Fab. Fit. Fun…..and over fifty!
My husband and I lived in the SF Bay Area in our late 20s, and we went to Napa and Sonoma Counties (Wine Country) a lot. Like really a lot (more times than I can count!) I have many great memories of lazy sunny afternoons with friends, drinking wine and having picnics, while learning about oak barrels, tannens, the chemistry of fermentation, etc.
Continue reading “Traveling to Wine Country after 50!”…….beer and cheese tasting and pairing?!?!?
I’m sure you’ve heard of wine tasting and wine/food pairing. I’ve gone wine tasting more times than I can count! (ok we did live in northern California for several years) and I’ve even been to several wine and food pairing events, but I’d certainly never heard of beer pairing until recently.
Continue reading “What’s the deal with….”
On a beautiful summer evening last week, Bev and I got together to make Skinny Margaritas. These aren’t typical Skinny Margaritas from a mix though! I love this recipe because it’s simple and the ingredients are all natural – no artificial sweeteners, no high fructose corn syrup, and no artificial colors which give the drink a neon green hue – lol! There are only three ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and honey (or agave) simple syrup. The most complicated step is making simple syrup – which is actually very simple. I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a fan of overly sweet cocktails, so this one is perfect. You can make it as sweet or as sour as you like. We hope you give the recipe a try and enjoy yours on a beautiful summer evening!
****** Disclaimer: Bev and I do not think we’re still in middle school – the color coordinating outfits in the video were completely unplanned!
INGREDIENTS:
Honey Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup honey (or agave nectar)*
Pitcher Margaritas
16-oz. fresh lime juice (~2 cups)
16-oz. high-quality tequila (~2 cups)
8-oz. honey simple syrup (entire recipe from above) (~1 cup)
6 cups ice
Single-Serve Margarita
2-oz. fresh lime juice
2-oz. high-quality tequila
1-oz. honey simple syrup
optional: splash of orange juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
First prepare the honey simple syrup and add the water and honey to a small pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes (stirring periodically). Remove from heat and let cool.
For a pitcher of margaritas, fill a large pitcher with around 6 cups of ice. Then, place 16 fl. oz lime juice, 16 fl. oz. tequila, and 8 fl. oz. of honey simple syrup into a pitcher. Use a long wooden spoon to mix to combine. Serve over ice with fresh lime slices and a salty rim.
For a single-serve margarita, place a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker. Then, add 2 fl. oz. lime juice, 2 fl. oz. tequila, and 1 fl. oz. honey simple syrup. Place the top on and shake to combine. Serve over ice with limes and a salty rim.
TIPS & NOTES
Honey: option to swap the honey for agave nectar. Both are great choices for this skinny margarita.
Recipe by: fitfoodiefinds.com
How to Make Simple Syrup
Spring is finally here! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and warm weather is around the corner. But most important, it’s time to start thinking about one of our favorite warm weather activities – drinks al fresco! And what better for “al fresco”, than a favorite Italian summer cocktail: Aperol Spritz!
It’s light, sparkling, colorful and perfect in warm weather. And it’s easy to make – no shaker or fancy cocktail tools needed! Bev and I thought it would be fun to take advantage of the warm weather (social distancing of course! ) and make our own. Of course we had a great time!
We got some advice on how to make the best Aperol Spritz from Amy Reichard, a former bartender and close friend of Bev’s, “Aperol Spritz is a drink that is not only colorful, but pairs with so much! My fav is in a big wine glass with lots of ice, super bubbly seltzer, a nice Prosecco and of course, Aperol, the Venetian gift to us all! The slice of orange finishes off a beautiful presentation as a hostess welcome cocktail.”
Aperol Spritz
INGREDIENTS (Per cocktail)
~Ice
~3 ounces (1 part) Aperol
~3 ounces (1 part) dry Prosecco
~1 ounce (a splash) club soda or unflavored sparkling water
~Orange slice, for garnish
Recipe by www.cookieandkate.com