beverages - Around My Family Table

When Life gives you Limes, make Margaritas! 20 Magnífico Margarita Recipes

April 22, 2013 · by amft · 5 Comments

I just love margaritas, especially a homemade margarita! They are so delicious and easy to make at home that I probably do it more than I should admit. I’m not a fan of beer, I don’t drink a lot of wine….however, put a margarita in front of me and I’m your girl! Margaritas are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summertime, Mother’s Day, Margarita Day, or just because you want one! Check out these 20 Magnífico Margarita Recipes from some fabulous bloggers!

A good margarita is so smooth and a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you prefer on the rocks or frozen…salt or no salt…there is a margarita for you on this list! There is even a margarita sherbet that you won’t want to miss.

I’m dying to know…..what is your favorite margarita, mixed drink, or spirit? I don’t do a ton of alcoholic drinks here cuz I forget, but I’d love for you to check out my other adult beverages.

20 Magnífico Margarita Recipes

Blood Orange Margaritas with Infused Tequila

Ginger Cilantro Margaritas

Strawberry Margaritas

Pink Prickly Pear Margaritas (pictured)

Blackberry Margaritas (pictured)

Tart Lime Margaritas

Pomegranate Margaritas

Cajun Margaritas (pictured)

Fresh Blackberry Margaritas

Roasted Blueberry Basil Margaritas

Watermelon Margaritas

Agave Margaritas (pictured)

Guava Margaritas

Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas (pictured)

Frozen Lemon Berry Margaritas

Classic Lime Margaritas

Passion Fruit Margaritas

Frozen Margaritas

Margaritas

Margarita Lime Sherbet

Filed Under: alcoholic, beverages, cinco de mayo, holidays and activities · Tagged: alcohol, beverages, margaritas

Homemade Coffee Creamers

March 8, 2013 · by tiffany · 41 Comments

Hi! My name is Tiffany, and I’m so excited to be joining AMFT as a contributor this year! I blog at Offbeat + Inspired with my good friend Sarah, and we’ve enjoyed sharing our recipes, home projects and other goings-on with the world for almost a year now. I’m a 27-year-old Jersey native living in Kentucky with my husband and working in graphics design. I picked up a camera for the first time about five years ago and fell hard for that nifty little thing. I love to document life through pictures, sometimes to the dismay of my husband, but he’s a trooper. In the kitchen, I enjoy tackling tried and true recipes from childhood as well as venturing into the great unknown with creative takes on popular recipes or with inventions of my own. I’m inspired by anything and everything — as a die-hard Food Network fan, a patron of local eateries with unique menus and lots of character, and a believer that all things sweet and savory were created equal and have earned a spot on my dining room table.

The recipe I’m sharing today is for homemade coffee creamer. I love my coffee light and (somewhat) sweet. True coffee fanatics are cringing right now, but I can’t help it! I used to use flavored store-bought creamers but switched over to half & half and sugar because I wasn’t enough of a flavored creamer fan to keep buying it as a single-use ingredient. I really did enjoy the flavor variety though, so one day I hit the pantry to see if it was possible to concoct a homemade creamer recipe with ingredients I had on hand.

My baking obsession keeps the cupboards loaded with extracts, spices and cocoa powder, and my coffee and tea obsession guarantees a steady influx of half and half. I also keep sweetened condensed milk on hand for fancy dessert moods and candy-making adventures. These seemed like the perfect subjects for my creamer experiment, so I got to work.

I pulled out four 8 oz. canning jars and added equal parts sweetened condensed milk and half and half to each. I used up the whole can of milk and left about an inch of room at the top of each jar for flavorings and shaking space.

The flavors I created were:

Maple Almond – 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp pure almond extract
Cinnamon Vanilla – 1 tsp cinnamon extract and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
Mocha – 2 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp espresso powder
Coffee – 1/2 tbsp espresso powder

Once the flavors were added, I screwed on the lids and shook them well before refrigerating. I labeled each jar lid with a sharpie and that was it! I chilled them for an hour, brewed some coffee and tested them out on my family. It was unanimous… we’ll be using homemade creamer from now on.If you’re working with powders like cocoa and espresso, shaking won’t be enough to get everything fully incorporated, so you’ll want to use a blender or food processor, mix, and then pour the creamer into your jar. If you prefer a rich creamer, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half.

