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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Date Night, Drinks and Smoothies, New Year's

Wine Slushie recipe

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Fruity and bursting with delicious flavors, this Cherry Red Wine Slushie recipe is actually pretty good for you too, so drink up!

This Cherry Red Wine Slushy goes well paired with steak, chicken or pasta.

And is something that can be enjoyed year round.

Think Summer Patio Nights, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Valentines or just because you deserve it!

Cherries freeze well once they have been pitted. 

So each summer I will freeze a bunch of cherries. And place them into freezer bags and store them in my freezer for year round enjoyment.

Who would not want wine slushies and smoothies year round?

Just say I 🙂 

HOW TO MAKE CHERRY RED WINE SLUSHY 

  • You’ll want to start with a bottle of your favorite RED WINE. 
  • A bottle of Sprite or 7 UP
  • Lime
  • Vanilla extract
  • And some frozen cherries 

Simply blend everything together then add some sprite and serve!

Easy peazy and so delicious! 

Pair this with a nice steak dinner or lamb shank and your going to be in for a nice evening alone or with someone special. 

IS CHERRY WINE SLUSHIES HEALTHY

Red Wine in moderation is healthy.

And well we all know cherries are packed full of fiber and antioxidants so that is a given. 

Did you know that one cherry has 3 grams of fiber, which aids in digestion, lowers cholesterol, controls blood sugar and can help with weight loss.

Also cherries are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, protein and iron so eating these often is a smart thing to do. 

So why not pair them with some red wine too? 

Red wine has flavonoids in it has  proven to be heart healthy so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 

The type of red wine you use is all about personal preference.

So please go ahead and experiment with your favorites for this one!

I would love to see pictures of you enjoying your Cherry Wine Slushies on social media.

So if you made this please tag me on Instagram #canadiancookingadventures

I would love to see you treating yourself!

We defiantly all deserve to be treated after this past year, am I right? 

Cherry wine slushies for the WIN!

LOOKING FOR SOME DINNER IDEAS TO GO ALONG WITH THESE CHERRY SLUSHIES?

Look no further, I got you girl 🙂

Keg Steaks

Tortellini Alfredo with Sausage

Rosemary Lamb Shanks

Mushroom Cheese Spinach Ravioli

Lemon Baked Garlic Chicken

Looking for another take on the Cherry Slushy?

This one just does not have the alcohol!

But it’s just as good if you ask me.

Cherry Slushy

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Note: Wanting to use fresh cherries vs frozen? Just add more ice cubes.

Drinks and Smoothies

Dandelion Iced Tea

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It’s dandelion season again and that means my fridge is stocked UP with homemade Dandelion Iced Tea 🙂

And I could not be more happier for spring, besides the allergy part “sniffle sniffle”.

It means a big old goodbye to those long cold DARK winter days and hello to warmth and sunshine and the bees! Oh how I love the bees!!

I used to buy dandelion tea at the store for it’s healthy benefits of course. And now I make it myself at home.

Why not it’s free! And takes little to no effort at all.

The only difference from making fresh dandelion tea to that which come from a tea bag is actually having to go outside and forge some in the lovely warm weather. What a shame, eh!

I truly believe more people would do this too if they knew how health this iced tea/tea was. 

But really it’s no secret, dandelions have been known as a Superfood by the herbalists community for some time now.

And people have been using them in all sorts of recipes all the way across Europe since the early millennium.

Did you know that dandelions are actually considered plants and are one of the top 4 most nutritious greens on the planet! Yes, “ON THE PLANET”!! And have been proven to be a lifeforce for the Bees, beetles and birds.

Actually if it wasn’t for the bee’s we would not have that natural honey or rather any natural food.

For they pollinate almost everything we natural that we eat today! Without the bee’s there is no us! So knowing all that would we still kill the dandelions?

Dandelions are a superfood and should be treated as such. Because they has the ability to detox the liver, skin and stomach and help you lose weight all at the same time.

