Tara’s Kitchen

Summer always seems to put everybody in a festive mood. With the days getting longer, warmer and brighter, there’s no denying that summer is the perfect time for spending time with family and friends outdoors. As e verybody tucks away their heavy boots and coats for next year and brings out sun dresses, shorts, tank tops and light tee shirts, it’s that time of the year again when entertaining means taking out the grill and serving icy cold drinks that’ll beat the heat on those balmy nights perfect for staying up late and staring at the stars.

Throwing the perfect summer barbecue allows you to be extra creative with how you will entertain your guests. Make the drinks you’re going to serve the star of your bash by serving delicious cocktails that would keep your guests coming back for more. Think juicy summer fruits that would amp your cocktails not only in taste but also in color, special iced teas, and don’t forget the classic daiquiris, margaritas, and punches.

But just because you’re going to serve extra tasty beverages doesn’t mean they have to have the extra calories as well. You can keep your drinks at the low end of the calorie scale too without it being bland as plain ice cold water.

Plus, you can make your drinks even better by making them look special. After all, we eat, and in this case, drink with our eyes first. You can prettify your drinks to make them look even more appetizing for your guests. Play up bright and happy summer colors and incorporate them in your drinks. Shades of red in your drink will make them stand out—think cosmopolitans, sangria punches, and champagne cocktails infused with red fruits. Yellows and blues in your drinks will also add that extra touch of fun. Blueberry cocktails and special mint infused lemonades would be very refreshing on a warm evening get together.

Forget red solo cups. While it might be tempting to get a stack of these cups for your summer barbecue, they’re a bit on the boring side and they’re not special enough for your pumped up summer barbecue. Serve your drinks on special cocktail glasses, flutes, and other pretty cups that will show off just how tempting your cocktails are. You can use clear glasses or even frosted glass cups. If you prefer to make your drinks in big batches, bring out pretty glass pitchers.

No cocktail drink is complete without garnishes. Making your drinks look pretty relies on how you present them and garnishes serve this purpose. Rim your cocktail glasses with sugar by dipping the lip in some lemon or lime juice and then dipping it in some granulated sugar. You can also do this with salt if your drinks are tequila based.

You can also use citrus slices. Cut up an orange, a lemon, or a lime and let a slice hang by the lip of your cocktail glass. You can also put citrus slices and even wedges in pitchers of your drinks. This will also work with other fruits especially if your cocktails are fruit juice-based. Put in chunks or slices of the fruit you used for contrast in texture. Plus that burst of fruity goodness adds to the flavor of your drinks.

Herbs like mint can add more oomph to your cocktail drinks. Don’t just settle for infusing your drinks with these. Put in a few leaves in your pitchers and cups for that extra dose of minty freshness.

Ice is a staple for summer barbecues because let’s face it, the days and even the nights during this season can get a tad too warm. Ice will keep your drinks cool and refreshing. But don’t just stick to plain and boring ice cubes. Infuse your ice with mint and other herbs as well as with fruits. You can also add a few chunks of fruit in your ice before freezing it to make it prettier. You can also freeze fruit juices and even your cocktails so that your drinks will not taste watered-down when the ice melts.

Olives in cocktail sticks are a classic garnish for cocktails but you can also use sticks of hard fruit and even vegetables if your drinks are vegetable juice-based. Don’t forget those cute umbrellas too!

The ultimate test for cocktail drinks, however, is its taste. You can make your drinks look pretty but if they don’t taste good, it absolutely defeats its purpose. Since refreshments are the star of summer barbecues, making your drinks taste delicious is a must.

Cocktail lovers would argue that drinks are not complete without alcohol. The buzz from having a cocktail send tingles down anybody’s spine and makes a barbecue bash a lot more fun. But alcoholic cocktails sometimes have tons of calories because of all the sugar in it that make the drinker guilty for drinking them.

