Spinach Pinwheels from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Drunk Moose Meatballs from The Foodie Army Wife
• Smoked Salmon Blinis with Cranberry-Spiced Feta from Chattering Kitchen
• Sticky Wholegrain Mustard & Ginger Cocktail Sausages from girlichef
• Potato Leek Soup from What Smells So Good
• Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• 5 Quick & Easy Appetizers for Your Holiday Party from Webicurean
• Bacon Peanut Caramel Corn from Gotta Get Baked
• Crostini topped with Voodoo Chicken Cream Dip from Country Girl in the Village
• Mushroom Strudel from Vintage Kitchen
• Roxanne’s Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Queso Dip from The ROXX Box
• Herbed Holiday Party Mix from Curious Cuisiniere
• Old fashioned Swedish Meatballs from I Run For Wine
• Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bites from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Fried Green Beans with Wasabi Ranch from Juanita’s Cocina
• Salsa Baked Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Cookie Dough Dip from The Cookie-A-Day Challenge
• Parmesan Onion Rounds from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Lip-smacking Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs from In The Kitchen with KP
• Hot Spinach Parmesan Dip from Comfy Cuisine
• Indian Spiced Tuna Balls from Soni’s Food
• Onion marmalade with Bacon from Ruffles and Truffles
• Sweet Potato Dip from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Baked Jalapeno Popper Ranch Dip from Weekend Gourmet
• Baked Brie from Family Foodie
• Hoisin Asisan Meatballs from Damn Delicious

To honor the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary the Twitter Chat today has been cancelled.  Isabel, the founder of #SundaySupper, put what all of feel into words.  My heart breaks for all those who have lost loved ones.

We would love to feature your recipe for holiday get together's on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board to share  with all of our followers.