3 Quarters Today

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Food

Honey-Lime Chicken Kabobs

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More and more I turn to Pinterest for recipes. I think it’s a visual thing, I love pictures of food, just makes me hungry.  I had limes (left over from Margaritas) and I had honey, so into the Pinterest search I went for honey lime chicken and this is what I found, I call it Honey-Lime Chicken Kabobs, with my very own twist. Very easy and tasty. My only regret? I didn’t make more.

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
MMM, they smell so good

Lime Chicken Kabob Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • juice of one lime
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-2 teaspoon Siracha (didn’t have any, left if out)
  • red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine your ingredients, through the cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Pour marinade over chicken breasts and turn to coat. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour. (I marinated overnight)
  3. Grill on medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until juices run clear.
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This is Truly the Best Margarita Recipe, Ever!

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Best margarita recipe ever, seriously this homemade margarita recipe iw the best and you will make it over and over again.How to Make the Perfect Top Shelf Margarita

The title claims to be the BEST Margarita recipe ever, and this might seem like bragging, but I’m not.

It truly is this good. This recipe is not “just” another top-shelf Margarita recipe, but one served in a national restaurant chain. Which one? I’ll get to that, but first a little history.

I really enjoy a good Margarita, but ordering them in a bar, or restaurant is like rolling the dice and taking a chance. Shaken or stirred, on the rock, or crushed?

Margarita Salt Rimmer by Tezzorio, Glass Rimmer with 3 Compartments and Sponge, Sugar and Salt BarMargarita Salt Rimmer by Tezzorio, Glass Rimmer with 3 Compartments and Sponge, Sugar and Salt BarLibbey Cancun 7-piece Margarita Glass Entertainment SetLibbey Cancun 7-piece Margarita Glass Entertainment Set

Most of the time the drinks come from a premixed package and range from horribly sour, super strong and even bitter. So, I don’t order them unless I have a good recommendation. Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland is one that will put you on your back after just one.

So where does this Top Shelf Recipe hail? Of all places, Red Lobster! I can’t believe it either.

My husband ordered the Margarita and I ordered a peach sweet something drink. Like all good husbands, he asked if I would like a sip. Sure why not. I was more than surprised. It was a mix of sour, sweet, and salty all wrapped into one lip-smacking drink.

Top Shelf Margarita Recipe from Red Lobster
Top Shelf Margarita Recipe from Red Lobster

Compliment the Waiter and Bartender

So impressed, I asked our waiter if the bartender would share the recipe. When he returned we were told the main ingredient was a proprietary sour mix. Compliments can do wonders and I was full of them.

I pretty much begged that I would be willing to buy the sour mix, it was so good, the best margarita I had ever had. Do believe this helped, that and it was our waiters second day on the job and I think he was trying to score points with the staff.

The bartender came to the table, thanked us for the compliments and proceeded to tell us the mix was a concentrate and made quite a bit. I didn’t care I said. “I’d love to be able to buy some if I could.” So, for $10.00 I walked out with a quart of Red Lobster Sour Mix, the recipe, and a smile on my face.

Next stop, Hy-Vee to pick up the ingredients. ($100 later!!!, mix was the cheap part) There is a reason it’s called “Top Shelf”

I have mixed margaritas with various friends during the past year. They all start off skeptical about the accolades I pile on, but as I watch them take the first sip their faces light up and they all agree, it’s the best margarita they have ever had.

Did you know: National Margarita Day is FEBRUARY 22?

So, here you go, the recipe, compliments of Red Lobster.

Top Shelf Margarita Recipe

Margarita Ingredients

Dip glasses upside down in about quarter to a half inch of water, then in margarita salt.

Hint: Don’t use the “fancy” plastic Margarita glasses from Walmart and the like. The salt will NOT stick to them. Talk about disappointing.