Some other flavors I’ll be trying are:

Mint Chocolate Chip

Ginger Almond Spice

Chocolate Raspberry

I hope you guys give this recipe a try and enjoy creating your own homemade creamers!

What flavors would you create and what ingredients would you use to create them?

You can find Tiffany here as well: Offbeat + Inspired, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter

Homemade Coffee Creamers

4- 8oz canning jars

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Half and Half

see below for flavor combos

Add equal parts sweetened condensed milk and half and half to each jar. (I used up the whole can of milk and left about an inch of room at the top of each jar for flavorings and shaking space.)

Flavors

Maple Almond - 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp pure almond extract

Cinnamon Vanilla - 1 tsp cinnamon extract and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Mocha - 2 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp espresso powder

Coffee - 1/2 tbsp espresso powder

Once the flavors are added, screw on the lids and shake them well before refrigerating. Label each jar lid with a sharpie!

Chill them for at least one hour, brew some coffee, and enjoy.

Note: If you're working with powders like cocoa and espresso, shaking won't be enough to get everything fully incorporated, so you'll want to use a blender or food processor, mix, and then pour the creamer into your jar. If you prefer a rich creamer, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half.

Notes

!Other Flavor Combos to Try: Some other flavors I'll be trying are:

Mint Chocolate Chip Ginger Almond Spice Chocolate Raspberry

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2013/03/homemade-coffee-creamers/

Filed Under: beverages, coffee, contributors · Tagged: beverages, coffee, creamer

St. Patrick’s Day Menu and Celebration Ideas

February 20, 2013 · by amft · 8 Comments

I seriously love St. Patrick’s Day! It is so much fun and the kids love the extra attention on a holiday that most don’t celebrate. I’m always looking for new creative foods, crafts, tables, and kid friendly ideas for this under appreciated holiday. Since I was already scouring all my favorite sites, I thought it would be fun to share all the St. Patrick’s Day Menu and Celebration Ideas that I found along the way.

Breakfast
Mango and Basil Breakfast Parfait
Irish Potato Cakes (Boxty with Roket & Fried Egg)
Green Eggs and Yam
Donut Pops
Sweet Matcha Almond Oatmeal

Supper
Corned Beef & Cabbage
Grilled Ruben Sandwiches
Guinness Glazed Corned Beef
Salsa Verde Lasagna
Traditional St Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Irish Soda Bread
Crock Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

Sides
Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread
Green Fruit Salad
Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Desserts
Shamrock Macarons with Baileys
St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispies Treats
Black & Tan Cupcakes
Chocolate Mint Trifle
Chocolate Stout Cake
Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pizza
Mini Grasshopper Pies
Spinach Ice Cream
Shamrock Shake Cupcakes
Beer and Chocolate
Double Chocolate Brownie Roll Out
Irish Triple Threat Mini Shot Cakes
Green Velvet Cake Lollipops (Gluten Free)
Irish Cream Cupcakes
Double Chocolate Mint Dessert
Shamrock Cookie Pops

Drinks
Drinks for St. Patrick’s Day
Irish Cocktail Time
Grasshopper Cocktail

Celebration Ideas
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Kids

Crafts
Irish Shrinky Dink Necklaces and Pins
DIY St. Patrick’s Day Stamp
St. Patty’s Rag Wreath
Quick & Easy St. Patrick’s day Craft
Printable Gold Coin Bags
DIY Lucky Chocolate Covered Oreos (and printable)
DIY Craft Decor
St. Patrick’s Day Wreath

Tablescape Ideas
DIY Table
St. Patrick’s Day Table
Potato Place Holders
Irish Authors Table
St. Patrick’s Day Entertaining

Filed Under: holidays and activities, st. patrick's day · Tagged: beverages, breakfasts, crafts, desserts, main dishes, St Patrick's Day

Decadent Caramel Hot Cocoa

November 19, 2012 · by amft · 3 Comments

One of my family’s favorite winter treats is hot cocoa. I’ve made hot cocoa mixes for gifts, bought super premium cocoa packets, but nothing beats homemade cocoa….it’s just two simple ingredients. Last night, I was craving caramel and chocolate, so I figured…what the heck…and added some to my dessert!

Several years back, hubbyman and I used to watch QVC every Sunday morning for In the Kitchen with Bob. We loved that show and sometimes recorded it when we wouldn’t be home….crazy, I know! One Sunday, they were showcasing a hot cocoa maker…just had milk and chocolate chips and use their little gadget to mix it up. Yep…I was suckered in. In less than 7-10 days I was the proud owner of this gadget.

