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.

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!

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…

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.