Summer Drinks for Kids and Adults: Orange Margaritas (with and without alcohol)
July 16, 2010
Okay, so occasionally I splurge and post a recipe that’s not the healthiest, but it’s the weekend, right? Here is a recipe for Orange Margaritas that’s great. I have to credit this beverage to Kay, who makes the best cocktails. We love going swimming at her fabulous pool, and she even makes non-alcocholic versions for the kids. This is a great summertime drink that’s perfect when you want something really easy but special and delicious.
Orange Margaritas
Prep:
5 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup orange juice with mango
1 cup triple sec
3 cups ice
1 cup tequila
4 frozen margarita glass
Salt if desired
Lime and orange slices
Nonalcoholic version: see below
1 cup triple sec
3 cups ice
1 cup tequila
4 frozen margarita glass
Salt if desired
Lime and orange slices
Nonalcoholic version: see below
Preparation
1. In a blender, combine orange juice, Triple Sec and ice. Puree until completely blended. Add the tequila and puree for 2 seconds more.
2. Pour the mixture into the frozen margarita glasses topped with salt, if desired, and serve.
For nonalcoholic version. In a blender, combine 1 can frozen limeade, 3 cups water, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 cup ice. Blend well.
2. Pour the mixture into the frozen margarita glasses topped with salt, if desired, and serve.
For nonalcoholic version. In a blender, combine 1 can frozen limeade, 3 cups water, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 cup ice. Blend well.
2 Responses to “Summer Drinks for Kids and Adults: Orange Margaritas (with and without alcohol)”
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 16 2010at 10:11 am
This is the perfect poolside celebration cocktail. Is that your daughter? She is precious! xo
Alison Lewis says:
July, 16 2010at 11:59 am
Yes, she is. I have 2 sons too, but they wouldn't get in the pic!
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Cool and Crisp: Watermelon-Lime Granita
June 24, 2010
For a refreshing summertime dessert, try Watermelon-Lime Granita. This is so easy and only 3 ingredients. How could you go wrong? Van from Boutwell Studios asked me on a podcast I did recently for Birmingham Magazine what he could do with his leftover watermelon. I thought this was a fabulous recipe to share. It’s so cool and refreshing and the perfect combination of watermelon and lime. My kids loved it!
Watermelon-Lime Granita
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
7 cups
Ingredients
7 cups seeded and cubed watermelon
1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
11/4 cup lemon lime soft drink (I used Sprite)
1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
11/4 cup lemon lime soft drink (I used Sprite)
Preparation
1. Process watermelon in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Stir together watermelon puree and remaining ingredients. Pour into a large glass bowl or 13-x 9-inch glass baking dish (or tupperware container). Cover and freeze 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving. Stir with a fork and spoon into a glass or serving bowls. Serve immediately.
2. Stir together watermelon puree and remaining ingredients. Pour into a large glass bowl or 13-x 9-inch glass baking dish (or tupperware container). Cover and freeze 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving. Stir with a fork and spoon into a glass or serving bowls. Serve immediately.
2 Responses to “Cool and Crisp: Watermelon-Lime Granita”
Alison Lewis says:
June, 28 2010at 03:11 pm
It really is! I can't thank you enough for making a comment! I wish people would make more comments!
Carla Jean says:
June, 24 2010at 08:01 pm
Alison, this sounds delicious!
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Rich and Creamy: Lightened-Up S’mores Milkshakes
June 15, 2010
Last week, I mentioned I was in a s’mores whirlwind creating s’mores recipes for various projects. I created this recipe for S’mores Milkshakes in my guest blog post on a really fun website “Makes and Takes“. It’s as yummy as it looks and so easy. This version on my site is the “lightened up” version.
I’m shooting 4 television shows this week so my life is beyond nuts. But, look for my upcoming television show on NBC 13 “Daytime Alabama” featuring fun s’more’s recipes coming soon. Date to come…
S'mores Milkshakes
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
8 cups reduced-fat chocolate frozen yogurt
2 cups reduced-fat chocolate milk
2 cups mini marshmallows
Cooking spray
4 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Garnish: Chocolate bar squares
2 cups reduced-fat chocolate milk
2 cups mini marshmallows
Cooking spray
4 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Garnish: Chocolate bar squares
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to broil.
2. Combine frozen yogurt and chocolate milk in container of an electric blender; set aside.
3. Place marshmallows on a lightly greased aluminum-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Broil 11/2 minutes or until lightly browned on top and roasted.