Well, the gadget totally didn’t work and I wasted my 25 bucks! Lesson learned! Except, in the process, I realized how easy it is to make my own without fancy gadgets or cheap store bought mixes.

Add peppermint, use premium chocolate chips, add caramel, add spirits….it’s wonderful and eye-opening once you start doing it!

I’m sharing my recipe as part of my relationship with the AZ Milk Producers. I have a wonderful post coming soon about my time at a local dairy farm. It was so fascinating and not at all what I was expecting.

Decadent Caramel Hot Cocoa

2 cups milk

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup caramel sauce

Place all ingredients in a microwave safe dish. Heat for 3-4 minutes. Carefully remove from microwave and stir using a wire whisk until the ingredients are fully combined.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/11/decadent-caramel-hot-cocoa/

Disclaimer: This recipe was written as part of my partnership with AZ Milk Producers. I was compensated for my recipe; however, the recipe, content, and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: beverages, desserts, non-alcoholic, other desserts · Tagged: beverages, chocolate, hot cocoa

Iced Soy Chai Tea

May 29, 2012 · by amft · 104 Comments

Every Memorial Day, the entire family gathers at my husband’s aunt and uncle’s house for a BBQ and swimming. This year we changed it up a bit and had a huge family brunch for Memorial Day. There were tons of kids, lots of yummy food, and of course swimming! It was so much fun….I love kicking off the summer with our traditional family party. I love getting to catch up with everyone and just enjoying a relaxing day out by the pool!

This year, I asked if I could do more. I took over a ton of food (trust me…all the recipes will be coming over the next couple weeks) and drinks. One drink that I took over was my Iced Soy Chai Tea. Some of the guys in the family, hate change and I wanted to see if I could win them over to soy milk with this drink. I make this same recipe for just myself and then keep it in the fridge all week. When it’s time for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, I just pour myself a glass! YUM! It’s perfect for a party too and makes enough for everyone to have a glass. Although, I guess I should have made more….I converted someone and he quickly became a fan and drank probably half of it.

Almost everyone agreed that it was perfect the way it was, but hubbyman thought it could use a tad more sugar. So this is your warning…if you like sweet coffee drinks or sweet chai drinks, then add more sugar! I love using soy milk, it’s such a great source of protein. I sneak it into my kid’s breakfast…the vanilla flavor over cereal….I’m such a sneaky mom! I also add it to our smoothies for a protein boost! Kids and picky husbands won’t notice…promise.

Keep reading after the recipe….I have a giveaway for you! You can make your own soy chai tea or sneak some soy into your smoothies and breakfasts! LOL!

Iced Soy Chai Tea

6 cups unsweetened soy milk

3 cinnamon sticks

6 cloves

1/8 tsp ground ginger (or 2 thickly sliced pieces (about ¼-inch)

1/2 vanilla bean

1/4 c sugar

6 tea bags (black tea)

Combine the soy milk, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Split vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, then add the seeds and pod to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer (not boil) for about 10 minutes.

Place the tea bags into the soy milk mixture, continue to simmer for another 4 - 5 minutes. Strain the mixture into a clean pitcher.

Hot: Serve Immediately

Iced: Cool in refrigerator for several hours and serve over ice.

Note: Cardamon is also traditionally used, but my big grocery store doesn't carry the whole pods, so I don't use it. If you can find it, add about 10 pods, lightly crushed to the mix.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/05/iced-soy-chai-tea/

Here’s what you can win:

2 Free 8^th Continent Soymilk coupons
12 oz. on-the-go cereal bowl with freezer gel milk holder (this is VERY cool)
Children’s apron
16 oz. Tumbler

Leave a comment telling me what your favorite soy breakfast is or how you would use your soymilk.

Earn extra entries by following on facebook, twitter, pinterest, and/or instagram (@aroundmyfamilytable). Just leave all the info in your comment!

Disclaimer: Solae provided the soy milk and goodies for the brunch. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: beverages, df beverages, non-alcoholic · Tagged: beverages, soy, Tea

Sandra’s Strawberry Daiquiri

May 7, 2012 · by amft · 6 Comments

A little over a week ago, I was wisked off to New York City for a small event with Sandra Lee, from Semi-Homemade on Food Network. It was an amazing trip and I can’t wait to share all of it with y’all this week! I toured around Manhattan for a few hours with a few Denise from Creative Kitchen Adventures and Kristen from Dine and Dish. We had a blast, but I will share those adventures later this week too!