However, there are cocktails that are low on calories that’ll reduce that guilt. Here are some recipes for low calorie alcohol-based drinks that will get your guests hooked:

Sangria Sparkler

This Spanish drink is best served with friends. The blood oranges make it more vibrant and delicious tasting as well.

750-milliliter bottle dry red wine
1 cup light orange juice
1/4 cup brandy or cognac
1/4 cup orange liqueur
2 tablespoons sugar
2 medium oranges, sliced
2 cups club soda, chilled
Crushed ice and/or orange peel curls (optional)

In a large pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, orange liqueur, sugar, and orange slices. Chill at least 2 hours. Add club soda before serving. Serve over crushed ice and/or with orange peel curls if desired.

Calories: 100

Sugar Free Margarita

This is another one of those sugar laden drinks that spell trouble. There are 16 grams of sugar in an average margarita but this sugar-free version is different:

1 jigger (1.5 oz) tequila
2 Tablespoons (1 oz) lime juice – bottled more convenient, fresh tastes a lot better
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) water
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1 Tablespoon’s worth artificial sweetener (I like to use liquid, carb-free types)
Ice – small handful
Margarita salt or kosher salt
Wet the rim of the glass and dip into a small plate of salt.

Combine all ingredients. You can either serve it over ice (in Mexico I’ve usually been served it this way, but I can’t say I’ve had extensive experience), or strained into the glass, or blended in a blender.

Calories: 128

Bloody Mary Cocktail

Bloody Maries are perfect low calorie cocktails because its carbohydrate content is reduced:

1 jigger (1.5 oz or 3 tablespoons) vodka (nutritional analysis uses 80 proof)
6 oz tomato juice (or see note)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh preferred)
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
2 to 3 drops hot sauce such as Tabasco
2 to 3 drops Worcestershire sauce
Dash pepper (fresh ground preferred)
Dash horseradish (optional)
Possible garnishes: lemon wedge, celery stalk

In a tallish glass, mix vodka, tomato juice, and lemon juice. Mix in the flavorings, adjusting to taste. Add ice cubes, and garnish with a celery stalk and/or lemon wedge (additional half a gram of carb each).

Calories: 129

But in any party, there are those who don’t drink alcoholic beverages. After all, there might be kids present and you don’t want them running around with a buzz, do you? Here are some non-alcoholic cocktail recipes that are also low in calories:

Berry Lemonade

Add a sweet twist to the classic lemonade with berries to make it more colorful and refreshing:

8 cups cold water
2 cups sugar
3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 strip lemon peel
1 cupraspberries
1 cup blackberries
Ice cubes
Seltzer or club soda

Prepare sugar syrup: In 4-quart saucepan, heat 4 cups water with sugar and lemon peel to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover saucepan and boil 3 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.

Meanwhile, in food processor, pulse berries until pureed. Pour into medium-mesh sieve set over large bowl and press berry mixture with back of spoon to remove seeds; discard seeds.

Remove peel from syrup; stir syrup into berry puree with lemon juice and remaining 4 cups water. Pour into large pitcher with tight-fitting lid. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours or up to 2 days. Serve over ice. Add seltzer to taste; garnish with berries and lemon slices.

Calories: 150

Lemon-Orange Fiz

This pretty and very refreshing drink will surprise you with the number of calories it has:

2 cup(s) orange seltzer
2 tablespoon(s) frozen lemonade
1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
Lemon wedge, for garnish
Ice cubes

Combine seltzer, lemonade, lemon juice and vodka, if using. Rub rim of 2 glasses with lemon wedge and dip in sugar. Fill glasses with ice and top with the seltzer mixture.

Calories: 2

Sparkling Cran Razzy

This is another pretty drink that packs flavor but not calories. Freeze whole raspberries and cranberries for added flavor and texture:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries for garnish
2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice
2 cup seltzer
2 tablespoons lime juice, plus 4 wedges for garnish

If using fresh raspberries, freeze them in a single layer for about 1 hour (or overnight) before proceeding with Step 2.

