Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Watermelon Lemonade Popsicles


We have had a few yummy melons this past week and I thought we'd transform one of them into a popsicle.  Let me tell you, the results are awesome!  With the tang from the lemonade, it is a perfect summertime treat :)  Give these a try soon.



Watermelon Lemonade Popsicles

2 cups (packed) finely chopped seeded watermelon
3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree until very smooth. Divide mixture among 8 ice pop molds (each about 1/4 to 1/3 cup capacity). Cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 5 days.
Recipe Source:  cdkitchen

Happy Summer!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Watermelon Feta Salad



Here's to watermelon season!  I had had a similar salad on my list for a while now, and my father-in-law ended up making this for dinner.  It is mighty tasty!  The sweet-salty combo is always a winner in my book :)  This salad is a great refreshing summery salad, and with fresh mint...it just is wonderful.  


Check back for more watermelon recipes in the next few weeks!


Watermelon Feta Salad


1/3 cup(s) extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
1 teaspoon(s) Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
1  (8-pound) seedless watermelon, scooped into balls with a melon baller or cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks, chilled
2 cup(s) crumbled feta cheese
1 1/4 cup(s) pitted kalamata olives (optional), coarsely chopped
1 small sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 cup(s) coarsely chopped mint leaves


In a large bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, salt, Tabasco, and pepper. Add the watermelon, feta, olives, and onion and toss gently. Garnish with the mint and serve.


Recipe Source: Delish.com

Rootbeer Float on a Stick


When I think summer treats, I think of cool refreshing slushies/snowcones/popsicles.  I have recently come a few new treats that I couldn't pass up.  This sweet treat has minimal ingredients and taste phenomenal on a hot day (or any day for that matter)!  One of these days I'll get around to buying some popsicle molds, but in the meantime Dixie Cups and popsicle sticks have been working just fine for these tasty treats :)

Here's a popsicle take on a rootbeer float.  These seriously taste just like a rootbeer float and can be ready in your freezer for whenever a craving hits.  


Rootbeer Float on a Stick

1 12oz. root beer or 1 1/2 cups
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Mix root beer and sweetened condensed milk together with a whisk. If it gets to foamy set it in the fridge for a bit to settle down. Pour into popsicle molds. I prefer dixie cups and popsicle sticks. I let the popsicles set up(about an hour) before I insert the sticks.

Want a layered look?  It takes more time, but looks prettier.  I got too impatient and they mixed together :)

The root beer mixture is the same. Pour into your cups or molds about 1/3 of the way. Freeze for about an hour.

For the cream layer mix together
1/3 cup whole milk
1 Tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Pour that in even amounts into your molds and freeze another hour. Then top off with remaining root beer mixture. Freeze again but don't forget to insert your sticks once that top layer has gotten firm. 

Recipe Source:  Smile Monster

Monday, June 11, 2012

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Here's to summertime weather!  I got thinking about when I was a child recently and some of my favorite summertime treats back then.  Things came to mind such as Slurpees, Otterpops, Fudgesicles, and Orange Creamsicles.  Today I am paying one of my old favorites another visit....in cookie form :)



I was so excited when I saw this recipe and the reviews that I had to make them right away.  The best part....they really do taste like creamsicles!  I think they'd be equally as delicious with lemon or lime zest, so we'll stick those ideas on my to-make list!  They are a perfect summertime cookie, so whip up a batch for your next BBQ with friends and watch them get gobbled up :)


Orange Creamsicle Cookies

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange zest (for me that was the zest of 2 oranges)
2 cups white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture until combined. Stir in orange zest and white chocolate chips.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Do not flatten cookies; it will make them dry. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Do not overcook! Cookies will be plump. Cool for several minutes on cookie sheets before transferring to rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container.

Recipe Source:  The Girl Who Ate Everything

 My husband loved these cookies, and he usually is not a fan of white chocolate...but he actually said "These are actually pretty dang good!"  Enjoy!