Hot-Chocolate Pudding

Serves: 4

Total Time: 25 min

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 10 min


Ingredients

Orange Whipped Cream

1/4 cup(s) heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) sugar
1/8 teaspoon(s) grated orange zest
Pudding

1/2 cup(s) sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
3/4 cup(s) milk
1/2 cup(s) heavy cream
1 pinch(s) salt
9 ounce(s) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directions

1.In a small bowl, with a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream, sugar, and orange zest until soft peaks form. Refrigerate while making pudding.

2.In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; whisk in milk, cream, and salt until blended. Cook over medium heat, whisking gently, just until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove pan from heat; stir in chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth. With a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat until light and fluffy. Divide pudding into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins; top each with a dollop of Orange Whipped Cream. Serve immediately.

Beyoncé Knowles Shares Her Beauty Secrets

She’s as famous for her ever-changing looks as she is for being a workaholic singer, actress, and all-around superstar. Here, some of her secrets to staying fierce

Are there similarities between music and perfume?
When I write songs, I want them to be sensual and sexy, so women can go out on the dance floor and feel free and strong—like they can say whatever they want to say, especially to the opposite sex. And that’s what I wanted Heat to do too. You feel more confident when you’re wearing a fragrance you love.

Any anti-fatigue beauty tricks?
I always keep a pair of Ray-Bans handy! And sometimes I put a little gold eye shadow in the inner corners of my eyes—it’s more subtle than white, but it still really makes you look more awake.

What do you use to give your body skin that velvety sheen?
I layer on bronzers for public appearances. I love L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day gel, which you can just get at Walmart, and Scott Barnes Body Bling is also great.

You do your own makeup for performances. Why not use a makeup artist?
It’s a way of getting into the zone—it’s part of becoming Sasha Fierce. I’m able to sit down for an hour and play around with makeup, which I find really relaxing and fun. Before a tour, I have my makeup artist design a look for me—she draws it on paper to show me where to put everything.

How important is hair and makeup for getting into film roles?
Very. Especially playing Etta James in Cadillac Records—once I put on that blond wig and those thick eyebrows, I felt much more natural in her skin. That’s one of the things I love about makeup: You can change your whole attitude just by doing your eyeliner or lipstick differently.

What are some of your staple red-carpet tricks?
I use a makeup primer, and then I use a lot of powder to keep everything in place. I usually go for a waterproof mascara, or a strip of false lashes when I’m onstage, so I won’t get smudgy. And I love L’Oréal Paris Elnett hairspray—it holds like nothing else.

Your mom owned a hair salon when you were growing up. Did you try out a lot of styles?
Oh, yeah. I’m sure it was scary for her because I was always messing with my hair when I was a kid. One of the worst things I did was cut my ponytails off. I saw my mom doing extensions, so I thought she’d be able to put them back on. Thankfully I had separated my hair into quarters and I only cut off the front two ponytails. Afterward I had to have really thick bangs for a while.

Did it make you more fearless about experimenting as an adult?
Definitely. I’m still always doing something to my hair—cutting layers, or bleaching it, or taking it upon myself to copy fashionable hairstyles without knowing the necessary techniques. A couple of weeks ago, I cut my own bangs and put highlights in the front. When my stylist saw me, she was like, “What did you do?!” I did a pretty good job, but she still had to fix it. We’re always joking that I’m a frustrated hairdresser.

How often do you exercise?
I’ve never been all that consistent. If I’m onstage doing a performance for two and a half hours, I don’t really think I need to do anything else. So when I’m on tour, I let it slide. But I just started working out at the Tracy Anderson gym. It’s hard work!

Tracy Anderson is known for reshaping people’s bodies. Is that what you want?
Not really; I’m pretty happy. I want to get my arms a bit leaner, but other than that, it’s just maintenance.

Do you follow a specific diet?
Well, I don’t eat pasta every day. I’m not trying to lose or gain weight, but I do have to work out and watch what I eat. I’m not someone who can go crazy. I’ll usually have cereal for breakfast and a salad for lunch and a light dinner, and then on Sundays I’ll allow myself to have whatever I want.