4. Blend yogurt mixture 30 seconds or until combined. Pour evenly into 4 individual glasses. Top each glass with 1 tablespoon graham crackers crumbs, marshmallows, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips and garnish with chocolate bar, if desired. Serve immediately
2. Combine frozen yogurt and chocolate milk in container of an electric blender; set aside.
3. Place marshmallows on a lightly greased aluminum-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Broil 11/2 minutes or until lightly browned on top and roasted.
4. Blend yogurt mixture 30 seconds or until combined. Pour evenly into 4 individual glasses. Top each glass with 1 tablespoon graham crackers crumbs, marshmallows, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips and garnish with chocolate bar, if desired. Serve immediately
One Response to “Rich and Creamy: Lightened-Up S’mores Milkshakes”
Maria says:
June, 16 2010at 03:26 pm
Love this shake!
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Fresh Taste of Summer: Cantaloupe-Coconut Smoothie
June 03, 2010
My last television segment on NBC 13 “Daytime Alabama” was such a hit, and the food topic was smoothies. Smoothies are wonderful to prepare for dessert, afternoon snack or breakfast for kids and adults. This is the best time of year to make them when fruits are so vibrant. Cantaloupe-Coconut Smoothie combines some of my favorites: cantaloupe, coconut and pineapple. My kids are huge smoothie fans, and every time I turn around the blender is out on the counter. I can’t wash it fast enough. Enjoy this recipe just in time for ripe cantaloupes. To choose a ripe cantaloupe, it should smell sweet, have an even coloring and be heavy for its size. If you tap on it, it will sound hollow if it’s ripe.
Cantaloupe-Coconut Smoothie
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup 2% or skim milk
1 cup nonfat frozen vanilla yogurt
2 tbsp. cream of coconut (this is the canned product)
3 cups chopped fresh cantaloupe
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
11/2 cups crushed ice cubes
Chopped cantaloupe (optional)
1 cup nonfat frozen vanilla yogurt
2 tbsp. cream of coconut (this is the canned product)
3 cups chopped fresh cantaloupe
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
11/2 cups crushed ice cubes
Chopped cantaloupe (optional)
Preparation
1. Pour milk into blender. Add yogurt, coconut, cantaloupe, pineapple and ice. Blend until the ice is chopped, about 30 seconds. Garnish with cantaloupe, if desired.
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For Strawberry Month: Strawberry Limeade
May 10, 2010
I featured this recipe on my blog last year, but since I have so many new subscribers I thought I would bring it back one more time. Strawberry Limeade is just in time for the season of freshest strawberries. It’s only 2 ingredients, and it’s so easy to prepare. My kids beg me to make it year-round, and if I can’t find fresh strawberries, I purchase frozen. These already-sliced strawberries from Dole are my favorite.
Strawberry Limeade
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) container strawberries, stems removed
1 (12-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, undiluted
5 cups cold water
Fresh strawberries, fresh mint (optional)
1 (12-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, undiluted
5 cups cold water
Fresh strawberries, fresh mint (optional)
Preparation
1. Combine strawberries in a container of a food processor; light pulse until smooth. Pour in a strainer to strain pulp. Combine limemade and water in a large pitcher and stir until limeade dissolves. Stir in strawberries; pour over ice and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint, if desired.
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Awesome Valentine’s Drink: Kid’s Bubbly Love Potion
February 10, 2010
I’m teaching a Children’s Valentine Cooking Class this Friday, and I have been getting ready to wow the kids. Instead of doing my usual (but delicious) smoothies, I thought I would try to something more unique. I came across this recipe from Family Fun Magazine’s website. I tinkered with it a bit and changed it just slightly. My son, Alec, was the taste-tester and said, “They will love this!” It’s really fun, bubbly and delicious and looks like true Love Potion.
Kid's Bubbly Love Potion Drink
Prep:
5 minutes
Yield:
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) can pink lemonade concentrate
4 cups raspberry sherbet
1 (12-ounce) can of lemon/lime soda (I used Sprite)
4 cups raspberry sherbet
1 (12-ounce) can of lemon/lime soda (I used Sprite)
Preparation
1. In a pitcher, mix the lemonade concentrate with the recommended amount of water.
2. In a blender, combine the sherbet with 4 cups of the lemonade mixture; mix until combined. Pour into individual glasses. Add the soda, stir gently and serve.
2. In a blender, combine the sherbet with 4 cups of the lemonade mixture; mix until combined. Pour into individual glasses. Add the soda, stir gently and serve.
