Color Me {Summer Berry}

Recently, I've been seeing all of these posts on Facebook about people picking their own produce, everything from citrus to vegetables to berries. It looks so fun and I've been dying to do it for awhile now. I finally did some research the other day and found a place not to far from our house. There we can pick organic blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, and I'm already imagining what to do with the loot. I'm thinking pies, cobblers, and tarts galore. I may event finally try my hand at canning and make some berry preserves to give as gifts. The thought of finally going picking has me inspired for summer parties too. The bright, vivid colors of the berries spring thoughts of a pretty, relaxed afternoon gathering. Pink, navy, red and deep burgundy will fill the room accompanied by soft neutrals like ivory and gold. It would make a great scheme for a formal affair as well. Whether you make it formal or casual, the organic combination of berry shades is perfect for all your warm weather get togethers.

Have a great Monday!

The Happiest Hour {Berry Sangria}

Happy Friday! Or should I say happy long weekend! Labor Day weekend is finally upon us and so is the end of summer. While my favorite season is coming to an end, I must admit I am excited for all that fall has to bring. I can't wait college football, hearty soups, and layers! I've got grand plans for beer tasting parties, fall crafts, and creating a beer garten for Rob's 25th birthday. I want to kick off the holiday weekend (and summer goodbye party) with a recipe for a refreshing (and patriotic!) cocktail to enjoy with friends this weekend. This summer has really gotten me to expand my horizons and find ways to enjoy white wine. My favorite way to do this is with fresh fruit and a yummy glass of sangria. To close out berry season, I wanted to take advantage of the sweet blueberries and raspberries while I still could. Here's my recipe for a light and refreshing berry sangria that also doubles as a berry compote to top pound cakes and pancakes!

:: Ingredients ::
750ml White Wine
2 Cups Fresh Raspberries (plus more for garnish)
2 Cups Fresh Blueberries (plus more for garnish)
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Water
Soda Water

:: Directions ::
1. In a medium sauce pan, combine raspberries, blueberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil stirring to dissolve sugar.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
3. After cooled, strain syrup through a mesh strainer. Hint: Don't push all the liquid through the strainer. Save just a bit with the whole berries to serve as a compote to top pancakes the next morning!
4. Pour syrup into a pitcher with white wine. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight to enhance flavor.
5. Serve over ice with a splash of soda water and fresh raspberries and blueberries for garnish.

Indulge In {Chocolate Raspberry Mousse}

This is truly an indulgence, and an easy to make one at that. Heading to a friend's house for celebratory apps and cocktails a few weeks ago, I needed something quick and delicious to throw together. Making a traditional chocolate mousse was out of the question, but this quick, easy, and yummy version is just the trick. A perfectly balanced combo homemade whipped cream and sugar free chocolate pudding piped in a flaky tartlet is simple enough to make in a flash and a great way to impress diners. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1/2 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
5 Containers Sugar Free Jello Pudding
Phyllo Tartlets
Fresh Raspberries

:: Directions ::
1. Place metal mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Remove bowl and beaters from freezer. Pour in heavy whipping cream and beat on high until stiff peaks begin to form.
3. Add powdered sugar and beat on high for another 2 minutes.
4. 1 container at a time, add the pudding, beating each until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 45 seconds.
5. Using a piping bag (or plastic bag) pipe the mixture into each tartlet. Top with a raspberry and serve immediately.

The Happiest Hour {Red Razzie}

Hello! Today we are expanding. Seeing as cocktails are such an important part of any soiree, I'm taking cocktail posts to a whole new level with their own post, The Happiest Hour. And even though it's early in the day to be talking happy hour, it is, after all, five o'clock somewhere. So in honor of the inaugural post, I'm bringing to you today a refreshing Red Razzie. Yes, I did just make that name up, but the outcome is well worth the experimentation. Light and refreshing, this fruity cocktail is lovely for sipping on a hot afternoon. By mixing fresh raspberries with raspberry vodka, you get a sweet flavor explosion. Here's the mix up...

:: Ingredients ::

2 parts Raspberry Vodka

2 parts Club Soda

1 part Simple Syrup

Handful of fresh Raspberries

Lime wedge for garnish

:: Directions ::

1. Muddle fresh raspberries in a shaker, add raspberry vodka and simple syrup. Shake.

2. Pour into a rocks glass over ice.

3. Add club soda, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge. 

Cheers!

Color Me: Raspberry

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing with the time change? I must admit I'm still a little tired. That's okay though because in my book it's officially spring! One of my favorite flavors and colors for spring is raspberry. The light, refreshing taste and vibrant hue are a wonderful welcome from the dull heaviness of winter. Pair the shade with light sky blue to allow it's vibrancy to really pop. Imagine rich raspberry florals atop a printed sky blue linen. Can you imagine the gorgeousness? Intensify the color by treating guests with raspberry flavored treats. Raspberry macaroon with a lemon filling is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for the season. Serve up champagne topped with a little fresh raspberry puree and a raspberry garnish and your guests will be screaming of spring as much as you and your soiree!