You famously did the Master Cleanse for your role in Dreamgirls. Would you ever do it again?
Never. I did it to lose weight really fast, but it wasn’t fun. There are healthier ways to lose weight—I wouldn’t recommend it.



Source

Kiwi : Kiwi Face Mask

Kiwi
Any food with lots of vitamin C, like kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit, is a big skin saver, according to Drayer. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and protects against wrinkles. In a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who had a diet high in vitamin C foods had noticeably less dryness and fewer wrinkles.

Peel one kiwi and place it in the blender or food processor. The seeds of kiwi fruit will help to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving your face smooth and soft. Kiwi, like strawberry, is also full of alpha-hydroxy acid, which can help reduce oil, prevent blackheads and balance your complexion.

Eat Your Way Thin

What are some foods I can eat every day to control my appetite and aid in weight loss?

Raw veggies
Rice, nut, or soy milk
Green and oolong teas
Cinnamon
Lean turkey

Click here for Detailed explanation

Kiwi and Papaya Face Mask

Face Mask - Kiwi and Papaya Face Mask
This is a gel mask that harnesses the natural fruit acids in kiwifruit, lime, and papaya to exfoliate gently, leaving the skin smooth and rejuvenated. Makes enough for one or two facial treatments.

Ingredients

1 kiwifruit, peeled
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 papaya
2 packets gelatin


1. Mash the kiwifruit through a sieve into a small bowl. Add the lime juice to the kiwi.

2. Scoop out the seeds from the papaya, and mash the flesh on a chopping board, using a fork (this makes it slightly easier to press through the sieve). Press the papaya through a sieve into the top of a double boiler and mix with the gelatin, using a fork.

3. Put the pan with the papaya mixture over the bottom of a double boiler filled halfway with boiling water and stir constantly. As soon as mixture forms a wallpaper-paste consistency, remove from heat immediately and continue to stir. Add the kiwifruit/lime juice mixture slowly, bit by bit, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool.

4. When mixture is cool, apply the gel to your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 10 minutes, up to 1 hour. Wash off with warm water. Most effective when used as soon as possible but will keep when refrigerated for up to 48 hours.

Summer Bag Essentials

SPF Wet Wipes / Wet Tissues
Sun Screen Protection
Lip Balm
Body Mist
Blotting Papers
Water Bottle
Comb

Salt & Pepper : Check out ;)

Salt & Pepper
Designed by Cell Anterpo

A Matter of Taste : Amazing

A Matter of Taste : Amazing
Photographer: Fulvio Bonavia
Edible fashion has been inspiration for quite some time but photographer Fulvio Bonavia transformed some of our favorite accessories with fruit, cheese and chocolate among other for his photo book "A Matter of Taste". Taste more of these after the jump.

Well, now if you don't eat it, you can wear it. At least, in an imaginary world. So, what's on the menu? Aubergine ballerinas, pasta shoes, candy pumps, rice boots and lentil flip-flops, broccoli, raspberry, parmeggiano, pistachio, buts and blueberry bags, artichoke and leek hats, kiwi watch, fruity necklace, seafood rings and sardines belt.




Source

Shrink Pores Naturally !!

Skin pores are sensitive to all external factors from the impact of extreme weather conditions, heat as well as the use of inappropriate skin products and rituals.

These are some of the solutions to treat large pores:

Ice: Cleanse your face with a mild face wash. Then rub an ice cube wrapped in a towel over your face. Rubbing Cold ice constricts the facial muscles and shrink the pores temporarily. Then pat dry.

Lemon: You can then apply fresh lemon juice over your face,Lemon juice acts as an astringent which helps to close the pores.

Egg whites: they are not just skin-tighteners but also excellent pore-shrinkers. Beat an egg white. Add a tsp of lemon juice to it. Then apply it evenly over your face until it dries and tightens around the skin. Wash it off with a splash of cold water.

Tomato Juice: This natural ingredient is not only healthy but can do miracles also with your skin. Acting similarly to a toner, tomato juice when applied to the pores will tighten them and shrink them to the ideal size. Use a cotton ball to apply the lotion to your complexion. Leave the mask on for at least 18-20 minutes. Finally rinse it off with water.

Honey: Those who struggle with an oily complexion will be eager to adopt a similar ritual that requires no extra skills or expenses.

