4th of July Mojito

It is that time of year, where the parking lots are filled with firework stands and your neighborhood streets are littered with firework debris. Apparently here in Louisiana fireworks are not just reserved for particular holidays, our neighbors have informed us that people shot them during all the Saints games. So basically half my year will be filled with fireworks, joy.

Since we are in a new place, we aren't going all out for our celebration but one of the first things on my list was to find a drink fitting the occasion. My children picked out these hideous blue, sugar filled jars of juice, which were not quite fitting for the adults in their lives.

So I came across this wonderful drink and I cannot wait to try it out. I am sure there will be a test run later tonight just to make sure it is just right.

Oh yea....and that is edible star glitter floating around....could you get any more patriotic?!?

Berry Mojito

4th of July Mojito

Makes 1

2 ounces white rum
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
10 mint leaves
2-3 sliced strawberries
10-15 blueberries
Silver edible glitter stars

In a glass muddle lime juice, simple syrup, mint, strawberries and blueberries.  Add rum and stir.  Fill glass with crushed ice and top off with club soda.  Garnish with a skewer of strawberries and blueberries and sprinkle edible glitter stars on top!

Cheesecake in a Mug

source

Everyone loves dessert. Sometimes you just don't feel like spending hours slaving in the kitchen making something or you go to make a batch of cookies and easily eat 10, been there done that! 

Some have asked me if there was something other than cake that you could make in a mug. It took me sometime but I think I have found it! This will have to definitely be added to the list of "splurge" items waiting for me on a Friday night.

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp sour cream

1 egg

½ tsp lemon juice

¼ tsp vanilla

2-4 tbsp sugar (taste as you go)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high heat for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds incorporating all ingredients. Refrigerate until serving.

Here are a few options: Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream or nut meal.

Vegan Blueberry Muffins

I know, I know...when a lot of people see the word vegan they tend to shun away from a recipe. I personally like to try out vegan recipes because 1) most of them are healthier and 2) I run out of milk and eggs A LOT! Those are staples in my children's diet and we go through them crazy fast.

For teacher appreciation day I wanted to send something in for my oldest sons teachers for breakfast. Now a days you never know what people are allergic too, wont or cant eat or if they are just picky eaters. I chose a simple recipe that I knew couldn't go wrong, blueberry muffins.

My son and I made a big batch of them, placed them in a cute little box with a ribbon and off to school he went. They loved them and said it was a nice break from the normal breakfast of coffee and more coffee. If I was a first grade teacher with 24 kids...I would have a pot plugged in sitting on my desk.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour

1/2 cups of brown sugar

2 1/2 tsp backing powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp of coconut oil

2/3 cup of milk, I used almond milk

1 tbsp of lemon juice

and of course blueberries, whoever many you like

Preheat our over to 375.

In a large bowl mix all of the dry ingredients.

In smaller bowl, mix the milk and vinegar. Let it set for about 5 minutes.

Add the milk/vinegar mixture and the oil to the dry ingredients.

Mix lightly until everything comes together.

Add your blueberries. 

My muffins turned a little blue from the juice of the berries!

Scoop into your muffin tin

Bake for about 15 minutes.

Let cool and enjoy!

Strawberry and Blueberry Compote

I am so excited that it is finally the time of year where all of our local produce stands are opening up. I love the sweet taste of the freshly harvested berries and melons and the crisp crunch of the veggies. This is one of my favorite places to visit, The Veggie Wagon. Its along the beach and you can always find something for a little midday snack as you are lounging in the sand. 

One of my favorite berry recipes to make are compotes. You can make them with so many varieties of berries but strawberries and blueberries have to be my favorite combination. 

Serve them warm over some vanilla ice cream or whip up some homemade whipped cream and dollop it on top of the cooled compote. Whatever you choose, you wont be sorry that you tried it. 

In a small pan place 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 tbsp of honey, 1/2 cup of blueberries and 1 cup of chopped strawberries. Let it come to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes. Use a nonstick pan so the compote does not stick to the pan. 

That is it. Eat it hot or eat it cold, it is your choice!