Happy Saturday! Here's the second "Saturday Sipper" :)
In April 2009, about 8 months after George and I got married, we took our honeymoon to Jost Van Dyke, a lovely little island in the British Virgin Islands. We had an absolute blast!
Our days were filled with warm sunshine, beach bars, relaxing time together, lots of Scrabble, and lots of cocktails. If you've ever been to the Caribbean, you may have heard of a delicious libation called the 'Painkiller'.
The Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke claims to have the Original Painkiller, and George and I ended up there most afternoons for 1...or 4 of them. This yummy drink was made from dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice, topped with fresh nutmeg.
So. Good.
I did try and create this myself a couple times last summer. It was good, dangerously good. But with all that juice, I knew it had to be packed with calories.
I realized one of the reasons I liked the drink so much was because of the nutmeg. The smell and taste of it helped bring back those fun memories being in the Caribbean with George. Around the same time when I was trying to think of a new 'healthier' cocktail a bit reminiscent of the Painkiller, my husband and I had also discovered Sailor Jerry's spiced rum.
So I started with that, and here is what I came up with.
Bubbly Anchor
1.5 oz Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum
Plain Seltzer
Orange Juice
Freshly grated nutmeg
Fill a large glass with ice, add 1.5oz of Sailor Jerry's Rum (or more or less!), fill with seltzer, splash of OJ, top with freshly grated nutmeg...and really use the freshly grated, it tastes so much better!
This has about 115 calories
Cheers!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Saturday Sipper: Sour Chocolate Raspberries
Welcome to the first 'Saturday Sipper' blogpost! I hope to bring you a fun new drink every saturday for your enjoyment!
A few months ago, while perusing the flavored vodka selection at a local liquor store, something amazing caught my eye...Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka!
There is a picture of a raspberry dripping with chocolate on the bottle, now who wouldn't want to drink that?!
At first I was at a loss for what to drink it with. Do I just go for it and drink it on the rocks? Make a white russian with it? (Btw...if you have some extra cals to spare, I think that would be amazing!) Mix it with soda water?
My first attempt was mixing it with vanilla seltzer. It was good, but sort of just ok. But I wanted to make something more yummy with it. It's sort of a weird flavor to match something with. Then I got on a kick with some other flavored vodkas, like Chocolate Whipped, Cucumber and Marshmallow, and sort of forgot about the bottle of Stoli Chocolat Razberri. Until today. Well last night, I like my vodka but not in the morning...not before a double barre session anyway.
Here is what I came up with!
Sour Chocolate Raspberries
1.5 oz Stoli Chocolat Razberi
Juice from a quarter of a lime
Juice from a quarter of a lemon (or you can use either a lime or a lemon!)
1 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar, or agave syrup)
*Approximately 120 calories
Fill a shaker with ice and shake it up! Strain into a martini glass OR in a glass with ice and fill with soda water. This should also be enough for to shooters if you please.
This recipe is much more tart than sweet. If you like things sweeter, you could substitute the lemon and lime juice for limeade or lemonade (I love Simply!), or you could add more sugar. The soda water also helps to cut some of the tartness :)
I hope you have a wonderful saturday! Cheers!!
A few months ago, while perusing the flavored vodka selection at a local liquor store, something amazing caught my eye...Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka!
There is a picture of a raspberry dripping with chocolate on the bottle, now who wouldn't want to drink that?!
At first I was at a loss for what to drink it with. Do I just go for it and drink it on the rocks? Make a white russian with it? (Btw...if you have some extra cals to spare, I think that would be amazing!) Mix it with soda water?
My first attempt was mixing it with vanilla seltzer. It was good, but sort of just ok. But I wanted to make something more yummy with it. It's sort of a weird flavor to match something with. Then I got on a kick with some other flavored vodkas, like Chocolate Whipped, Cucumber and Marshmallow, and sort of forgot about the bottle of Stoli Chocolat Razberri. Until today. Well last night, I like my vodka but not in the morning...not before a double barre session anyway.
Here is what I came up with!
Sour Chocolate Raspberries
1.5 oz Stoli Chocolat Razberi
Juice from a quarter of a lime
Juice from a quarter of a lemon (or you can use either a lime or a lemon!)
1 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar, or agave syrup)
*Approximately 120 calories
Fill a shaker with ice and shake it up! Strain into a martini glass OR in a glass with ice and fill with soda water. This should also be enough for to shooters if you please.
This recipe is much more tart than sweet. If you like things sweeter, you could substitute the lemon and lime juice for limeade or lemonade (I love Simply!), or you could add more sugar. The soda water also helps to cut some of the tartness :)
I hope you have a wonderful saturday! Cheers!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Summery Appetizers Even Though its Winter
I love summer! Who doesn't?!