Mix 2-3 teaspoons of honey, then equal amount of lemon juice and a bit of sugar. Apply the mask to your complexion and massage it for a few minute. Leave the treatment on again for 4-5 minutes then wash it off with tepid water.

Sugar scrub: might also help with open pores. Combine a tsp each of olive oil, honey, lemon juice to a few sugar crystals and gently rub over your face. Wash with a splash of ice cold water.

Papaya, peach, pineapple and orange juices also have astringent properties. So using these on your face may be a good idea.

Source

and
Source

Homemade Hair Masks

Homemade Hair Masks
Get your hair into tip-top shape with natural conditioning treatments you can make at home.

Honey & Olive Oil
Honey leave you with shiny and voluminous locks. Mix 2 tablespoon honey with 3 tablespoon olive oil. Apply throughly to hair. Cover hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes shampoo and rinse well.

Olive Oil Hair Mask or Pack
Mix 5 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 eggs. Apply throughly to hair. Wrap head with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes rinse well.

Yogurt hair mask
Separate an egg and beat the white until it's foamy. Mix with 6 tablespoons of natural yogurt. Massage into the hair and leave for 15 – 30 minutes. Wash out with a very mild shampoo.

Avocado and Banana
These two fruits offer the proper treatment for broke down locks. Due to their content of Vitamin A, B and E as well as potassium this smashing combo will balance the moisture production and will also increase the resistance of the strands towards excessive heat, and damage in general.

Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask
After you shampoo your hair, pour 1 cup fresh lemon juice or vinegar through hair and massage and rinse with water. Apply your usual conditioner and wash with water. It will remove all the dirt and your hair will be shine sparkling. Do not repeat this method before 2 weeks.

To Grow Long Hair
Grind black pepper and lemon seeds in equal amounts and make a paste in water and apply on your hair and scalp. Wash after 15 minutes with cold water.

For Damaged Hair
Mash a ripe banana with a few drops of almond oil and massage into hair. Leave it for about 15 minutes then shampoo and condition.

Falling Hair, Hair Loss
Rub Indian gooseberry (Amla) into the scalp regularly. It can show wonderful results, it will stop hair falling.

Bananas make a wonderful hair mask when blended with an egg, three teaspoons each of honey and milk, and five teaspoons of olive oil. Massage the mixture onto your hair and scalp and leave it on for a half hour before you shampoo it out.

Get a little honey. A sweet conditioning mask mixes equal parts honey and olive oil. You’ll need to rub the mask into your hair and wrap your locks in plastic wrap. Shampoo after 30 minutes.

Oil up your scalp. Make a mask from two eggs and five teaspoons of olive oil and massage into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for a half hour before washing it out.

Try a little avocado. Mix mashed avocado with a teaspoon each of olive oil and honey, then apply to your hair. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes, then wash it away.

Mix up some strawberries. Mix a cup of strawberries, an egg yolk, and two tablespoons of olive oil in your food processor, then work it into your hair. Let it soak in for 20 minutes before shampooing it away.

Go a little nutty. Almond oil can also help defrizz your hair. To make a hair mask, combine a ¼ cup of honey, a ½ cup of yogurt, and a tablespoon of almond oil, then work it into your hair from root to tip. Leave it on for 20 minutes before you shampoo.

Pretty and Fresh !!!

Lemon Facial Scrub
1 Part Sunkist lemon zest
1 Part powdered milk
2 Parts almond meal
1/2 Part fresh Sunkist lemon juice

Great for oily skin, this fragrant recipe will wake up a dull complexion with a zesty kick.

Strawberry Drawing Facial Mask
2 Cup fresh strawberries
1 Tablespoon fresh milk
1 Tablespoon rice flour or cornstarch

Mash together all ingredients to make a smooth paste. Spread over your face and neck, and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. Use twice weekly and watch the antioxidants magically reduce lines and smooth out your complexion.

Zesty Sugar Scrub
3/4 Cup of organic sugar
1/4 Cup fresh Sunkist grapefruit juice
1/4 Cup grapeseed oil
1 Tablespoon honey

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Apply to your hands by dipping a sliced grapefruit in the grapefruit sugar mixture. In addition to the massaging skin benefits, the grapefruit will also work to brighten nails. Follow the treatment with a luke-warm soaked wash cloth.