Mexican Margarita Glasses & Pitcher set with display rack, Hand Blown, Hand Painted, mixed colors w/ various flowers, 14 OZMexican Margarita Glasses & Pitcher set with display rack, Hand Blown, Hand Painted, mixed colors w/ various flowers, 14 OZLibbey 7-Piece Cancun Margarita Pitcher and Glassware SetLibbey 7-Piece Cancun Margarita Pitcher and Glassware SetDesigns by Lolita “Margaritaville” Hand-painted Artisan Margarita Glass, 12 oz.Designs by Lolita “Margaritaville” Hand-painted Artisan Margarita Glass, 12 oz.Mexican Glasses and Pitcher, Blue Rim 10 Oz (Set of 4 Glasses) Bola or Bowl Shape PitcherMexican Glasses and Pitcher, Blue Rim 10 Oz (Set of 4 Glasses) Bola or Bowl Shape Pitcher

How to Mix Margaritas for a Crowd

I rarely drink this by myself, it’s always better to share. So I mix margaritas by the pitcher. For instance, if I have one of my best friends over for a summer night drinks I’ll multiply this by four (two drinks a piece) and mix in a pitcher.

  • 44 oz of total mix (11 oz of Red Lobster sour mix, 33 oz water)
  • 6 shots Sausza Gold Tequila
  • 4 shots Triple Sec
  • 2 shots Grand Marnier
  • Margarita Salt Where’s the salt, where’s the Goshdarn salt!! (editted,…lol)

In a couple of months since Valentines Day (the occasion for our date) I have gone through a gallon of mix, that’s four gallons of margaritas for anyone who would like to know. But they have been shared with friends, as they should. So Enjoy!!!

Make Your Own Margarita Sour Mix

If you don’t have a Red Lobster near you or one that will sell you the mix. You can make it yourself. This is the copycat Red Lobster Margarita recipe for a pitcher of margaritas.

This will make almost a half gallon of margarita mix. Perfect for an afternoon of margaritas with friends.

Margarita Items and Supplies

What do you need to have a Margarita party: sour mix, alcohol, of course, salt, REAL glasses because Margarita salt won’t stick to plastic, and of friends to share.

Fat Mama's Knock-You Naked Margarita MixFat Mama’s Knock-You Naked Margarita MixCheck PriceRokz Design Group Infused Margarita Salt, Lime, 4 OunceRokz Design Group Infused Margarita Salt, Lime, 4 OunceCheck PriceArtland 5 Piece Mingle Margarita Glass set and 1 Pitcher (Set of 4), AssortmentArtland 5 Piece Mingle Margarita Glass set and 1 Pitcher (Set of 4), AssortmentCheck PriceMargaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker with Easy Pour Jar and XL Ice Reservoir, DM1900Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker with Easy Pour Jar and XL Ice Reservoir, DM1900Check PriceMargarita Mix - Best Powder Cocktail - Natural Ingredients - Tod's Natural Cocktail Mix (Margarita, 6-pack)Margarita Mix – Best Powder Cocktail – Natural Ingredients – Tod’s Natural Cocktail Mix (Margarita, 6-pack)Check PriceNEXT Margarita Mix, No Added Sugar, Sweetened by Monk Fruit, Hydrating SuperfoodsNEXT Margarita Mix, No Added Sugar, Sweetened by Monk Fruit, Hydrating SuperfoodsCheck Price

So there are your official Red Lobster recipes for their top-shelf margarita and if you are wanting more copycat Red Lobster recipes let me know. I also love their lobster bisque and cheddar biscuits.

What is your favorite Margarita recipe?

Do you like sweet, sour, salty or any of the above?

RumChata Cupcake Recipe, Oh Yeah!

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Rumchata Cupcakes Recipe

Those who know me know I LOVE Rumchata, it is a tasty creme based treat that taste like drinking Cinnamon Toast Crunch, yes really. So when I saw this Rumchata Cupcake recipe I had to get out my bottle and start baking!

Can you say yum yum?

I’m not really a drinker, seriously. But I do enjoy margaritas and sweet drinks. You know the ones, they go down smooth and taste oh so good. But you can also cook with it, and when I found Rumchata cupcakes on Pinterest I had to give it a try.

RumChata Cupcakes Recipe
Click for more RumChata recipes

I’ve learned that Rumchata is not available everywhere in the country, but it’s spreading fast and the mix recipes are popping up everywhere from Rumchata French Toast to a yummy sounding RumChata Rootbeer float.

There is even a Rumchata Phone Recipe App!