Not only can the yellow parts be used to make many things such as this tea. The green stems and leaves can be chopped up and used to make salad or placed in a stir-fry and are known to have more vitamins A, C, K, Omega 6, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium than spinach. So if your a green shake lover then why not try dandelion greens the next time!

Picture Source: Forging for Food

See how the Dandelions float to the top of the Glass pitcher? Some will sink over the next few days but not enough to plug the spout. So leave them in there because the longer they soak the more nutrients you get.

Preventing Cancer and Fighting Free Radicals all Summer Long!

I will make this ice tea all summer long and do so by forging in my yard which is always full of dandelions. Of course I will give them a long good rinsing before making any tea, I do have dogs here.

However if you don’t have a large yard then it’s best to find a place where you are sure there has been no pesticides sprayed.

 

Check out more health benefits here: “Dandelions” 

Save the planet leave the Dandelions pesticide free: Let dandelions grow. Bees, beetles and birds need them

If you think saving the Dandelions are important too.  

Feel free to share my Quote!

 


I’m so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Drinks and Smoothies

Raspberry Sweet Tea

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This Raspberry Sweet Tea is healthy for you! Yup and that is because it is made with honey and organic raspberry tea.

Staying refreshed and cool in this hot weather can be a challenge. Today I’m sharing my very favorite recipe for a healthier version of sweet tea. 

So you can forget most of those American sweet tea’s which are filled with to much refined sugars and are not good for you.

And try my recipe instead! 

It tastes similar to those other Americanized sweet teas but it is much more healthier for you.

And that is because we are using organic raspberry tea bags.

WHAT’S RASPBERRY TEA GOOD FOR

Raspberry tea can reduce inflammation of the throat and intestines. It also can strengthen your immunity as it contains magnesium, potassium, iron and b-vitamins. Which all helps for nausea, leg cramps, and improving sleep during pregnancy.

Not to mention it also reduces anxiety type symptoms, naturally. 

 I can drink this all Summer long, so refreshing. 

WHICH RASPBERRY TEA WILL INDUCE LABOR

Red raspberry leaf tea has been rumored for centuries to be a“uterine tonic” of sorts. Which works to help pregnant women to help induce labor.

The specific combination of nutrients in Raspberry leaf/tea makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system as well and is high in Vitamin C. 

Even more reason to sip on the healthier version of sweet tea, right?

By omitting the refined sugar that regular sweet tea call for and replacing it with raw honey or agave nectar.

Helps to boost your immune system and omit the refined sugars that most of us are all sick of. 

This way you can sip away all day long, and not feel guilty about a thing. 

I like to brew my tea’s at night, this way it cools down naturally on the shelf.

And come morning I just add my ice cubes and it’s ready to be enjoyed all day. 

Just make sure you using real honey, you will know it’s real because it will be somewhat stiff and not runny.

Simply melt it directly into your hot brew and it will melt naturally. If you end up giving this a go, do let me know in the comments below.

I would love to see more people switching over and enjoying a healthier version of the very much loved sweet tea. 

So sit back and relax and enjoy a healthy version of Sweet tea.

 

Looking for another Summertime beverage that is healthy for you?

Try my “Dandelion iced tea”

Breakfast, Drinks and Smoothies, Vegetarian

Cherry Berry Magic Smoothie

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If your looking for the ultimate breakfast shake, then you found it. I drink this everyday and let me tell you it has changed my life!

You too can start nourishing your body and start boosting your immune system everyday just by waking up and simply adding this shake to your breakfast routine.  Whether your going on a cleanse, or just wanting to improve your overall health you can’t go wrong with incorporating this shake into your daily routine. Did you know Blueberries and Cherries are pack with some of the highest antioxidants in the fruit world? Pair those with some Spirulina powder is a super green food, and your breakfast routine will be packed full of all the nutrients you need for the day! That is why I call this smoothie, “Cherry Berry Magic Smoothie” it really is that good for you.  I have been making this smoothie for my breakfasts for the past couple of years, and it gives me just the right amount of energy I need to start off my day, while keeping me super healthy.  