Sunkist Sugar Spa Scrub
2 Cups granulated sugar
2 Cups olive oil or almond oil
2 Tablespoons finely zested Sunkist lemon peel
2 Tablespoons finely zested Sunkist grapefruit peel

Blend all the ingredients together and massage onto wet hands or body for a full minute. Then rinse. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant and humectant, while the citrus and oil are effective cleansers and skin brighteners

Avocado body mask
2 Avocados, thoroughly mashed into a paste
3 Tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt
1/4 Cup honey
Grated rind of two fresh lemons, along with the juice
1/4 Cup organic coconut oil

Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be that of a thin sour cream. Apply to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub off with warm water. This cooling scrub will help reduce wrinkles and signs of age. Keep unused portion in refrigerator for two to three days.

Grapefruit Foot Tonic
1 Gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 Sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 Limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1 Shot glass vodka

This one is a bit more complicated, but you won't regret the effort. Follow these directions diligently, and find your dainty feet sexier than ever and as soft as feathers.

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat the grapefruit juice on the stove or in the microwave until warm, but not hot. Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with lotion.

Banana and Lemon Foot Massage
1/2 Sunkist Lemon
2 Bananas
2 Tablespoons of fine sea salt
2 Tablespoons of grapeseed oil

Slice bananas into a bowl and mash. Add the juice of the lemon and the rest of the ingredients and mix together. Massage the mixture into your feet and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, dry thoroughly and apply lots of moisturizer. Now, relax. Ahh, there must be bananas in pedicure heaven.

Citrus Body Oil
1 Ounce jojoba oil
10 Drops grapefruit essential oil
5 Drops tangerine essential oil
2 Drops lemon essential oil

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This oily concoction cleanses and rejuvenates leaving you with porcelain skin fit for a princess. But be careful! The essential oils can cause sun sensitivity

Lemon Dandruff Treatment
3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ Cup olive oil

Death to dandruff! Try this sour dish to fix those nasty flakes. Combine the ingredients and rub gently onto scalp. After 15 minutes, rinse, and then shampoo and condition as usual.

source

Top Ten Superfoods for Weight Loss

Wanna eat your way to beautiful skin? Check out these 10 Superfood groups to support a healthy weight loss and management program straight from Dr. Perricone:

Super Food Groups

Each group is followed by a list of its primary functions in fighting weight gain, and the “STAR” and “Runners Up” foods in it.


Rich Cold-Water Fish: Anti-inflammatory Omega-3 Fats
TOP CHOICE: Wild Alaskan Salmon
Runners up: Sablefish, Sardines, Anchovies, Herring, North Atlantic Mackerel, Trout, Tuna

Favorite Fruits: Fiber, Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants, and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICES: Apples, Grapefruit
Runners up: Berries, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Prunes, Cherries, Oranges

“Back to Mono” Fruits: Fiber, Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants, Anti-inflammatory/Anti-Adiposity Fats, and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICE: Avocado
Runners up: Olives, Coconut, Acai

Hot Calorie Burners: Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants, Fiber, and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICE: Chili Peppers
Runners up: Cayenne, chili powder

Nuts and Seeds: Fiber, Anti-inflammatory Fats, and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICE: Sesame Seeds and Sesame Butter (Tahini)
Runners up: Flaxseed, Walnuts, Cashews, Filberts, Pumpkin seed, Hemp seed

Low-Fat Probiotic Dairy Foods: Nutriceutical Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICE: Low-Fat Yogurt
Runners up: Low-Fat Kefir, Low-Fat Probiotic Milk

Beans (legume family): Fiber, Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants and other Nutriceutical Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICES: Chana Dal (AKA Bengal gram dal or chholar dal), Lentils, Chickpeas, Mung Beans, Hummus (chickpea puree)
Runners up: Kidney Beans, Navy Beans, Pinto Beans, Black Beans

Heritage Whole Grains: Fiber, Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants, and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICE: Oats
Runners up: Hull-less Barley, Buckwheat

Spicy Sugar-Stabilizers: Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICES: Cinnamon, Turmeric
Runners up: Cloves, Fenugreek