Rumchata app

According to the official Rumchata page, this oh so yummy drink originates from a concoction the ancient Egyptians made for the Pharaohs from the tiger nut. It’s been extremely popular in Spain, “Antonio Banderas popular”, so that says a lot.

Since the tiger nut is hard to come by in the Americas, rice-based Horchata is now served extensively throughout Mexico and Central America, where the recipe is often passed down generation to generation. These authentic recipes include varied mixtures of rice, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and either water or dairy.

I’m not a proponent of encouraging people to drink, but ladies (yes it’s a ladies drink) this stuff is awesome!!

Ok, maybe I do encourage people to drink Rumchata, heck it was an after topic at our ladies Bible Study one week. Two of us went home and got our bottles and shared them with those who had never tasted it before. It was agreed upon that Rumchata is “Sinfully” delicious.

I have taken to rationing my Rumchata to make it last longer, so I now add it to hot Chocolate, and my summer drink favorite, Rumchata and Rootbeer.

 

Make Your Own Rumchata

Yes, you can make your own Rumchata, and a few of us have been known to make our own stash using Horchata mix and white rum, you can also add in real dairy cream for extra calories.

Klass Horchata, Rice and Cinnamon Drink Mix, 14.1 Oz, (Pack of 3)Sunfruit Horchata Concentrate Drink Mix 64 ozTang Horchata Drink Mix, Packets make 2 Liters (Pack of 24)Lorann Hard Candy Flavoring Oil Horchata Flavor 1 Ounce

When I saw this recipe for Rumchata Cupcakes (where else, Pinterest) I just had to try them. I would say this was my inspiration for a Pinterest party as I can’t (ok won’t) eat 20 cupcakes all by myself.

Rumchata Cupcake recipe
Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 4 egg whites
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup RumChata
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350*
  • Combine sugar & butter and beat until fluffy
  • Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, & cinnamon, set aside
  • Mix the RumChata & vanilla together, set aside
  • Alternating, add in the flour mixture and RumChata mixture into the butter and sugar. Start and end with the flour mixture.
  • In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form (this will be easiest in an electric mixer)
  • Fold egg whites into the batter – do not do this in an electric mixer, use a spatula
  • Fill cupcake liners
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until cake “bounces back” when touched.

RumChata Cream Cheese Frosting

This makes A LOT of frosting. I cut the recipe in half since I don’t smother my cupcakes in frosting.
Ingredients:
    • 12 ounces of cream cheese (1 1/2 packages, at room temperature)
    • 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
    • 1/2 tsp of vanilla
    • 5 tbsp of RumChata
    • 1 package of confectioners’ sugar (2 lb. bag)
Directions:
    • Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth
    • Add vanilla
    • Slowly add confectioners’ sugar
    • Mix in RumChata (use more or less based on the thickness of the frosting. The more you use, the more flavor)
    • Frost the cupcakes

Reviews were mixed, the cupcakes tasted like spice cake, a little heavy, but,…the frosting took the “cupcake, so to speak. It’s a very sweet, vanilla flavor with a touch of cinnamon. Since the alcohol bakes out of the cake, and there is very little in the frosting these were not 21 and older restricted. My daughter loved them and could have eaten just the frosting.

What to do with the leftover Rumchata? Drink and be merry of course.

What Else Can You Make Besides RumChata Cupcakes?

The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited SweetsBooze Cakes: Confections Spiked with Spirits, Wine, andIntoxicated Cupcakes: 41 Tipsy Treats5 O’ Clock Somewhere Cupcakes

R

I’m a huge fan of Rumchata. Probably not surprising since my favorite drink is rum, but still. I never knew alcohol could taste that smooth and dreamy. If you haven’t tried it the best way to …

Garlic Knot Bread

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Garlic Know Bread RecipeA little over a month ago we had a BBQ and party. Why? Just because we could. It was a combination Pinterest party, BBQ, and excuse to feed my oldest Marine son who was home on leave. We started at noon with hamburgers and hot dogs and progressed throughout the day, moving through the meat groups. Here is just a start of the various foods we served.

My friend Beth brought fixed this wonderful delight, recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray, who else, her favorite chef.