So how can this shake benefit you? Well Cherries are packed with vitamin C, which is needed to build collagen your skin’s natural wrinkle prevention thus slowing down the aging process. Cherries are also loaded with Queritrin, a flavonoid believed to be one of the most potent anticancer agents. And blueberries? these guys are ranked the number 1 in antioxidants. Just one cup has 13,427 total antioxidants, vitamins A & C, plus flavonoids. That’s about 10 times the USDA’s recommendation, in just one cup! Then be sure to add your favorite protein powder also to this drink if your wanting to use it as a meal replacement in the mornings. I use “Spirulina” which is packed full of protein. So what is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a magical plant that comes from blue -green algae, that is found in warm fresh waters. And contains significant amounts of calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron. Which reinforces our immune systems and helps control high blood pressure and cholesterol, thus giving us the ultimate protection from cancers. I like to buy the organic variety that is grown in Hawaii, I trust the brand and have been using if for years. I also like to add chia seeds too, because they are super rich in nutrients such as fiber, iron, and calcium and Omega-3 fatty acids. I hope you give this powerhouse of a shake a try, you won’t regret it. 

 

To make the Cherry Berry Magical Smoothie:

  1. Place your banana, pitted frozen or fresh cherries, frozen blueberries, greek yogurt, chia seeds, spirulina powder and ice cubes in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Serve and Enjoy!

 

 


 

 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

 

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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Drinks and Smoothies, New Year's

Original Eggnog Recipe

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Try My Original Eggnog Recipe and you will never want to go back to store bought again.  

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can put us in the holiday spirit. And for me it is making this EGGNOG from scratch at home. 

For me sitting by the fireplace at nights with a cold glass of eggnog is that time, where I let everything slow down and allow myself to be grateful for the year soon to pass and hope for joy in the year to come

Whatever it is you do to recreate the warmth and magic of Christmas season, I truly hope you get that moment of peace on earth. hope it works for you.

WHY EGGNOG AT CHRISTMAS

Eggnog is believed to have descended from a drink called a “posset,” which consisted of hot curdled milk with the addition of added spices. Which became very popular around the Christmas holidays in England where it warmed the souls and hearts of many.

WHERE EGGNOG ORIGINATE FROM

Old England!

I have never been much of a store-bought eggnog fan because I find it’s to thick and sugary, not to mention not near as good as the homemade stuff!

I much prefer good old home cooking around the holidays.

And I think most people feel the same, because homemade is just that much better right? 

Well the same goes for eggnog, so I’m sharing my all time favorite recipe for a homemade eggnog that is not to thick or sugary and spiced oh so perfectly to warm anyone’s soul.

This nog only contains 5 egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar, so if you’re wanting a lighter eggnog just omit the cream for whole milk and se less egg yolks. 

Looking online for the perfect eggnog recipe, may leave you confused. Wondering, should I make my eggnog with raw or cooked eggs?

Well I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the thought of drinking raw eggs, so for me that is not an option, yuck!!

So if you are debating whether or not to make this recipe or someone else’s recipe that may call for raw eggs, I plead with you please don’t!

Raw eggs can be very dangerous since some carry salmonella, so cooking this eggnog ensures you are safe, plus it tastes sooo much better.

I usually overindulged in the stuff in the evenings, but it’s Christmas and it’s allowed right? Wishing you and yours very happy and safe holiday season.

The meringue gives it that foamy effect

The eggnog poured into a pretty purple/clear cup. 

CAN EGGNOG GO BAD

Yes, homemade eggnog should be enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of making it. However, honestly it does not last more than a few hours in my house. And if your house has more than 2 people in it. I’m sure it will be the same story! 