Time to relax and enjoy. Spend time with friends and family. Lounge on the beach doing absolutely nothing but talking to friends, flipping through a magazine and sipping a cocktail (or prosecco!)
Ok, so I know it's only January, I know the new year has just begun. And that besides a couple of days, this winter hasn't really been bad at all....
So why can't I stop thinking about summer??
And, why, for some reason, do I totally skip over looking forward to spring? Spring is fun too, and the weather can be quite nice, especially for running.
But I just want summer! :)
I think it's the ease of summer, the happiness and laziness associated with long summer days with sunshine until 8 o'clock. Or being able to wear a cute sundress with flip flips. Laying in the warm sun, or floating in the waves at the beach....ok, clearly I am just obsessed with summer!
I also don't like to spend my days just waiting for the next season, event or fun time. Though great to have things to look forward too, I hate the feeling of living for the weekend, the next vacation or date. I (try to) look at every day as a fun, exciting day with the ability to achieve goals, learn, relax....whatever, but just enjoy.
I sometimes find this harder in the winter. Living in New England the weather can get very cold, and I'm kind of a wimp, so I don't get out and walk/run as much. But I'll choose to run inside on a treadmill or go to a class instead. That being said, sometimes the winter can seem very long. And cold!!
So....what to do??
How about a little taste of summer?! And do you know what sounds really fun?? A fun indoor party with friends or family, or just your significant other! Turn up the heat! Throw on your favorite summer sundress or shorts. Play some Kenny Chesny on your iPod. And make some delicious 'summery' food!
Here are some summery appetizers to get you started!
Fruit Kabobs!
These are always fun. Make it even better with some yogurt dip. Here's a recipe from Tasteofhome.com
Fruit and Dip
Something about eating fruit always makes me think of summer. And though, it may not be quite as tasty now compared to summer, don't forget about it! Pick your favorite fruit, my friend Jess had some delicious fruit (including strawberries!) for her rocking New Years Eve party. And last summer, Jolene gave me this delicious, easy recipe for fruit dip.
Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip (serves 10)
2 cups Greek Yogurt (340 calories for Fage 2%)
1 package vanilla instant pudding (360 calories)
3 tablespoons sour cream (90 calories)
79 calories per serving
Mix together all ingredients. I used an electric hand mixer to help whip it up.
*It was a bit thick with the 2% Fage, so you could definitely use fat free if you'd like. Which would also lessen the calories.
Cantaloupe and Pineapple with Ham
Cut pineapple and cantaloupe into chunks, wrap with a piece of ham (good ham from the deli), hold together with a toothpick. Especially good if you're like me and like the salty-sweet deal!
Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil
Ok, not as good as summer when you can pick the tomatoes and basil fresh from your garden, but still good!
Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into similar sized sliced. Place mozzarella, then tomato, and top with basil. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar, or this Balsamic dressing...
Balsamic Dressing
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (10 calories)
1 tablespoon olive oil (119 calories)
2 tsp Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard (10 calories)
Salt and pepper if you want.
I just put everything in a jar and shake it up.
139 calories, this makes more than enough for a big salad, and can easily be multiplied.
Grilled Pepper Poppers
Maybe I can get my husband to switch to these instead of the breaded frozen ones he likes! Enjoy this recipe from CookingLight.com
And here's one of my favorite refreshing cocktails to drink on the beach (or anywhere!)
Bubbly Cucumber Cooler
Cucumber Vodka
Cranberry Lime Seltzer (or plain, or raspberry lime)
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Fill glass with ice, add vodka (I usually measure with a shot glass), fill with seltzer, add fresh squeezed lime juice. Enjoy!
*If you like it a little more sweet, add a splash of Simply Limeade to top instead!
What are your favorite summer recipes??
Time to relax and enjoy. Spend time with friends and family. Lounge on the beach doing absolutely nothing but talking to friends, flipping through a magazine and sipping a cocktail (or prosecco!)
Ok, so I know it's only January, I know the new year has just begun. And that besides a couple of days, this winter hasn't really been bad at all....
So why can't I stop thinking about summer??
And, why, for some reason, do I totally skip over looking forward to spring? Spring is fun too, and the weather can be quite nice, especially for running.
But I just want summer! :)
I think it's the ease of summer, the happiness and laziness associated with long summer days with sunshine until 8 o'clock. Or being able to wear a cute sundress with flip flips. Laying in the warm sun, or floating in the waves at the beach....ok, clearly I am just obsessed with summer!
I also don't like to spend my days just waiting for the next season, event or fun time. Though great to have things to look forward too, I hate the feeling of living for the weekend, the next vacation or date. I (try to) look at every day as a fun, exciting day with the ability to achieve goals, learn, relax....whatever, but just enjoy.
I sometimes find this harder in the winter. Living in New England the weather can get very cold, and I'm kind of a wimp, so I don't get out and walk/run as much. But I'll choose to run inside on a treadmill or go to a class instead. That being said, sometimes the winter can seem very long. And cold!!