One Response to “Awesome Valentine’s Drink: Kid’s Bubbly Love Potion”
Rosemary says:
February, 14 2010at 04:37 pm
We just made this today and my girls loved it - so did my husband!
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Three Ingredient: Chocolate Snickers Milkshakes
January 25, 2010
My oldest son, Alec, had to write a paper at school about his favorite candy bar. He picked Snickers. We bought so many that I can’t even give them away. The other night I suggested making Snickers Milkshakes so we tried them with vanilla ice cream. Tonight, we made them with chocolate, my weakness. With only 3 ingredients, you can’t get any better with either. They’re delicious!
Chocolate Snickers Milkshakes
Prep:
5 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
4 cups chocolate ice cream
3 Snickers candy bars, cut into thin pieces
1/2 cup milk
3 Snickers candy bars, cut into thin pieces
1/2 cup milk
Preparation
1. Combine ice cream, candy bars and milk in a container of a blender and process until smooth.
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Winter Warm Up: Easy and Low-Fat Hot Chocolate
January 10, 2010
It’s so cold in the deep south, and I can’t wait until it warms up. I have missed running, tennis, and my kids miss playing outdoors. We drink a lot of hot apple cider and hot chocolate around my house lately. This Low-Fat Hot Chocolate recipe is great and really simple to make. Feel free to add cinnamon, coffee or any of your favorite liqueurs such as Baileys or Kahlua.
Low-Fat Hot Chocolate
Prep:
5 minutes
Yield:
2 servings
Ingredients
2 cups skim milk
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 teaspoons sugar
4 teaspoons water
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mini Marshmallows, dark chocolate, cocoa powder (optional)
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 teaspoons sugar
4 teaspoons water
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mini Marshmallows, dark chocolate, cocoa powder (optional)
Preparation
1. Heat the milk until just simmering. In a mug, combine the cocoa powder, sugar and water and stir to make a paste. Pour the milk into the mug and stir to mix well. Add the vanilla extract and stir. Grate a little dark chocolate on top, if desired.
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Kids and Adults Favorite: Healthy Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie
December 27, 2009
We love smoothies at my house, and my daughter, Leigh, makes them all of the time. These Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothies have been a hit in a lot of kid’s cooking classes I have taught recently. This photo was styled by Lillian, the 7-year-old who I taught a private cooking class with after she prepared the recipe. It’s so simple and refreshing, perfect for breakfast, healthy afternoon snack or dessert. It’s also wonderful after the holidays are over when you want something light, filling and healthy.
If you’re interested in private cooking classes, let me know.
Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie
Prep:
10 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
11/2 cups orange juice with mango
1 banana
2 cups fresh chopped pineapple
1 cup nonfat vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 banana
2 cups fresh chopped pineapple
1 cup nonfat vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 cup fresh strawberries
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
2 Responses to “Kids and Adults Favorite: Healthy Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie”
kathryn N. says:
December, 31 2009at 11:56 am
Do you have an immersion blender? Which do you recommend? We love smoothies and wonder if it would be even easier to use an immersion blender.
Meal Makeover Mom Janice says:
December, 29 2009at 04:30 pm
This smoothie looks delicious! My 10-year-old daughter Leah will love to make it and drink it. Always looking for good smoothie recipes... thanks!
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Iron Chef in Training: My Cooking Class with Lillian
October 29, 2009
Yesterday, I had so much fun with Lillian! I was asked to do a private one-on-one cooking class for Lillian, an incredibly talented second grader for one of her birthday presents. She has a passion for cooking, and wow was she fabulous! I tailored the class specifically for her, and we made an array of healthy snacks, desserts and she even decorated these awesome cupcakes for Halloween. We set up the food for a photo-shoot, just like I do on the set with national food magazines, such as Southern Living. We prop-styled, food styled and critiqued the photos. If you’re interested in this type of class for your child, parent-child, groups of four, college age, newlyweds or yourself, contact me for more information.
2 Responses to “Iron Chef in Training: My Cooking Class with Lillian”
Carol Scroggins says:
October, 30 2009at 06:48 pm
Allison, wonderful job with Lillian B., my neighbor's sweet grand daughter. Good idea for children, or for us adults! Will keep this in mind.
Donna Askenazi says:
November, 04 2009at 03:59 pm
Love getting your emails weekly. Recipes are easy, family-friendly and most of them are low fat and healthy. Always happy when you incorporate your kids in them and nthat inspires me to cook more with my kids. Love the updated website and all it's colors.