Combine cranberry-raspberry juice, seltzer, and lime juice in a pitcher. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with frozen raspberries and lime wedges.

Calories: 65

With the health craze going on, you might want to serve healthy and delicious drinks instead. Perhaps the healthiest of all drinks is tea but you don’t have to settle for ordinary iced teas. You can also serve healthy fruit smoothies. These drinks are definitely low in calories and are just as refreshing as regular cocktails. Here are some recipes:

Honey Lemon Tea

This Chinese recipe will not only refresh your guests but will also keep them healthy:

1/4 cup dried chrysanthemums
3 lemon slices
4 cups boiling water
Honey to taste

Place chrysanthemums and lemon in a glass or ceramic pot. Add boiling water. Cover with a lid and let steep for 5 minutes. Stir in honey. Refrigerate until cold, about 3 1/2 hours. (It’s not necessary to strain the tea.)

Calories: 21

Mint Tisane

Nothing beats mint for its refreshing qualities. Enjoy mint tea with this recipe:

1 bunch fresh mint
1 bunch fresh lemon verbena (optional)
3 cups (up to 6 cups) boiling water
Sugar (optional), to taste

Place 1 bunch mint and 1 bunch lemon verbena (including stems) in teapot. Pour in boiling water and allow to steep for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, if desired. Serve in small Moroccan or other clear tea glasses.

Calories: 5.7

Hawaiian Smoothie

This fruit smoothie has all the fiber you need to get you going. Plus it’s refreshing and is low on calories as well:

1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1/2 cup chopped peeled papaya
1/4 cup guava nectar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon grenadine
1/2 cup(s) ice

Place ingredients in the order listed in a blender. Pulse three times to chop the fruit, and then blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Calories: 81

Summer barbecues are a great way to celebrate occasions or to just spend time with your family and friends. Have fun entertaining your guests, be creative with your food and decorations and serve the best summer cocktails that not only look but also taste amazing without worrying about calories. Happy summer!

Thanksgiving day treats you family will love! Beyond ordinary, try these cookies made with extraordinary dried cherries!

Cherry Chewbilees

•1 cup margarine, softened
•3/4 cup granulated sugar
•3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
•2 eggs
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1-2/3 cups coarsely chopped white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
•1-1/2 cups dried tart cherries
•1 cup cashews, coarsely chopped

1.Combine granulated sugar, margarine, brown sugar, vanilla and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until thoroughly mixed. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture. Stir in white chocolate, dried cherries and cashews. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto un-greased baking sheets.
2.Bake in a preheated 350° F oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden brown. Do not overbake. Let cool on wire racks; store in a tightly covered container. These cookies freeze well.
Makes 4-1/2 dozen cookies.

Courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute

Corn Chowder

•1 tablespoon vegetable oil
•1 small onion, coarsely chopped
•2 packages (16 oz. each) loose-pack frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed, divided
•2 cups water
•3 chicken bouillon cubes
•1 can (12 oz.) Carnation Evaporated Milk
•1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
•1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
•1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, (optional)

1.Heat oil in large saucepan. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add 4 cups corn; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add water and bouillon; cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes or until corn is very soft.
2.Place corn mixture in blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Return to saucepan. Stir in remaining corn, evaporated milk, bell pepper and rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, until chowder is thick and bell peppers are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil.
NOTE: For a Southwestern-style twist to this recipe, add 1 can (4 oz.) Ortega Diced Green Chiles with the bell pepper. Eliminate the rosemary; stir 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro(more to taste). Garnish with cilantro leaves instead of basil.

Makes 4 serving’s

Pumpkin & Gorgonzola Soup

•1 can (15 oz) Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin
•1-1/2 cups water
•2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon
•1 teaspoon ground sage
•1 can (12-oz.) Carnation evaporated milk
•3/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
•1 large green onion, finely chopped

1. Cook pumpkin, water, bouillon and sage in large saucepan, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil.
2.Stir in evaporated milk and cheese. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring frequently, until most of cheese is melted. Sprinkle with green onion before serving. Season with pepper

Cherry Mallow Cake

Delicious, easy and fast. The marshmallows melt and rise to the top – a great recipe for kids.

