Apple Cider Sangria

I have a friend who, in high school, ate an apple at lunch every single day. Both of her parents are doctors so it seems she, single handedly, busted the "apple a day" myth. I have a feeling she would have enjoyed her daily apple more if it were soaked in sangria.

It is almost Thanksgiving, which means that apples are in season, this also means that my mother is buying them by the truckload and then complaining because no one is eating them quickly enough.

This sangria is, of course, the only reasonable solution. Also, hello, there is nothing like boozy apples to get you through another Thanksgiving filled with cheek-pinching aunts and a-tad-too-drunk-and-slightly-inappropriate uncles. (Or is that just my family?)

What You Will Need: 

- 1 bottle of white wine (Pinot Grigio works well for this). 

- 4-5 apples of your choice (I used Pink Lady), cubed. 

- 2 1/2 - 3 cups apple cider, chilled. 

- 1 cup club soda.

- 1/2 cup (or more) of ginger brandy or cognac. 

What To Do: 

- Chop the apples, pour over the rest of the ingredients and stir. 

- Serve chilled and preferably a few hours after making the sangria (this creates the boozy apples we discussed earlier). 

Printable Recipe Here!

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Chickpea and Feta Salad w/ Grape Tomatoes

I am consistently looking for a healthy option for lunch, but I'm a carnivore at heart, so when I even think of going the vegetarian route, it must be substantial, as well as tasty. Aside from the fact that this salad is hearty, it also works perfectly as a next day lunch for work or school. There's nothing in the salad that is going to wilt or leak or go bad before you get around to eating it the following day, plus it takes about 5 minutes to put together! 

What You Will Need to Serve 2: 

- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained.

- 1 cup halved cherry/grape tomatoes.

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta.

- 2-3 tbs fresh lemon juice.

- salt and pepper to taste.

- 2 tsp oregano or parsley (if using dried, half this as dried herbs are stronger).

- 1 tbs olive oil.

- Crackers or a few slices of toasted French Bread (optional)

What To Do: 

- Rinse and drain the chickpeas.

- In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, parsley and salt/pepper.

- Toss with the lemon juice and olive oil. 

- Serve with crackers and french bread. 

Click here for printable recipe!

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Cucumber Basil Fizzy (with Rum)

This little concoction is one of the most refreshing that I have ever tasted. It's also ridiculously simple to make and can be made without the alcohol, making it perfect for kids as well.

As with most of my recipes, this one is also customizable depending on what you have on hand. I used white rum, but it would work perfectly well with other clear liquors; Vodka, Gin, and maybe Tequila. 

What You Will Need for One Drink: 

- 2-3 cucumber slices (leave unpeeled).

- 3-4 leaves of fresh Basil. 

- 1 oz Simple Syrup.

- 2 oz (or more) of White Rum. 

- 1 oz fresh lime juice. 

- Club soda. 

What To Do: 

- In the bottom of a glass or shaker, muddle the basil and cucumber slices with Rum.

- Add in the simple syrup and lime juice, mix up and top with ice and club soda. 

- Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a basil leaf. Use a straw to avoid drinking the basil and cucumber pieces. 

Printable Recipe Here!

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Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

I don't know what kind of person I have become to say that I crave Lettuce Wraps, but I absolutely do and these are just fantastic to satisfy that craving.

These wraps are tasty, easy and quick to make, and pretty much as healthy as it gets. There are many options to customize these lettuce wraps to your liking, use a different lettuce, add your favorite veggies, add other meat/seafood or just skip that part all together!

As my mother likes to say, seafood is healthy for you, the fact that it's wrapped in lettuce and filled to the brim with vegetables, quadruples that. (Don't check my math, this isn't exactly scientific).

The below recipe should serve 4-5 people, or just one very hungry person.

What You Will Need: 

- 1lb large/medium shrimp. Deveined. 

- 1 head of your favorite lettuce, I recommend Bib or Butter lettuce.

- 1 carrot, cut into strips.

- 1 small cucumber, peeled and cut into strips.

- 1 avocado, sliced into thin wedges.

- 2 tbs peanut butter, use creamy. 

- 3/4 cup of a Sesame Ginger dressing of your choice. 

- Salt and Pepper 

 - Lime (optional)

- Cilantro (optional)

What To Do:

- Salt and pepper the cleaned and dried shrimp, pan fry them about 2 min per side. Do not over cook! 

- Slice the avocado, cucumber and carrot. Don't cut too thin, you still want the crunch. 

- Make the dipping sauce by combining the peanut butter and Sesame Ginger dressing in a tupperware container. Shake it up and it's ready to go. 

- Assemble the wraps by placing a few strips of the cucumber and carrots, top with a few slices of avocado and 1-2 shrimp. Add some cilantro if you like and drizzle with the peanut sauce. 

- Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top and enjoy! 

Printable Recipe Here!

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