One thing I love about the summer months is the abundance of fresh fruit. You can use it to infuse water or get creative by dressing up your favorite beverages. Take this Sparkling Blueberry Maple Lemonade, for example. I have been drinking a lot of lemon juice and freshly squeezed lemonade lately, because that is good for my kidneys. Honey is good for the immune system. And there’s nothing like fresh blueberries at the peak of berry season. Add in a few other ingredients, and you have this flavorful, refreshing beverage that is perfect to serve on a warm summer’s day.
Continue reading “Sparkling Blueberry Maple Lemonade”Tag: drinks
Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Mocha Recipe
I love a great cup of hot coffee any day of the year, but especially when it is colder outside. Making it into a mocha makes it even better because then you have the fun flavors going on. And during the holiday season, I want to add in some cinnamon flavoring to feel more festive. So why not try a Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Mocha? There are a couple of ways to make it, and you can easily tweak it to fit your tastes and needs. The first one is easily made on the stovetop using instant coffee and is great all day long. The second version is made using your favorite coffee or espresso and my favorite way to kickstart the day.
Ingredients for an Instant Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Mocha:
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
How to make an Instant Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Mocha on the stove:
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Add the coffee and cocoa.
- Stir in the sugar and salt.
- Continue stirring as the mixture heats up to help dissolve the cocoa.
- When the cocoa is dissolved add the vanilla extract.
- Stir to incorporate all the flavors together.
- Remove from the heat and pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
How to make a Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Mocha with fresh coffee
Okay, so maybe you would rather have more real coffee and that real coffee taste in your cinnamon-spiced hot mocha, with even more caffeine. Use your favorite method to brew a great cup of coffee, whether drip, French press, Keurig, or pour-over. Or make a shot of espresso if that is more your style. Follow the above directions for the milk to heat it, only obviously leaving out the instant coffee. If you prefer to steam your milk, do so, only stir the other ingredients into the coffee first. And then for both methods, pour your hot or steamed milk on top of the coffee and enjoy.
Share this:
How to Make a Healthier Sangria
Sangria is super popular during the summer and fall months because it can be so refreshing and is so easy to prepare for all of those social functions and events. It’s so festive that in December, it has its own special food holiday on December 20 and people serve it at holiday gatherings. Unfortunately, the sugar content can be a little high. So here are some versions of sangria that are better for you because they have a lower sugar content. These are great whether you want to cut back on the sugar and calories, or you just want to offer a healthier version at your next holiday party.
Continue reading “How to Make a Healthier Sangria”Share this:
White Peppermint Hot Cocoa
It’s definitely getting colder outside. That means it is time for all of the hot beverages! And hot chocolate is always a winter weather necessity. Here’s a spin with White Peppermint Hot Cocoa. I have been told that I am not truly a chocolate fan if I like white chocolate, but I do. I like dark and semisweet as well. And to mix it up a bit, I like to throw in some white, what can I say? And with Christmas right around the corner, you are almost obligated to add in the peppermint flavor as well, right? Continue reading “White Peppermint Hot Cocoa”
Share this:
November Food Holiday Observances
For me, November truly means fall. The weather is no longer warm. The leaves are really falling off of the trees and I start to think of all things turkey. November is also my mother’s birthday month, so I relish my Thanksgiving memories with her. But there are all kinds of November Food Holiday Observances to enjoy, many of which also make me think of her. Use this to help you to plan your menu at home, for creative snack ideas in the classroom, or party fun! I’ll keep adding links as I come up with them. Also be sure to check out my Pinterest boards of Recipes to Try and Montessori Food Prep Activities for even more ideas. Which ones are your favorites?
Continue reading “November Food Holiday Observances”