So....what to do??
How about a little taste of summer?! And do you know what sounds really fun?? A fun indoor party with friends or family, or just your significant other! Turn up the heat! Throw on your favorite summer sundress or shorts. Play some Kenny Chesny on your iPod. And make some delicious 'summery' food!
Here are some summery appetizers to get you started!
Fruit Kabobs!
These are always fun. Make it even better with some yogurt dip. Here's a recipe from Tasteofhome.com
Fruit and Dip
Something about eating fruit always makes me think of summer. And though, it may not be quite as tasty now compared to summer, don't forget about it! Pick your favorite fruit, my friend Jess had some delicious fruit (including strawberries!) for her rocking New Years Eve party. And last summer, Jolene gave me this delicious, easy recipe for fruit dip.
Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip (serves 10)
2 cups Greek Yogurt (340 calories for Fage 2%)
1 package vanilla instant pudding (360 calories)
3 tablespoons sour cream (90 calories)
79 calories per serving
Mix together all ingredients. I used an electric hand mixer to help whip it up.
*It was a bit thick with the 2% Fage, so you could definitely use fat free if you'd like. Which would also lessen the calories.
Cantaloupe and Pineapple with Ham
Cut pineapple and cantaloupe into chunks, wrap with a piece of ham (good ham from the deli), hold together with a toothpick. Especially good if you're like me and like the salty-sweet deal!
Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil
Ok, not as good as summer when you can pick the tomatoes and basil fresh from your garden, but still good!
Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into similar sized sliced. Place mozzarella, then tomato, and top with basil. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar, or this Balsamic dressing...
Balsamic Dressing
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (10 calories)
1 tablespoon olive oil (119 calories)
2 tsp Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard (10 calories)
Salt and pepper if you want.
I just put everything in a jar and shake it up.
139 calories, this makes more than enough for a big salad, and can easily be multiplied.
Grilled Pepper Poppers
Maybe I can get my husband to switch to these instead of the breaded frozen ones he likes! Enjoy this recipe from CookingLight.com
And here's one of my favorite refreshing cocktails to drink on the beach (or anywhere!)
Bubbly Cucumber Cooler
Cucumber Vodka
Cranberry Lime Seltzer (or plain, or raspberry lime)
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Fill glass with ice, add vodka (I usually measure with a shot glass), fill with seltzer, add fresh squeezed lime juice. Enjoy!
*If you like it a little more sweet, add a splash of Simply Limeade to top instead!
What are your favorite summer recipes??
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Vodka and Ice Cream
There are two things I always know that always make me happy: ice cream and vodka.
Lots of other things in my life make me happy too, but some days are just that much better if I get to enjoy a favorite vodka concoction and some yummy ice cream.
That being said....I have realized I can't eat and drink all the ice cream and vodka that I want (bummer!!). BUT if serving sizes are accounted for (and logged using myfitnesspal.com, or another website), and vodka is mixed with low or no calorie mixers, I feel like, yes, I can have it all :)
And, what makes extremely happy? Responsibly enjoying my vodka and ice cream (along with other treats!), while still maintaining a fit lifestyle.
In this blog I hope to share some health tips, fun recipes, pondering thoughts and maybe some motivation.
I'll leave with a quick, warm little recipe :)
Cheers!!
Minty Winter Warmer
Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea (this is seasonal, but a peppermint tea would be good too!)
Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
Whipped Cream (optional)
Make a cup of Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea
Add 1oz (or more or less!) of Whipped Vodka
Top with whipped cream
*Pinnacle Whipped Vodka has about 133 calories per 1.5oz pour
*Whipped cream: 15 calories for 2 tablespoons
*Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea: 0 calories
Lots of other things in my life make me happy too, but some days are just that much better if I get to enjoy a favorite vodka concoction and some yummy ice cream.
That being said....I have realized I can't eat and drink all the ice cream and vodka that I want (bummer!!). BUT if serving sizes are accounted for (and logged using myfitnesspal.com, or another website), and vodka is mixed with low or no calorie mixers, I feel like, yes, I can have it all :)
And, what makes extremely happy? Responsibly enjoying my vodka and ice cream (along with other treats!), while still maintaining a fit lifestyle.
In this blog I hope to share some health tips, fun recipes, pondering thoughts and maybe some motivation.
I'll leave with a quick, warm little recipe :)
Cheers!!
Minty Winter Warmer
Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea (this is seasonal, but a peppermint tea would be good too!)
Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
Whipped Cream (optional)
Make a cup of Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea
Add 1oz (or more or less!) of Whipped Vodka
Top with whipped cream
*Pinnacle Whipped Vodka has about 133 calories per 1.5oz pour
*Whipped cream: 15 calories for 2 tablespoons
*Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea: 0 calories
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)