Happy Holidays

Better late than never. It seems I have been neglecting my dear blog for a year, however I have not stopped cooking yummy delicacies and learning new things along the way. This holiday season I have been excited about making homemade gifts for family, here are some of my tried and tested ideas:

1. Candy Cane Marshmallows, 2. Hot Butter Rum, 3. Marinara Sauce and Pesto, 4. Rosemary Pear Preserve and Cranberry Jam, and 5. Chewy Molasses Cookie.

The Candy Cane Marshmallows were from Martha Stewart's recipe; easy, but suggest reading comments after recipe for helpful tips. Hot Butter Rum; no recipe, buy Hot Butter Rum Spices and add Rum with whipped cream (YUM). Marinara Sauce and Basil Pesto are homemade Christmas presents (shhhhhhhh......(;). Rosemary and Pear Preserve (cousin's secret recipe Sorry) and Cranberry Jam recipe, another surprise Christmas treat. And finally, Chewy Molasses Cookie, these are the best molasses cookies I have eaten ( I am not bias :)), really they are easy to make and can compete with another favorite Ginger Molasses Cookie at Paradise Bakery. Just a few ideas that I wanted to share. I hope everyone has a funtastic holiday season, enjoy each others company and savor every moment together ♥♥♥

I need a drink!

Here is my large stiff and yummy drink.

I am right now in the middle of doing my final paper for my master's program. Lots of research, but finding all the information fascinating and exciting. I have to create a poster presentation of my paper as well, and I am finding myself creating lots of great ideas in my head :)...... But back to my yummy drink; I borrowed it from "Martha", she always has great ideas and recipes. Here goes:

Cantaloupe Shake

1/2 cantaloupe

2 cups nonfat yogurt

3 Tbl. honey 

1/2 scoop protein powder

some ice

Blend all ingredients except ice in blender, then put ice in a tall glass. Pour shake into glass and then enjoy! The recipe makes for 2 servings.

Cucumber-Pear Yogurt Shake

A refreshing drink for a warm May day. 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt

3/4 cup crushed ice

1 medium pear chopped

1 small banana chopped

1/4 cup cucumber chopped and peeled

2 Tbl protein powder

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and consistent, then take a sip and enjoy the lovely day!