Italian Garlic bread with marinara sauce
Ready to eat Italian Garlic bread with marinara sauce

My son came outside while it was cooling and said “What is that wonderful spectacle on top of the stove? I want to eat it!” In no time at all it was gone.

Recipe

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, cut into 1-inch balls
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary
  • Coarse ground sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded provolone
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • Tomato sauce, homemade or store-bought, for dipping
  • Pieces of cooked bacon (optional, but we added it, bacon is good with EVERYTHING)

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Prepare a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small saucepot, melt butter with garlic. Pour into a large mixing bowl and toss together with pizza dough balls, rosemary, sea salt and black pepper. Place half of the dough balls into the bundt pan, top with half of the cheeses. Top with remaining dough and finish with remaining cheese. Bake 30 minutes.

Serve with tomato sauce alongside

*This reminds me of the dessert treat monkey bread with butter and cinnamon. I’m sure thawed dinner rolls could be used in replacement of pizza dough

Have Extra Tomatoes? Make it Salsa Time

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I have an abundance of of tomatoes. So what am I going to do? Make Salsa!  I’ve made salsa for many years now and I’ve pretty much guessed at the recipe. This year I’m using a recipe my friend Beth has used for years. Her family gave it high marks, so I’m using it now. The tomato paste makes it thicker and not watery, which was my original problem.

Tomatoes, peppers and jalapenos
Garden Fresh Tomatoes, peppers and jalapenos

Salsa Recipe

Many people will say don’t mess with a salsa recipe, but I can’t leave well enough alone. I mean think about it, even if you always put in the same ratio of onions and jalapenos they are going to be different in spiciness every time. For example the longer jalapenos stay on the plant the hotter they get. I learned this the hard way.

Ingredients

  • 10 cups peeled tomatoes, chopped, seeded and drained
  • 5 cups chopped onions
  • 5 cups sweet green peppers
  • 1/2 Cup chopped celery
  • Large can of tomato paste
  • 8 cloves crushed garlic
  • 2 TBSP chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 TBSP salt
  • 1 TBSP Cumin
  • 1 TBSP Chilli powder
  • Powdered Citric acid per instructions ( I use less than required as I don’t like the tart taste)
recipe for homemade salsa
Cooking the salsa, getting it ready to can

Directions

  1. Prepare canning jars by washing thoroughly and sterilize in dishwasher or boiling water
  2. Chop the first six ingredients and mix together in a large pot
  3. Add tomato paste and stir
  4. Add salt, cumin, and chili powder as desired to taste and preference
  5. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
  6. Cook on simmer for at least one hour until desired thickness
  7. Place lids into water and bring to boil. When water boils turn off heat
  8. Pour salsa into prepared jars, screw on rings
  9. When lids pop the jars are sealed and ready for storage.
Mexican salsa recipe
Finished canned salsa for the year

Do you have a favorite salsa recipe? Do you prefer yours mild or spicy? Me I like a mild salsa, my husband likes it hot, in fact the hotter the better, just like his chili. Here are a few more salsa recipes below, remember don’t be afraid to experiment.

More Salsa Recipes

Salsa Recipe – Allrecipes.com

In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, tomatillo, and salt to taste. Mix well. Add 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, and taste. If you desire your salsa with more of a kick, add the remaining 1/2 jalapeno.

Life Tastes Good: Homemade Tomato Salsa Recipe

Homemade Tomato Salsa Recipe | by Life Tastes Good is about as simple to make as it comes and uses all fresh ingredients for maximum flavor #Mexican #Appetizer.

Mango Salsa Recipe – Allrecipes.com

This spicy, fruity blend of fresh ingredients will turn any dish into an exciting new favorite!

Garden Tomato Salsa Recipe | Taste of Home

I grow almost all of these ingredients in my garden. This recipe makes a large batch, but it’s always gone in no time. —Barbara Mundy, Radford, Virginia.

Salsa II Recipe – Allrecipes.com

This is a very good salsa recipe. Simple ingredients are boiled and blended to created a flavorful, spicy mixture that’s great with tortilla chips and on Mexican-style foods. The amounts of onions and jalapenos may be varied; canned crushed …