Anti-inflammatory Vegetables: Fiber, Anti-inflammatory Antioxidants, and other Phytonutrient Obesity-Fighters
TOP CHOICES: Spinach, Kale, Chard, Collards, Root Vegetable Greens (Turnip, Mustard, Beet)
Runners up: Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli Florets, Broccoli Sprouts, Bell Peppers, Onion-Garlic (Allium)

Family, Eggplant, Green or Red Cabbage (red has the higher anti-oxidant potential), Aromatic Culinary Herbs (e.g., parsley, mint, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano), Lettuces (various types), Wheat and Barley Grasses, Blue-Green Algae and Spirulina
Related Posts:

Super foods for Healthy You

Superfoods for optimal skin?

Your skin needs nutrients from the food we eat to be healthy. While there is no one food that will give you healthy skin, the nutrients your skin needs are found in a variety of foods so your best bet for healthy skin is to eat a variety of food from each of the five food groups. Here are some nutrition tips for healthy skin:

• Keep hydrated, not drinking enough will leave your skin dry and the best drink is water.
• If you drink alcohol, limit the amount you drink as alcohol can dry out the skin and cause redness.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as they are great sources of antioxidants known to protect skin.
• Choose wholegrain cereals like wholegrain bread, pasta and rice.
• Eat lean meats, fish and legumes
• Use healthy oils and eat foods with healthy oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, fish, nuts and seeds.
• Eat reduced fat dairy foods.

Tips for achieving health and general body wellbeing?

The best way to make sure you are eating the right foods for good health and wellbeing is to eat foods from each of the five food groups and to choose a variety from within each food group. The easiest way to do this is to plan what you are going to eat for the week and make sure you’ve got all the food you need ready to go.

Everyday you should:
• Eat at least 2 serves of fruit
• Eat at least 5 serves of vegetables
• Choose wholegrain cereals, for example wholegrain bread and pasta, brown rice and cereals like untoasted muesli or oats
• Choose reduced fat dairy foods like cheese, yoghurt, milk
• Choose lean meats
• Limit foods high in saturated fat, salt or sugar
• Choose water to drink

What foods are best avoided?

All foods can be included in moderation as part of a healthy diet. No food or food group should be avoided as often this can lead to an unbalanced diet or bingeing. But you should try and at least limit foods high in salt, sugar and fat to at least once a week or less.

Romantic Date Ideas

Skip the dinner and a movie and get close with these unique date ideas.

Go to the Beach
Frolic on the sand at a local beach.Play touch football near the water, and talk about your favorite summer vacation trips.

Botanical Garden
Smell the roses at a botanical garden. Wind your way through manicured lawns and groves of blossoming trees, taking the time to sit near the fountains. Sip cups of tea at the outdoor café, and enjoy the romantic scenery.

Cornfield Maze
Get lost together in a corn maze. It might take hours for you to find your way through, but who cares! After you get out, warm him up with a cup of hot cider and some cuddling.

Beer Brewery
Suggest a brewery tour and he'll think you're the coolest girl in the world. By the time you're ready to taste-test, he'll already be drunk on love.

Comedy Club
Laugh together at a comedy club improve show. Be prepared to play along if the actors pull you on stage at some point in the evening. Your date will think you're easygoing and fun, and he won't be able to stop talking about the girl with the wonderful sense of humor.

Amusement Park
Spend the day running around an amusement park. Find time to chat as you wait in line for rides, and share a bag of cotton candy at the dolphin show. As a cheesy memento, offer to buy the photo of you both screaming as you plummet downhill on the big roller coaster.

Aquarium
Filled with angel fish, tiger sharks, and ancient sea turtles, no place exudes romance more than an aquarium. Stroll through the hushed, darkened rooms, pointing out your favorite creatures, and he'll notice how beautiful you look, illuminated by the glow of fish tanks.

Learn to Dance
Sign up for an hour of swing dancing lessons. Even if he's not light on his feet, he'll enjoy grabbing your waist and twirling you around. Stay for the all-couple dance session afterward to get more practice — or as an excuse to keep touching each other.

ractice Your Golf Swing
Book an hour or two at the driving range. If you really end up hitting it off, play a game of nine holes and grab a drink at the clubhouse for even more one-on-one time.

