Sips and Snacks in the Gazebo
It was a beautiful summer night so, we invited a couple friends over to enjoy the evening in our gazebo. Of course I had to have something to drink and nosh on. My husband and my friend Emily were both on the elimination diet, which is a strict diet and eliminates many foods, so I made Mint Ginger Pineapple Spritzer along with Cajun Popcorn with Thyme. Emily created a Colada Cooler drink recipe using coconut milk and pineapple she shared with me so we made some of those as well. All of the drinks were really refreshing and the popcorn had a kick! We all enjoyed the food and no one felt deprived. So, enjoy these tasty guilt-free creations throughout the summer.
Colada Cooler
Pineapple, fresh, frozen or canned
Coconut milk, such as Silk
In a blender combine equal parts coconut milk and pineapple. Add two parts ice and blend until smooth.
Thanks Emily, this is a great drink to enjoy anytime of the day. The coconut milk is sold alongside the rice, soy and almond milk.
P.S. If you want some alcohol add a shot of rum to your glass (Emily’s husband did!).
Mint Ginger Pineapple Spritzer
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh ginger slices
Sugar or substitute – optional
Ice
Pineapple Juice
Sparkling water
Place a few mint leaves and a couple slices of ginger in the bottom of the glass. If using sugar add at this time. Using a wooden spoon, muddle the ginger and mint leaves together. Fill the glass with ice. Then fill the glass half full with pineapple juice and top with sparkling water. Stir and garnish with a sprig of mint.
P.S. It is yummy with a shot of bourbon in it (Emily’s husband and I both did this!).
Cajun Popcorn with Fresh Thyme Leaves
Popcorn
Extra virgin Olive Oil
Cajun Seasoned Salt, such as Tony Chachere’s
Fresh thyme leaves
Pop your favorite plain popcorn. In a large serving bowl, drizzle olive oil into bowl and sprinkle with some Cajun salt. Add the popped popcorn and toss gently until kernels are covered. Add some fresh thyme leaves and toss. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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2 Responses to “Sips and Snacks in the Gazebo”
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Hi Cathy~it’s been a long time since we’ve connected…once again. We have been jammed at the Kottage again this summer. But I happened upon your blog site and couldn’t help but scrolling down to see what you’ve been up to. Looks like you’ve been busy also.
We actually have a small garden with 2 other sets of friends and it’s been fun having all the goodies it’s producing, but hard to find the time to keep up with it all. We did purchase a vitamixer which has been super fun for us..we are eating a lot of “raw”…mostly the veggies from the garden . Hopefully we will have time soon to really explore in depth some real actual recipes besides just dumping in whatever we have available.
Drinks and popcorn sound yummy. We need you to come back up for a visit so we can do some cooking or eating together. Hope you are well.
Linda @Korner Kottage
Hi Linda 🙂
It’s been too long! I wish we were only a couple hours away, so we could bug you more often.
Our gardens have not been producing this summer. I made the comment the other day that I”m waiting for summer. Waiting for the abundance of produce and getting creative with all the excess…that hasnt happened. Glad your having better luck in Michigan. Is your vitamixer drinks giving you more energy? You need it to run that fabulous B & B of yours.
We have been busy with our dog, he had a nerve sheath tumor and needed radiation. It’s the predisone that messed him up. We are doing therapy/exercise with him to rebuild his muscles. Lots of swim time. Our pets are part of our family and we do what we can for them.
Miss you. Oh, don’t compost your green tomatoes this year. Try the grilled “fried” green tomatoes and let the rest ripen in the windowsill. They are still better than grocery bought.
Keep enjoying that fresh produce,
cathy