The Happiest Hour {Blood of the Tropics}

Life changed forever here last week. Whole Foods opened! Walking in was like walking into a completely different world. Items that have been impossible to find down here were all of a sudden right in front of me begging to be bought and turned into deliciousness. From Meyer Lemons to craft beer from far away lands, I wanted to buy everything in sight. But the biggest excitement came when I walked into the produce section and spotted my beloved blood oranges. I've had this blood orange obsession since my first trip to Italy many many years ago. However, trying to find them here was like trying to find gold at the end of a rainbow. Over the years mediocre blood orange juices and sodas popped up at places like World Market, but nothing ever compared to the pure juice that came from squeezing the fruit myself. Once spotted, I grabbed as many as I could without looking like a weird-o. The mission was to create the most delicious blood orange cocktail I could and the end product ended up being better than expected. A tropical blend of coconut rum, pineapple juice, and fresh squeezed blood orange juice was exactly was I was looking for as an afternoon sipper on warm afternoons. Refreshing and light but full of flavor, I could drink them all day long. Plus, the color (and name!) is perfect for upcoming Halloween bashes! Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Blood Orange, juiced
3 oz Pineapple Juice
3 oz Coconut Rum

:: Directions ::
Combine ingredients in a rocks glass over ice. Stir to combine, garnish with a blood orange round and sip!

Color Me {Pineapple}

It's been a rainy couple of week's here. The rain is normal for Florida in the summer, but recently it seems excessive. The sun shines for a mere couple of hours during the work day, and that appears to be it as of late. So, with a lack of sunshine and happiness outside, I decided to bring a bit of it to the blog today. Pineapples always bring me to a cheery place where I imagine palms hanging above my head, the sand beneath my feet, a large body of water in front of me and the sun shining bright above. The temperatures are warm without being too hot and there is always a tropical drink not to far away. I wish I could be there right now, but instead I will paint the picture in my head and imagine throwing a rainy day bash that's just the same. Serve up pina coladas, teriyaki pineapple chicken skewers, and decorate with a few fake palms while greeting guests with Hawaiian leis. Sounds like the perfect way to get over the rainy day (or month!) blues if you ask me. It's also a great way to imagine I'm sitting on a beach and not behind my desk today....

Have a sunny Monday!

Indulge In {Fruit & Yogurt}

In the middle of a heat wave, nothing beats fresh seasonal fruit. Full of flavor, utterly delicious, and not to mention healthy, it's a yummy mid day snack. Inspired by this month's issue of Rachael Ray Magazine, I've found a new way to take fresh fruit to a whole new level. I'm always searching for new creative dessert ideas that everyone will enjoy. It's hard when some people don't like cake or others can't each ice cream, but this indulgence makes it easy. Everybody can have it there way. Fresh fruit, greek yogurt and a variety of toppings make for a stress free hands on dessert. Guest can pick their fruit, dip in yogurt, and dip in the toppings of their choosing. Today I did pineapple with honey Greek yogurt and dark chocolate shavings, almond pieces and sprinkles. It was major delicious and took 5 minutes to prepare. Something like this is perfect for a dinner party because it allows you to enjoy and spend more time with guests!

Enjoy! 

The Happiest Hour {Pineapple Sangria}

If you follow me Twitter, you probably saw me post about this delicious pineapple sangria we concocted this weekend. One of my favorite things to do with fruit that is going bad is make a delicious batch of sangria. With a bit a pineapple that was headed for the trash, we decided to run to the store and pick up some white wine instead of tossing it. Using what we had in the house and guessing our way through it, it turned out exceptionally good. Light, fruity, and just the right amount of sweetness makes this sangria a great drink for afternoons spend outdoors. Here's the mix up...

:: Ingredients :: (All of these measurements are estimates. We just began throwing things in a dispenser and ended up with a tasty beverage!)
2 Bottles White Wine (I used Pinot Grigio)
2 oz. Coconut Rum
4 oz. Triple Sec
1 Cup Pineapple Juice
1 Cup Blood Orange Sorbet (I used Talenti brand, and melted it)
4 Cups diced Pineapple
1 Lime Sliced

Cheers!

Lusting After {Pineapples}

Happy Friday babes! With a summertime feel finally upon us, I've been feeling the tropical spirit every morning. The sun shines just a little bit brighter, the sky is just a bit bluer, and everybody seems to be in just a little bit better mood. It's fabulous, right? With warm breezes and sandy beaches on the mind, I've been lusting after tropical details lately. Large flowers, Hawaiian prints, and bright colors call my name from across the room. But, the one detail that has me going crazy is pineapple! This sweet fruit not only tastes good but when left whole makes a great summer centerpiece. It reminds me of the islands and how fresh and fun everything is down there. The colors are also a fantastic soiree inspiration. Shades of golden yellow, green, and brown are reminiscent of a 1960s Palm Beach get together. But don't be fooled, this retro feel is totally modern as well!