Indulge In {Strawberry Nutella Crostinis}

Crostinis are one of my favorite appetizers. They are easy to pick up, bite sized treats full of endless flavor possibilities. For those of you who might not know what a crostini is, allow me to explain. Basically it's a small toasted open faced sandwich. Combine, veggies, meat, and cheese in some flavor mix that you love over top a crunchy round of baguette for the perfect appetizer. Although, I'm starting to see more and more dessert crostinis. Some of my favorite combinations include marscapone honey and this beauty, strawberry Nutella. The chocolate hazelnut spread is divine especially combined with sweet seasonal strawberries. Plus, who doesn't love a dessert they can eat on the go? Here's the easy, party friendly recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
French Baguette, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
Nutella
Fresh Sliced Strawberries

:: Directions ::
1. In a 350 degree oven, toast baguette rounds until crisp.
2. Spread with Nutella, top with fresh sliced strawberries and enjoy!

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 {Strawberry Mojito}

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope everyone had a very relaxing and safe holiday weekend. We spent it hanging out with Rob's family and celebrating his mom's birthday. It was such a great relaxing weekend that I'm kinda sad is over. I want to continue the party today though by sharing a cocktail recipe that surely makes me wish today was Friday once again! Through the summer months, I'm a sucker for a fruity cocktail that is full of fresh fruits and light on the artificial juices. I've had a hankering for a mojito for a while now and with a pint of fresh strawberries hanging out in my fridge, I figured what better way to enjoy both! The combo creates a light and easy drinking summer cocktail full of flavor and freshness. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
3 Strawberries, halved
5 Mint Leaves
1/4 Lime, juiced
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
2 oz White Rum
Club Soda

:: Directions ::
In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberries, mint leaves, and lime juice. Muddle until strawberries are juiced and mint leaves are bruised. Add simple syrup and rum. Shake vigorously to combine. Pour over ice and top with club soda.

Indulge In {Strawberry Pie}

Hello there! We are one day closer to the long holiday weekend ahead and I'm starting to get really excited (as I do every Thursday!). This weekend I'm packing up my bags and heading to Rob's parent's house to celebrate his Mom's birthday. You all know birthdays are my favorite and when you combine that with a holiday, I get extra happy. I want to share a recipe today that I have shared before but reminds me of both Rob's Mom and Memorial Day. Last year I had a bunch of strawberries left over from an event and took them down to his parent's house with me. With the help of Rob's Mom, we whipped up this delicious strawberry pie. If you've never had strawberry pie before, you are seriously missing out. Loaded with a ton of fresh strawberries and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, it's a great summertime dessert. Plus, the color makes it perfect to serve up on Memorial Day. Make ahead of time and keep in the fridge till guests arrive. They will surely be impressed by it's fresh, light, and delicious flavor. Here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Water
6 Tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin Mix
2 Pounds Fresh Strawberries
3 Heaping + 3 Regular Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 Pilsbury Pie Crust Cooked and Cooled
:: Directions ::
1. In a sauce pan, mix together sugar, strawberry gelatin, and cornstarch
2. Add water and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until thick and clear. Set aside and let cool completely.
3. Slice strawberries in quarters and set aside till gelatin mixture is cool.
4. Once cool, mix strawberries in with gelatin mixture. Pour into pie crust and put in fridge until ready to serve.

Color Me {Strawberry Lemonade}

As the sun gets brighter and the days get longer, I can't help but remember back to a simpler time. When your a kid, all that really matters is having fun. You're carefree, full of life and celebrate each little victory. I can't help but wonder why it can't be the same when we grow up. It is my vow that from now on, I will take the little kids approach to life. Celebrate everything and just have fun. Today's post is an ode to that. The pink and yellow combo screams of spring and fun memories. Just looking at it, I can't help but smile and want to bust out the old fashioned lemonade stand for some neighborhood fun. Now, while I go plan a block party, tell me...what's was your favorite part about being a kid that you will bring to your life now?

Have a great Monday!

Indulge In {Lemon Basil Strawberry Shortcake}

Oh that's right, I went there. You've never had strawberry shortcake quite like this before. If you follow me on Twitter, (you totally should!) you would have read the other day that I  was planning on putting my spin on the classic. The outcome, a dash of limoncello and fresh basil added to a homemade strawberry syrup that would top the cake. Let me tell you, it was divine! Traditional strawberry shortcake is already light and flavorful but the touch of lemon and basil brings a freshness that is needed. The additional flavors are subtle enough to not be over powering but bold enough to make a difference. I'm telling you, this dessert is going to be my go to through both spring and summer parties. The recipe is below. Give it a whirl because I'm dying to know what you think!

:: Ingredients ::
1 Pint Fresh Strawberries, sliced
1/2 Cup Limoncello
2 Basil Leaves, plus additional for garnish
1/4 Cup Sugar
Angel Food Cake
Whipped Cream
Lemon Slices for Garnish

:: Directions ::
1. In a medium sauce pan combine strawberries, limoncello, basil leaves and sugar. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is reduced. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Once the strawberry mixture has cooled, plate two slices of angel food cake and top with mixture. Add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with additional basil leaves and a lemon slice.

The Happiest Hour {Strawberry Mango Spritzer}

I think at this point I'm just trying to will the spring weather. I thought there for a bit it was here to stay. Sadly, I was mistaken. We have nothing but colder than normal temperatures forcing me to curl up inside in front of the fire. This spritzer, though, is my last attempt. It screams of warm days and outdoor brunches. Full of fresh strawberries and mango, it's light and refreshing. It's a cocktail worthy of sipping all afternoon. Here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::
4 Strawberries, sliced
1/4 Mango, diced
1 Cup White Wine
Club Soda
Ice

:: Directions ::
Combine wine, strawberries, and mango over ice in a wine glass. Top with club soda and sip!