RECIPE: FAST AND FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIE

I'm working on getting some pounds off and have also eliminated sweets for a while. That doesn't stop me from wanting sweets, however. Here's a recipe that not only helps with the cravings, it helps pump up my energy level in the mid-afternoon. And while not typically party fare, a smoothie is actually very versatile, just perfect for breakfast,, brunch, or burger night. Make them very frothy and icy but without having to add ice by using very cold milk and freezing the fruit. Serve in place of ice cream shake for burgers with the kids. They will love it and you'll love that they ate fresh fruit.

This recipe takes about one minute to make and clean up if you use an immersion blender. If you don't have one, I'd suggest getting one- it is my #1 kitchen tool. So much easier than getting out the big blender or food processor!

FAST AND FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chilled and sliced

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup skim milk, super cold

dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, powdered ginger or whatever spices you like.

DIRECTIONS:

Put all of the ingredients into a glass and buzz them with your immersion blender for about 30 seconds or until smooth. If you chill the milk and the berries, you will not need to use ice and the process is fast and easy. Makes 1.

For supper, I put together a quick "hobo pack" dinner of chicken and veggies which is far superior in taste and quality to pre-packaged diet food yet equally convenient. And it is only 300 calories for a lot of food with no preservatives.

BIG BATCH HURRICANE COCKTAIL RECIPE FOR MARDI GRAS

Whether you're hosting a Mardi Gras party or just want a fun cocktail everyone will like, a Hurricane is a can't miss fruity rum favorite. Made popular at Pat O"Brien's tavern in New Orleans back during WW2 when whiskey and other liquors were hard to come by. Today, the Hurricane is a mainstay on cocktail menus around Bourbon Street but tourists line up to get the original from Pat O'Brien's in the signature hurricane glass.

Martie's Party Hurricanes 

INGREDIENTS

1  1/2 ounces light rum         

1  1/2 ounces dark rum

1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice

1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice 

1/4 cup passion fruit juice (find it in the canned juice or International foods aisles)

1 sugar cube (about a teaspoon of granulated sugar)

1 teaspoon Grenadine

Maraschino cherries plus juice and orange slices for garnish

Ice

DIRECTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, mix the rum, juices and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add Grenadine, and stir to combine, then add ice and shake. Add ice to a Hurricane style glass, strain into the glass. Add a dash of the cherry juice. Garnish with orange slices and cherries.

Serves 1.

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BIG BATCH HURRICANE COCKTAIL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

25.4 ounces (1-750 ml bottle)  light rum

25.4 ounces (1-750 ml bottle) dark rum

2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice

2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

4 cups passion fruit juice

16 sugar cubes or about 1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup Grenadine

Maraschino cherries plus juice and orange slices for garnish

Ice

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients except the ice together in a large container or dispenser. Chill. Serve over ice. Makes 15-20 cocktails depending on portion size.

VALENTINE'S DAY HOW-TO: EASY CHOCOLATE RECIPES and SWEET DIY CARDS

Want to do something sweet for your Valentine? I've got a few suggestions and they just could not be easier.

MAKE AN IMPRESSIVE (BUT OH SO EASY) DESSERT: STRAWBERRY NAPOLEONS

If he's taking you out for Valentine's Day, skip the dessert and have it at home with a lovely bottle of bubbly. There is something so special about a homemade dessert- especially when the dessert looks like it took hours to make. Use boxed puff pastry you find in the frozen food section of the store along with some fresh whipped cream and some berries infused in your favorite liqueur. Viola! You've got a pastry shop worthy treat that you can even shape into a heart if your heart desires.  Get the recipe...

NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Homemade treats are always a welcome gift-and chocolate always tops the list. These homemade chocolate truffles are better than most you find at the store and very easy to make. You can customize these chocolate truffles in your Valentine's favorite flavors and pack them in a tin or box lined with pretty cupcake or parchment paper.  Get the recipe....

BAKE HER (or HIM) A MINI CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ

Soufflés are impressive- mainly because people think they are so difficult. Shhhh- they're not. But your technique and timing are both important. You can make this recipe up to 30 minutes before you pop them into the oven. I love chocolate Soufflés paired with a liqueur-infused cream Angalise (yes, you can cheat and use melted vanilla ice cream instead of making your own Anglaise) Get the recipe....

MAKE YOUR SWEETHEART A VALENTINE'S DAY BREAKFAST (MAYBE SERVED ON A TRAY IN BED WITH A FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE?)

This year, Valentine's Day (February 14th)  falls on Saturday. The perfect way to start the day is to make your Valentine breakfast. 

START WITH COFFEE...

Start with milk you froth in the microwave or with a whisk and create a symbol of love right in her coffee cup....  a coffee 'card" if you will. Even if you are not an artist like the baristas at your favorite coffee shop or you don't have a cappuccino machine or milk frother at home (I don't have one) you can still whip up this sweet treat with a Mason jar or a whisk. If your Valentine doesn't drink coffee, our friend Robin suggested to use the heart template to sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on bread for cinnamon toast. Get the how-to...

MAKE A PUFFY SKILLET PANCAKE

A big, puffed up skillet pancake- also called a Dutch Baby- is always a hit when you bring it to the table. When you go the extra step to decorate it with a powdered sugar heart or chocolate shavings, it is even more impressive!

For the heart decoration, simply cut a heart from some brown craft paper or tin foil. Place it over the pancake and dust over it with powdered sugar or cocoa from a mesh strainer. You've got an instant Valentine! Get the recipe...

FOR THE KIDS: STRAWBERRY NUTELLA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Who are we kidding here? I'd love it if someone made me this decadent stuffed French Toast for Valentine's Day- or any other day, for that matter.

Stuffed with fresh strawberries, marscapone cheese, and Nutella, the chocolate hazelnut spreaed... do you need to know anything else? Get the recipe...

AND WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FORGOT THE CARD...

Make a DIY Valentine. You don't have to be super creative or have perfect penmanship like all the folks on Pinterest.I think it is perfectly okay just to write out your sentiments out like I did with this little flip book. Get the how-to...

Wishing you a sweet Valentine's Day!