Category Archives: Food

Favorite Summer Drinks that We are Keeping Around

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What’s your drink?

Personally, it’s vodka. MyHusband, it’s gin. MyDad, it’s rye. MyFather-in-Law, it’s Jack Daniels (specifically). MySister-in-Law, it’s peach margaritas.

While any of us would drink or try pretty much anything, we always return to our favorites.

This summer, MyHusband and I were on a quest to find something we liked that was:

  1. delicious,
  2. refreshing in the Houston Summer,
  3. could offer that buzz, without inducing a painful hangover. #collegewasalongtimeago

Here’s what we’ve found:

SK - Favorite summer drinks
Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Berry Lemonade

1. Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Berry Lemonade

We discovered this one because I was looking for the Smirnoff Seltzer Red White and Berry, but our liquor store was out that day, so I tried this the Berry Lemonade instead.

The flavor is good. I don’t love this one because it seems a bit flat. MyHusband doesn’t agree – he think’s its really good.

Lone River Ranch Water

2. Lone River Ranch Water

Due to Instagram influence, Ranch Waters were popping up everywhere this summer. This one has quickly become a favorite. It’s refreshing with a pop of citrus – without that weird artificial lime flavor. Be sure it’s very cold, though – the flavor gets a bit lost as it warms up.

White Claw Hard Seltzer Black Cherry

3. White Claw Hard Seltzer Black Cherry

This one is my favorite. Over the holidays last year, MyBrother had some White Claws in his beer fridge, so I got to sample several flavors. The Black Cherry is definitely my favorite. I love how light these taste, while still being 5.5% ABV.

The Finnish Long Drink

4. The Finnish Long Drink

I don’t even remember how MyHusband came across this one, but it has taken over as his favorite all summer. This drink was created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games to give an unforgettable drink to the tourists – based upon a gin and tonic. He says these are amazing alone, but even better if you add a squeeze of citrus – lime, lemon, and orange have all worked for him.

Stiegl Radler – Grapefruit

5. Stiegl Radler – Grapefruit

A radler is essentially a half beer – half fruit soda concoction. Some of the originals used carbonated lemonade, but others have used a variety of fruit flavors. So far, this is one of the best MyHusband has found.

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How To: Brownies

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sk Corner Brownie
ooooohhhh….

What’s your favorite?
Corner, edge, or center brownie?

Corner all the way, here.

I love a chewy brownie and the recipe I use always satisfies.

Better than a box, but just as easy, the first set of instructions is how to create your own brownie mix that will be waiting patiently for you when you have a day where you just need to make brownies at 9 o’clock at night after the kid has gone to bed.

Just 30 minutes to bake and so easy.

Brownie Mix Ingredients

4 c. white granulated sugar
3 c. flour
2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ Tbsp. baking powder
½ Tbsp. salt

Dry Mix Directions

1. Place all dry ingredients in large bowl.
2. Using a whisk, gently stir to combine until thoroughly mixed.
3. Store in air-tight container until needed.

I store mine in this container from IKEA (because I’ve had it for years), but whatever you have will work. You need something that can hold about 2 ½ liters/quarts or 10 cups.

Now the fun part!

Brownie Ingredients

2 ¼ c. dry Brownie Mix
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. vegetable or canola oil
2 tsp. vanilla
½ c. add-ins (total) – chopped nuts, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, caramel pieces, chocolate mint pieces, etc.

Baking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease 8 in. sq. baking pan.
3. Combine ingredients and mix until smooth. Batter will be thick.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and smooth into all corners.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Cool for as long as you can stand it.
7. ENJOY!

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