Apricot-Apple Cider

This recipe is meant to be served warm but I may try chilling it and serving it with some Tito’s Handmade vodka.

8 C. unsweetened apple juice
1 12oz. ginger ale
1/2 C. dried apricots, halved
1/2 C. dried cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp. whole allspice
1 tbsp. whole cloves

Additional cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries, optional

In a 5 quart slow cooker, combine apple juice and ginger ale.  Place the apricots, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up the corners of the cloth and tie with string to form a bag.  Place in slow cooker; cover.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours.  Discard spice bag.  Garnish individual servings with cinnamon sticks and cranberries if desired.

Per 3/4 cup serving: 79 calories, 0g. fat, 0g. cholesterol, 8mg. sodium, 20g. carbs, 0g. protein

Cucumber Sangria?!?!?

OK, I'll be the first to admit that I am entering this post simply based on the photo in Midwest Living Magazine for August 2014.  My mouth watered when I saw the photo.  I definitely plan to try this.

1 English cucumber, sliced
2 limes, sliced
2 C. green grapes, halved
1 750ml. bottle Sauvignon Blanc
1/4 C. fresh mint
1 C. chilled white grape juice
2 12oz. bottles seltzer water

In a large pitcher, combine the wine, half of the cucumber, lime and grapes.  Add 1/4 C. fresh mint.  Using a wooden spoon, slightly crush ingredients against the side of the pitcher.  Chill both the wine mixture and the remaining cucumber, grapes and lime, covered for 4 hours or overnight.  Strain wine and return to pitcher.  Add ice, 1 C. chilled white grape juice, the remaining cucumber, lime and grapes.  Also add more mint leaves.  Stir in 2 chilled bottles of seltzer water.  Serve immediately.

Smooth Sweet Tea

Last Spring when down South, I drank my share of sweet tea.  There aren't many things that I think are worth it drink wise for the calories but sweet tea is divine!

1 pinch baking soda
2 C. boiling water
6 tea bags
3/4 C. white sugar
6 C. cool water

Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a 64oz. heat proof glass pitcher.  Pour in boiling water, and add tea bags.  Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes.

Remove tea bags, and discard; stir in sugar until dissolved.  Pour in cool water and refrigerate until cold.

Apple Sangria

I L-O-V-E sangria but have never tried apple before.  This is definitely worth a try.  I'll report back, I promise.

3 1/2 C. chopped Honeycrisp apples (about 2 pounds)
1/2 C. apple schnapps
1/4 C. honey
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 slices peeled fresh ginger
1 large navel orange, quartered
1 750ml bottle fruity red wine
1/4 C. club soda, chilled, divided

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well.  Refrigerate 4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

Strain wine mixture through a sieve into a bowl, discard solids.  Pour about 2/3 C sangria over ice in each of 4 glasses; top each serving with 1 tbsp. club soda and 1 apple slice.

French Chocolate Drink

This was the hot chocolate recipe in my hug mug package. It is a little taste of heave and definitely not WW friendly. Well worth the calories though.

7oz. dark/milk/white chocolate chunks (or any combination of the 3)
3 C. milk
1 C. cream
1/2 vanilla stick or 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of cinnamon

Boil the cream with the milk in a pot. Add vanilla and cinnamon. Remove from heat source. Gradually add chocolate and stir until completely melted without chunks. Warm again on low flame for about 2 minutes. Pour into hug mug or any mug you have. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!