•4 cups miniature marshmallows (about 3/4 of a 10-1/2-ounce package)
•1 (18-1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
•1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

1.Spray a 13×9x2-inch baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Put marshmallows evenly in the bottom of the pan.
2.Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter over marshmallows.
3.Spoon cherry filling evenly over cake batter.
4.Bake in a preheated 350° F oven 45 to 50 minutes. The top of the cake will be bubbly and the marshmallows will be sticky on top of the cake. Let cool in the pan, then cut into squares.

Makes about 15 servings

Prep Time: 10 min
Start to Finish: 20 min
makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
1/3 cup chopped cored apple or finely chopped celery
1 hard-cooked egg, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons Yoplait® plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices whole wheat bread
4 leaf lettuce or romaine leaves
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 of a small cucumber, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together chicken, apple, and egg. Add yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.*

2. Top half of the bread slices with lettuce leaves. Add tomato slices, cucumber slices, and some of the chicken mixture to each sandwich. Top with remaining bread slices. Cut each sandwich in half to serve.

3. *Make-Ahead Directions: If desired, cover and chill the chicken mixture for up to 4 hours before assembling sandwiches.

Nutritional Information

1 sandwich: Calories 230 (Calories from Fat 65); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 85mg; Sodium 480mg; Total Carbohydrate 26g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 6g); Protein 19g

Hi Ladies,

I absolutely love chicken salad but like many of you I don’t like the calories from it so I wanted to provide you with a refreshingly delicious version that you and your family will love. I like to use Lettuce or cabbage leaves but you can also use bread or a wrap if you prefer it.

Here’s the yummy recipe below

Enjoy!

Chicken Salad Cabbage Cups

4 Cabbage leaves
½ grilled chicken breast,
Cubed (left overs are fine)
1 large apple, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1/3 cup blackberries
2 tbsp. chopped walnuts (optional)
¼ cup Greek- style yogurt
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Sprinkle marjoram
Sprinkle
Celery salt
Pepper, to taste

1. Steam cabbage leaves until pliable. Allow to cool.
2. Toss remaining ingredients to combine.
3. Use two cabbage leaves to form a small cup;
Repeat with the other cabbage leaves. Divide the chicken salad between the two cups.

Serving 2
288 Calories
27 grams of protein,
26.5g carbohydrates 9g fat (3 saturated fat0 6g fiber, 437 mg sodium;

Hi Ladies,

This is a special recipe from a very wonderful women in my life. Your kids will LOVE these I made them and they were so delicious and they are healthy I substituted the milk for Vanilla Almond milk and it was PERECT! But try it whatever way you want.
Enjoy!

Jammy’s love muffins!

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup canola oil
1/3 cup organic honey; 1/3 cup agave – I actually did a ¼ cup honey and the balance with agave
2/3 cup vanilla soy milk – you can use rice milk or almond milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups blueberries
2 very ripe bananas

Preheat oven to 325degrees. Spray muffin tins with nonstick spray.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Add the oil, agave/honey, milk, and vanilla to dry ingredients and stir until batter is smooth. Mash bananas and mix in batter. Gently fold in blueberries until they are distributed throughout batter.

Fill muffin tins 1/3 to ½ full. For small muffins bake approx. 20 – 25 min. Check after 18 minutes by inserting toothpick, if it comes out clean, muffins are done. For large muffins, cook for approx. 30-35 min.

Let cool. Muffins can be stored in airtight container at room temp. for up to 3 days. (They won’t last that long!)

These are amazing! Your man will LOVE them.
What’s not to love Beer, Bailey’s, and Cocoa Enjoy! [READ MORE]