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An Authentic American Eggnog Approved by George Washington

President. Patriot. Cocktail connoisseur. At the time of his death, George Washington was the largest distiller of spirits in America. He had recently approved the construction of a large, massive distillery that would produce 11,000 gallons of whiskey a year. With so much alcohol being passed around Mount Vernon, it’s no wonder George Washington couldn’t tell a lie. Many of his original, hand-written drink recipes, for various types of spirits, have survived until present day, but in the sprit of the season, here is a look at his favorite recipe when celebrating Christmas at Mount Vernon. Washington’s eggnog recipe in his own words: “One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, 1/2 pint rye whiskey, 1/2 pint Jamaica rum, 1/4 pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites…

Apple, brie soup with walnut crumble

It’s officially soup season. I’ve been going through a pot about every two or three days. Most times I make my own recipes inspired by whatever I have in the fridge. But to ignore other cooks out there, is to miss out on the fun of sharing ideas — and some really fantastic food, too. The name had so many craveable ingredients — brie, cheddar, walnuts, maple, apple cider — I had to try it for myself. Here is an apple, brie soup recipe I borrowed and altered a bit for my liking. It’s vegetarian and has a healthy punch from the flax and walnuts. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. *This soup would pair well with a roast beef or portobello sandwich. Apple, brie soup with walnut crumble Serves about 6 Soup Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) 2 cups…

Pineapple Guacamole Recipe

Sometimes all you want for dinner is a big bowl of guacamole. Let’s be honest — we’ve all had meals much worse than that. Avocados and pineapple are two of my favorite ingredients, so it only seemed natural to put them together to create one of my other favorite foods — guacamole. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the not-so-subtle jolt of heat from the jalapeño. I must admit, I came across this idea at a local restaurant that had a variation of a pineapple, bacon guac on the appetizers menu. I’m not much of a bacon fan, but if that’s you, feel free to crumble up some slices and sprinkle on top. Otherwise, this recipe is vegan and will only take you about 10 minutes Scoop this sweet and spicy combination onto a blue corn tortilla chip for a picture perfect bite. Pineapple Guacamole Recipe Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1…

Healthy Candy Corn Popsicles

It’s that time of year when the weather can swing wildly. You reach for swim suits one day and sweaters the next. When you’re mentally in the mood for fall, but temperatures aren’t quite there yet, consider bringing out the popsicle mold for one more hurrah. These cute candy corn inspired treats are perfect for those in-between weeks leading up to Halloween that are just too warm for cider or heavy sweets. And what’s better, unlike most Halloween treats, these popsicles are festive without containing any scary ingredients — nothing like traditional candy corn. Try your own yellow, orange and white recipe or check out my fall themed flavors below. This recipe isn’t overly sweet so feel free to add Stevia or another sweeter if you want more classically sweet candy corn popsicles. Healthy Candy Corn Popsicles Makes 10 popsicles Ingredients 1 cup vanilla yogurt 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup frozen mango 1/2 cup fresh squash 1/2 cup orange…

Spinach, ricotta stuffed peppers, a satisfying vegetarian alternative

Spinach, ricotta stuffed peppers are just the kind of recipe I like — cheesy, flavorful and easy to make. Best of all, they’re vegetarian, so it’s another satisfying meat-free dish to add to your recipe box (aka Pinterest page) if you’re cutting back. For the filling, cook up some garlic and onions, then add spinach and season. Mix ricotta and parmesan, then add to the spinach and mix more. Stuff this into 5-6 pepper halves and bake. I also like to toss tomatoes into the pan to get them right to the point that the skin slides off and the juicy middle pops in your mouth. Serve with rice or pasta if you’re making going for a dinner, but just a pepper, and some tomatoes — and maybe a small slice of bread — can make a fantastic light lunch. *Note, mushrooms are also a great addition. Chop up some of your favorite fungi and add to…

Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

While pumpkin pie, the king of fall foods, isn’t exactly a breakfast mom would approve of, you can still satisfy your morning sweet tooth without the guilt — or the gluten. These pumpkin pancakes are quick and easy, but they are also quite impressive. You’ll create an instant family favorite, guaranteed.  Not gluten-free? Substitute any quick-ready pancake mix you choose. This recipe leaves lots of room for customization — my favorite part of cooking. Top these pumpkin beauties with warm, sliced apples, cinnamon and walnuts, chocolate chips or even sliced peaches if you’re making them early enough in the season. These gluten-free pancakes freeze really well, so go ahead and double the batch. As you work with the ingredients, remember you want the batter to be pourable, but not runny. It should run off a spoon, but not spread too quickly in the pan. Easy Gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Serves 2-3; Time: 10…

3-ingredient easy mango sorbet recipe

In a world of sugary desserts, one sweet treat brings all the flavor without the guilt. Sorbet is often served at higher-end restaurants or even as a palate cleanser between courses, but you need not go out for a fancy meal or shell out $6 a pint for the store-bought stuff. Make it right at home. This 3-ingredient recipe is perfect for people wanting to eliminate processed sugars or dairy from their diet, while still looking to indulge with friends and family. But don’t get sorbet confused with sherbet. Sorbet (pronounced sor-bay) is typically made from two ingredients — fruit and sugar. Due to the lack or milk, it has a slightly icy texture and needs to sit a bit at room temperature before eating. Sherbet is also made from fruit and sugar, but according the the FDA, sherbet must contain between one and two perfect milkfat. (For reference, ice cream must contain at least…

Fresh and easy summer tomato, peach, jalapeño gazpacho

If you’re expecting an abundance of tomatoes, let me suggest an easy way to them up: gazpacho. Gazpacho is a traditional dish from the Andalusia region of southern Spain. Cities in the area, including Córdoba and Seville, average summer temperatures nearing 100ºF, so it’s no wonder locals have their pulse on what makes a refreshing but nutritious summer meal. Unappetizingly, the vegetable-based, soup-like dish is sometimes referred to as a “liquid salad” or “cold soup” — but don’t let that scare you. The flavors fall somewhere between tangy vegetable juice, veggie soup and Mexican salsa, but it’s a unique dish all on its own, that in no way begs to be warmed. When your fruit baskets start filling with an excess tomato crop, try whipping up a batch of gazpacho and serving with a loaf of garlic bread. You’ll keep yourself, or your family, full, cool and satisfied. Summer tomato, peach,…

Restaurant quality at home with roasted red pepper sauce pizza, pasta

It’s good for our tastebuds if we mix things up every so often. Try this roasted red pepper sauce on anything you would typically top with a tomato sauce for an instant, restaurant-worthy upgrade. It’s a unique flavor all on its own, and it will give new life to those dishes you’ve made dozens or even hundreds of times before. It looks like tomato sauce, but the creamy, fiery flavor will surely make you a fan. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Ingredients 16 oz. jar of roasted red peppers 2 tbsp water 2.5 tbsp butter 3-4 cloves of garlic 1 tbsp dried basil 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) healthy dose of fresh cracked pepper 1/3 cup heavy cream (if using on pizza, use 1/4 or less) Directions Add peppers to blender along with 1-2 tbsp of extra liquid from the jar they came in. It’s a bit acidic, but can…

Creamy Roasted Beet Hummus: Your new favorite snack

Hummus has taken hold over most of America. Just a few years ago, most people had never heard of the traditional Mediterranean dip. Today, we can’t get enough of this creamy snack spread made from chickpeas, sesame seed paste and seasonings. Millennials, in particular, tend to gravitate toward new and unusual flavors. A new generation paired with a strong commitment to healthier dietary choices paved the way for the unusual light brown spread that packed a nutritional punch. Americans have been so receptive of hummus, in fact, that sales have started to creep towards those of other popular dips like salsa and guacamole. According to the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, hummus sales in grocery stores now top $725 million annually — up from $5 just 20 years ago. It is estimated that one in four homes now regularly stock hummus in the fridge. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have been cultivated in Middle…