 

Note: Make sure you are cooking all the egg as specified in the steps above to ensure you are not 1 in 200,000 people who contact salmonella annual from raw eggs. Also you can add some Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum to this nog once it’s cooked for a boozy drink.

 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Drinks and Smoothies

Very Berry Mint Hibiscus Tea

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If you’re looking for a refreshing Summer drink then this Very Berry Mint Hibiscus Tea is sure to hit the spot!

My girlfriend introduced me to this tea some years back.

Actually it was around the Christmas holidays, and i received a nice gift package with a tea set and a number of teas. That is when i first tried and fell in love with this tea.

Then i was drinking it hot, but it’s much better brewed and chilled. And definitely one of my go to summer iced teas. So where did these BEAUTIFUL flowers come from anyway? 

Well the ancestors of today’s modern hibiscus hybrids were sprinkled all around the globe, following the Equator from one warm, tropical land to the next.

The eight hibiscus species that are considered to be the ancestors of the modern exotic hibiscus were originally native to Mauritius, Madagascar, Fiji, Hawaii, and either China or India.

Read more here about this amazing flower and its benefits.

You may have seen this beverage as of late coming out of Starbucks but i am telling you forget that over priced version and start make your own at home.

The health benefits of hibiscus tea are UNBELIEVABLE so go find yourself some shade, and allow yourself some time to relax because you deserve it darling!

HOW TO MAKE HIBISCUS TEA

  1. In a large pitcher, place 3/4 cup of dried hibiscus.
  2. Add 8 cups of filtered cold water.
  3. Cover pitcher and let chill in the fridge overnight or up to 24 hours.
  4. Tea will turn a dark red color then you know its ready.
  5. Strain your tea and discard the dried hibiscus (its to bitter to keep)
  6. Add your Agave or Honey and transfer back into your pitcher.
  7. Mix all together and serve immediately over a glass of ice cubes.
  8. Squeeze 1/2 tsp of lime and and enjoy!

To make the tea with tea bags:

  • In a large pitcher, place 8 hibiscus tea bags.
  • Add 8 cups of hot water and add 2 bruised mint leaves.
  • Cover pitcher and let chill in the fridge overnight or up to 24 hours.
  • Tea will turn a dark red color then you know its ready.
  • Strain your tea and discard the dried hibiscus (its to bitter to keep)
  • Add your Agave or Honey and transfer back into your pitcher.
  • Mix all together and serve immediately over a glass of ice cubes.
  • Top with a few fresh mint leaves and and enjoy!

Note: Makes one gallon of tea, double it up if you want more.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Drinks and Smoothies

Matcha Green Tea (Latte)

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One of my favorite drinks to order during the summer months at Starbucks has to be there Matcha Green Tea latte. At one point I was drinking at least one per day and at near $4 dollars a pop, I was definitely feeling a bit guilty at times. I have now learned to make the same tasting lattes at homes, saving myself nearly $3 dollars each time. 

So guess what that means? I get to have 4 a day now! Just kidding, that would be antioxidant overload. And that would be just CRAZY… or would it? You can make your’s with milk, almond milk whichever you prefer.

I like to melt honey into the hot water because this adds just the right amount if sweetness. Also keep in mind when purchasing your Matcha powder be sure its organic and sustained in a good place, this way you can ensure its made properly.

I have included a link below to the powder i use, its excellent.

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Breakfast, Drinks and Smoothies, Quick and easy recipes

Blueberry Avocado Breakfast Smoothie

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Here is another one of my favorite breakfast smoothies. What you will need to make this healthy breakfast smoothie is some unsweetened almond milk, frozen blueberries, a ripe avocado, prune yogurt, and a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.

The prune yogurt gives it that sweet smooth texture so don’t skip it. This recipe makes enough for 2 medium sized smoothies.

Start drinking this for breakfast every morning and watch your energy skyrocket and health improve. Save the bacon and eggs for those lazy weekends, everything in moderation is key to helping you feel your best. 

Note: You can add other fruits if you desire.

 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

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