Go Bungee Jumping
For the ultimate dating adrenaline rush, get your blood pumping by going bungee jumping. Ask for a double harness, and cling to each other as you soar through the air...just resist screaming in his ear. Once you survive the experience, plan your next extreme date: skydiving.

Race Go-Karts
Race around a track in go-karts. Take turns behind the wheel to prove you don't "drive like a girl," and have fun trying to knock cocky teenage boys off course. If you're really feeling frisky, suggest driving your own cars for the ultimate Speed Racer showdown.

Check Out a Jazz Club
Groove to sensual sounds at a jazz club. Sip martinis at a table for two, and tap your toes to trumpet solos and the thumping of a stand-up bass. You'll feel sophisticated and relaxed, and he'll be mesmerized at your beauty by the glow of candlelight.

Fly a Kite
Take a kite to the beach or a local park for an afternoon spent with your heads in the clouds. First, work together to get the kite up, then brush hands as you pass the handle back and forth. If the wind won't cooperate, head to the swing sets and catch some air there.

Hit Up a Karaoke Bar
Sing your hearts out at a karaoke bar. Down a couple of drinks for courage while you peruse the song list. Belt out a crowd-pleasing favorite together, and then judge everyone else's performances à la Simon Cowell.

Go to the Spa
Your hot metrosexual will enjoy an hour of pampering at the spa just as much as you. Suggest a polish-free mani and pedi, then stroll down your town's main street, window shopping along the way. Stop at a sidewalk bistro for cappuccinos and biscotti.

Stroll Through the Park
Keep it simple with a stroll through the park. Pick out your favorite frozen treat from an ice cream vendor, and get to know each other, while you people-watch from a park bench. Find a Little League team to root for, and share favorite memories from your childhood.

Go Rowing
Glide around a lake in a rowboat. Take turns mastering the oars, and try not to capsize your tiny craft. If you're feeling brave, recreate the "Kiss the Girl" scene in The Little Mermaid...minus the singing fish.

Sail Away
Rent a sailboat and take to the water. Play first mate to his captain by shoving off and rigging the mast. Then let him steer you to a secluded alcove, where you can drop anchor and enjoy the ripple of the waves — and each other's company.


Romantic date ideas, best first dates, best date ideas, first date ideas, date night ideas, unique date ideas
Source

Trendy New Cocktail Recipes

Trendy New Cocktail Recipes

Cocktail guru Emma Roberts buzzes up the party with a dozen trendy new concoctions to get you out of your white wine rut.

Something on the Side

Makes 1 cocktail

1 1/2 ounces Cognac (preferably Hennessy)

1/2 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur

2 ounces sour mix

1 ounce vanilla tangerine mix, chilled (recipe follows)

In a lowball glass filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Stir well. Garnish with an orange twist.


Vanilla Tangerine Mix

5 tangerines, peeled, chopped, and seeded

2 cups sugar

3 cups water

2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise

Combine tangerines, sugar, and water in a 3-quart saucepan. Cook over high heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add vanilla beans, scraping to release seeds. Reduce heat to medium. Stirring occasionally, simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, or until mix is reduced to 2 cups. Cool. Remove vanilla. Puree mix in blender. Pour into a bottle; chill. Makes 16 cocktails.

Hot Flash Sparkler

Roberts says: “This is a healthy, heart-smart cocktail because of the pomegranate and ginger. It’s like sangria, and just as potent, but perfect for brunch.”

Makes 4 cocktails

1 cup pomegranate juice

1 tablespoon sugar

1 small piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut to yield one 1/4-inch-thick slice

4 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur

1 bottle (750 milliliters) brut Champagne, well chilled

Combine pomegranate juice, sugar, and ginger in a saucepan; bring to a boil, and cook, stirring, until mixture is reduced to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes. Let cool. Pour 4 teaspoons pomegranate syrup, 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1/4 teaspoon Cointreau into each of four 6-ounce Champagne flutes. Add 2/3 cup Champagne to each flute. Garnish with 3 to 5 pomegranate seeds each.

