Warm Teas

About a year ago, I decided I was going to start buying teas at the grocery store. I have spent more countless minutes standing in front of the tea section in the store than probably anywhere else. I try to imagine all the flavors married together and how I think I would like them... as well as, what could I add to these to make them better? So far, most of the teas that I am crazy about are different flavors blended with green tea. I drink them at night before I go to bed, in the mornings if I'm feeling a little under the weather, or if the weather itself is a little down, I simply whip up my favorite tea and cuddle up on the couch with my cats.

The first tea that I became hooked on is Versana Mango Green Tea. 

I squirt a little bit of honey in here... Mmmmmmm, delicious! The mango is in fact not overpowering in the tea, so if you don't think you like mango flavor, give this a try. Also, this is a great starter tea for those that don't have a palette for lavender or any of the other more exotic flavored teas. That's why this was my favorite for the longest time. 

However, another tea has now become number one in my heart - Lipton Green Tea Superfruit Red Goji and Raspberry Tea. 

All I use to make this tea even more tasty, is add a little honey and some sugar. That's it! It's such an easy way to unwind after a long day if a glass of wine isn't exactly what can fix your problems - which very rarely can it not fix mine! 

I encourage all of you to go out and try a least one of these two, or if you have a more specific flavor you like, go stare up and down the tea aisle the next time you're at the store, and see just what you can find. As an added bonus to giving you a little more pep in your step, most of the teas you find have antioxidants, which is even more of a reason for you to go out, buy a box of flavored tea, come home, and get that mug out of the cabinet!

Another really good flavor that I have started growing to like is the Versana Lavender flavor. It's amazing with some honey and lemon, and it's a night time tea, so it really makes you unwind and get sleepy. My boyfriend even started drinking it to help him go to sleep!

A Taste of Blended Heaven

First of all, let me just be clear that I have never found a red wine that I can even come close to tolerating. Until I was at a friends' house one night. She pulled out a bottle of red wine called 'Apothic Red'. My first reaction to her when she asked if we would like a glass was, "Hell no. I hate red wine". She urged me to take a taste of hers, and when I did, I nearly fell off my chair. It was DELICIOUS! I could not believe I had finally found a red wine that I could actually buy and enjoy a glass of without gagging as it flushed down my esophagus.

Apothic Red is actually a blended red wine. Which means that it is a blend of different grapes in order to make the flavor more unique. The different flavors should accent each other and, in fact, sometimes white and red wines are mixed together. Apothic Red is a delicious blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Merlot. When this feathery liquid hits your mouth, your taste buds will erupt with tiny hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice, and vanilla. Your nose will be immersed in flavors of rhubarb and black cherry. 

All of this information I got off of these two websites:

• Learn more about blended wines
• Apothic Red Website

Broccoli Casserole

This is a recipe that has been in my family for years. It's nothing too original, but I don't have a picture to post, and I know that everyone has a clue to as to what this looks like.

Ingredients:

• 2 PACKAGES COOKED BROCCOLI
• 2 TBSP BUTTER
• 2 TBSP FLOUR
• 2 CUPS MILK
• 3/4 CUPS GRATED AMERICAN CHEESE
• 1 TSP SALT
• 1 TSP DASHED PEPPER
• 1/4 CUP CHOPPED ALMONDS
• 4 SLICES CRUMBLED COOKED BACON

Directions:

1. Put broccoli in casserole dish. Sprinkle with almonds. Cover with cheese sauce (see below). Sprinkle with bread crumbs and crispy crumbled bacon.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Cheese Sauce:

• Mix butter, flour, milk, grated American cheese, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until all cheese is melted.  

Makin' Moves

OK, so it's been FOREVER since I have posted anything on here, but I figured that I will start it back up now that my life has calmed back down... somewhat.

I've recently started writing down all the recipes from Pinterest and some of my cook books down in my cook book that I have started. I've also decided that for Christmas and birthday presents, I would give a copy of the cook book to all my friends, but then that got me thinking... why just let my close friends in on the secret, when I can share them with others and make happy tummies EVERYWHERE?!

Be ready, because there are going to be lots of recipes coming your way!