The Thirsty Diva ™

  This is perfect for April mornings or anytime. 2 - 3 c. coffee 8 caramel hard candies 1 c. milk 1/8 - 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon,  vanilla extract 1 T. sugar Brew coffee according to coffee makers instructions.  In a microwave safe measuring cup, combine: milk, spices, stir to mix.  Microwave on high for 45 - 60 seconds.  Make sure the milk doesn't boil over in the microwave.  Place 1 - 2 hard caramel candies in the bottom of 4 clean coffee mugs. Pour coffee in mugs and sweeten coffee to taste.   Remove from microwave and carefully pour milk into a jar.  Put lid on jar and shake for 30 sec. - 1 min.  Remove lid from jar and spoon frothed milk onto coffee. Serves 4 - 6.

 This is perfect for watching your favorite award show, a celebration, date night, brunch or anytime.  I’ve used regular sugar but you can use your favorite sweetener instead. 1  bottle sparkling wine 1/8 c. sugar (optional) 1/2 c. fresh raspberries 1 - 2 c. club soda (optional) Rinse raspberries. In a bowl combine some of the raspberries and sugar. Mash raspberries with a clean fork.  Put some of the raspberry mixture the bottom of a clean glass.  Pour wine over the raspberries.  Top with club soda if desired. Repeat process with remaining glasses. Serves 4.

  This is a perfect treat for St. Patricks Day or anytime.  I've used low fat milk and ice cream, but you can also use regular milk, vegan milk and  your favorite ice cream if desired.  You can also use frozen yogurt if desired too. 2 c. vanilla ice cream  1 c. - 1  1/3 c low fat milk (adjust amount desired) 2 drops green food coloring 2  hard peppermint candies In a blender combine ingredients.  Blend for 20 - 30 seconds or until well blended. Serves 4.

  This is perfect to celebrate Mardi Gras or anytime. I used pineapple rum but you can use what white rum you like. 4 oz. each: white rum, dark rum, fruit punch 1 c. orange juice Ice 2 T. grenadine  For each hurricane: In a cocktail shaker combine some of the 1 shot of white white and dark rum, punch, ice, orange juice.  Put lid on shaker and shake for a few seconds. Put some ice in the bottom of a hurricane glass and pour cocktail over glass. Drizzle some grenadine into cocktail. Serves 4.

It’s been awhile since I posted a family friendly recipe.   This is perfect for brunch or anytime. 1 - 2 c. each: orange juice, cranberry juice, ice In the bottom of a pitcher, place ice. Add orange juice to pitcher and top off with cranberry juice.  Stir to mix and place in refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve.  Serves 4 - 6.

 Happy Lunar New Year all! This is perfect to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, watching the Winter Olympics, rooting for the Bengals in the playoffs or anytime. I used bottled grapefruit juice, but you can use fresh grapefruit juice instead. 4 - 6 oz. vodka 2 - 3 T.  fresh ginger sliced 1/4 c. sugar 1/2 c. grapefruit juice 1/3 c. water Ice Rinse, chop ginger. Place 4 clean cocktail in a freezer to chill for a few minutes. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, ginger and bring to a boil. Lower heat, stir water with a clean spoon and let it cook until sugar is dissolved.  Turn off stove, let it steep until it’s cool. For each cocktail: In a cocktail shaker combine ice,  some of the vodka, some of the grapefruit juice, 1 T. ginger syrup. Put lid on cocktail shaker and shake for a few minutes. Remove cocktail glasses from freezer and strain cocktail into glasses.  Serves 4.

This cocktail was inspired by the great Betty White. 4 - 6 oz. vodka 1 oz. vermouth 1/2 - 1 tsp. lemon juice  Ice Place 4 clean martini in the freezer to chill for a few minutes. In a cocktail shaker combine: ice, vodka, vermouth, lemon juice. Place lid on cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds. Remove glasses from freezer.  Remove lid from shaker and strain cocktail into glasses. Serves 4.