Flying Fearlessly

Roberts says: “Serve this fresh-tasting sparkler at brunch or at an afternoon open house. It’s not that strong, and you can make most of it ahead of time, adding the bubbles at the last minute. The fizz will last for about 20 minutes.”

Cranberry cocktails are lovely when garnished with white or red cranberry swizzles. To make them, skewer 4 or 5 berries on a toothpick. Place in freezer until ready to use.

Makes 6 cocktails

4 kumquats, thinly sliced

1/3 cup Grand Marnier

1/4 cup superfine sugar

1/2 cup cranberry juice

1 bottle (750 milliliters) chilled sparkling white wine

6 frozen cranberry swizzles

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 sliced kumquats, Grand Marnier, sugar, and juice. Mash ingredients with the back of a spoon and let stand for 5 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine sieve over a measuring cup or bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all juice. In a pitcher, combine liquid kumquat mixture and sparkling wine. Pour into Champagne flutes, and garnish each flute with a frozen cranberry swizzle and a slice of the remaining kumquats.

Grapeade for Grown-Ups

Roberts says: “This kind of grape-flavored martini is very popular with women. And the garnish of frozen grapes is fun.”

For the swizzles, thread green grapes on a short bamboo skewer or long wooden pick; freeze until ready to use.

Makes 1 cocktail

1 1/2 ounces grape vodka (preferably Ciroc)

3/4 ounce triple sec

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce simple syrup

Grape rimming sugar (available at barsupply.com)

In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with green-grape swizzle.

Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

In a heavy saucepan, bring sugar and water to a very low boil. When sugar dissolves, immediately remove pan from heat. Let cool. Store syrup in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready for use. Makes 12 cocktails.

The Keeper Husband


Roberts says: “This pumpkin spice cocktail is a favorite with men, probably because it’s not sweet. You often find rum in summer poolside drinks like mojitos and mai tais, but this one is good for cooler weather. Vanilla gives it added body. And thanks to the cream, the drink is not that heady.”

Makes 2 cocktails

5 ounces spiced rum (preferably Captain Morgan)

2 ounces light cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons pumpkin spice rimming sugar (recipe follows)

Pumpkin pie spice

2 cinnamon sticks

Combine rum, cream, and vanilla extract in a shaker. Shake for about 1 minute. Pour into glasses rimmed with pumpkin-spice sugar, and sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice in each drink. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Pumpkin Spice Rimming Sugar

Mix 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl.

Peppermint Patty Ages Up


“This drink looks festive when garnished with a chocolate mint or candy cane; it’s my favorite in terms of looks. Set out six of these on a silver tray to welcome guests as they arrive. They’ll love it, except for those who just don’t like peppermint liqueur.”

Makes 2 cocktails

2 ounces Absolut Peppar vodka

1 1/2 ounces Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur or other white chocolate liqueur

1 ounce peppermint schnapps

Peppermint dust (recipe follows)

1 ounce white creme de menthe

2 small peppermint patties

Pour the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps into a shaker that is full of ice. Shake until very well chilled, about 1 minute. Rim 2 martini glasses with peppermint dust. Strain cocktail into the glasses. Add 1/2 ounce of creme de menthe to each glass, and garnish with a peppermint patty.

Peppermint Dust

Remove the cellophane wrappers from 1 dozen peppermint candies. Place candies in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. With a meat tenderizer or soup can, carefully smash the candies into a dust. Use a rolling pin over any small pieces of candy that were not crushed.

Empty Nest Blues


Makes 1 cocktail

1 1/2 ounces blueberry vodka (preferably Stolichnaya)

3/4 ounce triple sec

1/4 ounce blue Curacao

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce simple syrup

Blueberry rimming sugar (available at cocktailcandy.com)

In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake vigorously until very well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with blueberry sugar.

Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

In a heavy saucepan, bring sugar and water to a very low boil. When sugar dissolves, immediately remove pan from heat. Let cool. Store syrup in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready for use. Makes 12 cocktails.

Apples Behaving Badly


Makes 1 cocktail

2 ounces premium apple vodka (preferably Citadel)

1 ounce DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker schnapps

1 ounce sour mix

1 lady apple, sliced crosswise so seeds are in shape of a star

In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, schnapps and sour mix. Shake vigorously until very well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice.



Source