I so wish I could take credit for this recipe, but it was served at the event and Sandra rattled off the recipe and I wrote it down because it was DELICIOUS! and I just knew y’all would love it! However, there are not precise ingredient measurements for the drink because I figured, if you are like me, then you will adjust to your specific tastes anyway. This is just a guideline!

Sandra’s Strawberry Daiquiri

3/4 part vodka

2 parts orange juice

1/4 part gin

Dash cogac

Lime juice

Strawberries, blended

Simple syrup, to taste*

Combine first 6 ingredients together in a large pitcher. Stir well to combine. Add simple syrup to taste.

*To make simple syrup, combine equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is fully dissolved (about 5 minutes total).

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/05/sandras-strawberry-daquari/

Filed Under: alcoholic, beverages · Tagged: alcohol, beverages, strawberries

Orange Julius

February 7, 2012 · by amft · 10 Comments

When I was growing up, I had years of orthodontia work. Even major jaw surgery. It was horrible and quite painful; however, I have beautiful teeth now. A bright spot during all this, way my mother’s “medicine”. We called it medicine because it helped ease the pain…really, it was her Orange Julius. I have such fond memories of her making this drink for me every couple weeks. It was our little secret!

Unfortunately, my 7 year old daughter inherited my teeth and jaw issues so we have already begun her orthodontia treatments. Poor thing! Until…..I remembered that secret mommy medicine that my mom used to make. I don’t know what all she put in my drink, so I created my own version. It’s fairly simple really and very forgiving.

I surprised Kaylynn with her glass of “medicine” last week and she was really excited for it…after she realized it wasn’t really medicine after all.

Orange Julius

2 cups vanilla ice cream

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup orange juice

Add all ingredients to a blender and process on high until smooth. Top with a little whip cream and an orange slice.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/02/orange-julius/

Filed Under: beverages, smoothies · Tagged: beverages, milk shake, smoothies

Hot Cocoa

January 3, 2012 · by amft · 18 Comments

Happy New Year! I’m so excited to continue my blogging journey this year. I plan to focus on great recipes and less on filler content. I will still do some giveaways and reviews, but they are now in their own area and not in my main feed. I’m hoping y’all will like what I’ve done. I’ve stopped doing the Thursday carnival and probably won’t do Super 6 much anymore. I really want to get back to great recipes!

Have you ever made hot cocoa from scratch? It really is quite easy and tastes so much better than the packets of mix you buy at the store. I quickly whipped up a batch for our New Year’s Eve party. The mix would make a great house warming gift or hostess gift this time of year…or even make up a ton of it and put it in cute jars to give as Christmas gifts next year.

We had my parents, John’s parents, and John’s brother with his kids over for a potluck supper and fireworks. It’s a huge deal here to have fireworks. It’s new for us in Arizona…we can do small ground fireworks on our property now. WOOHOO! Luckily, we have a nice size piece of land (okay 1/2 acre) but it’s big enough that we don’t have to worry about fires and can keep everyone a safe distance.

Fireworks in our backyard on New Year's Eve.

This was the first time I had made a huge pot of hot cocoa, but it was super easy. Just use your favorite recipe (or even a package mix if you’re pressed for time) and the amount of water called for in the instructions and place in the slow cooker. Stir well and heat on low for 2-4 hours. Turn down to warm setting, if you have one, when party starts so that the cocoa isn’t too hot. Easy!

The kids added a candy cane to their hot cocoa for a nice holiday twist! My nephew, Daniel, loved the hot cocoa!

Hot Cocoa

about 20

Hot Cocoa

3 cups nonfat dry milk powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1½ cups cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)

1½ cups mini chocolate chips (or finely chopped dark chocolate)

¼ teaspoon salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To make hot cocoa, put 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup of hot water or milk. Top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/01/hot-cocoa/

Filed Under: beverages, non-alcoholic · Tagged: beverages, chocolate, slow cooker

Super 6: Twilight Vampire Treats

November 13, 2011 · by amft · 13 Comments

I had to do a vampire theme today since everyone is getting excited for the opening of the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn part 1, later this week. Go Team Edward!