Frozen Limonana -a Deliciously Icy Cold Summer Drink

Make Way For Icy Cold Frozen Limonana!!!

All you need is a medium sized bunch of fresh mint, some lemons or limes, sweetener, and ice and you are all set to enjoy your ice cold juicy limonana which is fabulous on a hot summer day. 

Ginger Beer Mocktail - "Moscow Mule"

My new favorite drink is the Moscow Mule. It's made with non alcoholic ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. If you don't drink alcohol, you can leave out the vodka and add a splash of club soda or cranberry juice. If you do use vodka, read the label to make sure it is gluten free. Many vodkas are made from grains; some are made from potatoes.

 It also seems traditional to now drink the Moscow Mule in a copper mug. There is a reason that I avoid copper, and I posted an article about it- copper toxicity and depression and anxiety.

Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa

At the first sign of snow, I begin to think about warming up with a delicious mug of hot cocoa!
Did you know that you can make your own hot cocoa that tastes better and is much healthier than using the hot cocoa mixes?

4 Hacks to Cool Off in Hot Weather

It's been over 95 everyday this week. Here are 4 hacks that help me get through the unbearable heat wave!!

Mango Cardamom Lassi Is A Healthy GF Drink

Do you love mangoes? It's mango season and the mangos are ripe and plentiful- perhaps the perfect time to make a refreshing digestion pleasing healthy gluten free mango lassi-

Old time ethnic recipes like this one don't fool around. They taste great, are made from real food, and provide many health benefits unlike modern day processed convenience drinks.

Fruit Infused Vitamin Water - Rejuvenate and Relax

Fruit infused vitamin water makes a lovely presentation and what could be more rejuvenating than a beautiful glass container filled with icy cold fresh fruit flavored water using colorful raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to quench your thirst?

This low calorie no sugar added drink is sure to delight your tastebuds and your guest's tastebuds on a hot humid day. The vitamins that are infused from the fruit and herbs into the water give you a little added lift. 

What is the Idea Behind Vitamin Water? 

Vitamin water is created when a fruit, vegetable, herb is placed in a container of water and allowed to sit to infuse for about 4-5 hours. During that time vitamins from the fruit, vegetable, or herb infuse into the water. Why? Fruits and vegetables are water soluble which means that the vitamins leach into the water. Why buy commercially prepared vitamin water (that has additives, sugar, and is expensive) when it is so easy to make at fresh vitamin water from organic fruit at home.

The first time that I had fruit infused vitamin water was at a luxury Spa in the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Spa Palace was a serene, beautiful, and healing space.  It offered a full itinerary of spa services and catered to pampering its guests. 

They kept large pitchers filled with water, strawberries, and mint in the spa lounge. It tasted divine and they explained that it was important to hydrate before and after a massage.

Prefer Not to Mix The Fruit Into Your Water? 

If you prefer not to eat the fruit, I use a special pitcher   Fruit Infusion Flavor Pitcher that has a tube to keep the fruit from floating into the water so you can just enjoy the flavor and vitamins but not have to deal with the fruit. 

The one I use is BPA free,  shatterproof, and can be used outdoors without fear of breaking the  Fruit Infusion Flavor Pitcher. It separates the fruit from being in the water

What do you do? 

Spas serve fresh vitamin water for vitality and rejuvenation

Other More Savory Ideas:

Don't like fruit?  There are a variety of more savory flavor combinations that you can use to create your own special infused water based on your own preferences. The possibilities are endless.

•  fresh mint 
•  fresh basil 
•  lemon slices
•  lime slices
•  fresh ginger
•  cucumber slices 

How about cucumber slices and mint? : 

cucumber has a mild delicious flavor that is cooling and refreshing. Make it alone or add mint. 

How a sparkling water mojito?

My Favorite Vitamin Water Mojito: 

Lime, mint, stevia and plain water- infuse in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours. Add crushed ice and sparkling water upon serving.

Patriotic Colors for July 4th Celebrations

I love this idea of using red and blue berries for the 4th of July weekend celebrations. 

The colors are patriotic and look so festive.  

Choose from strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and even sneak in watermelon balls. 

How about kiwi, blackberries, and lime? 

Peel the kiwi and the lime- slice add blackberries to a pitcher  - place in the refrigerator for 5 hours - Add sparkling water or crushed ice when serving

Don't forget about blueberries. It's blueberry season. I freeze batches to use in drinks. 

Cut blueberries in half add to a pitcher of water / allow to infuse in the refrigerator fo 5 hours

The combinations are limitless and all up to your imagination and personal taste. 

Tips:

1. Use organic fruit- why soak pesticides into your water? 
2. Cut berries, grapes, and in half
3. Peel all citrus and kiwi
4. Always keep a pitcher or Mason jar filled in the Refrigerator to reach for when thirsty

Decorative Lids for Mason Jars

You can purchase decorative mason jar lids for serving. 

These cute lids can be festive for a party. I use  COSMOS 8 Pcs 4 Different Colors Decorative Mason Jars Lids with Straw Hole for Mason Jars Canning Drinking Jars. They are reasonable and fun. 

In addition, they keep your mason jar covered so you can take it outside to protect from dirt or bugs flying into your drink.

This post was shared on Beth Fish Reads ( weekend linky) 


Disclaimer:  I am an affiliate for Amazon, which means that if you click on a link from my blog and make a qualified purchase, I will receive a small compensation at no cost to you. This helps me defray the cost of running a blog. I really appreciate your support.

COSMOS 8 Pcs 4 Different Colors Decorative Mason Jars Lids with Straw Hole for Mason Jars Canning Drinking Jars

Three Awesome Appetizers for Summer - Gluten Free

It's summertime and the entertaining is easy when you make these simple

 but elegant summer appetizers.

The summer season is the most popular time of the year for entertaining, especially outdoors! 

When you are not in the mood for a BBQ, you need some festive easy recipes to dazzle your guests. 

Pineapple Sangria

                                   

It's getting  hot ! hot ! hot! outside! So, I started researching some refreshing, yet healthy,  party drinks! When I first saw the recipe for this unusual Sangria,  I was drooling. It looked so refreshing and inviting I couldn't wait to make it. I was having company for dinner that night ( temperature about 88 degrees) , so I knew that a nice full pitcher of this sweet and fruity Pineapple Sangria would hit the spot. But I didn't know how easy to make and how delicious this was going to be!

                                 

I found this recipe on an interesting blog called, Growing Up Gabel.

Aside from the white wine, the recipe is basically all citrus fruit and juices:  Pineapple juice, slices of lemon, lime and orange. Yum! But I couldn't resist adding a few red strawberries and some fresh pineapple chunks as well.

 By the way, my company went gaga over it, and there was not a drop left!
 I also made a similar pitcher without the wine for the kids! I just added more orange pineapple juice!

Both the alcoholic version and virgin version were definitely  refreshing, extremely eye appealing, and very tasty.

Here is Camille's original recipe- Mine is a little different. I made some adaptations to align with our preferences..


Ingredients

• 3 cups pineapple juice- ( I used a  refrigerated carton of 100% pineapple and orange mixture)
• 1 bottle white wine ( I used a Spanish  white wine) 
• 1 orange, 1 lemon, 1 lime, sliced
• Optional: 3 large strawberries slice and a few chunks of fresh pineapple
• Lemon-lime seltzer water
• 2 Tablespoons (or more) pure maple syrup if desired for sweetness ( I didn't use any) 
• ice 

Instructions

1. Pour pineapple juice and wine in to a pitcher .
2. Add maple syrup if desired, tasting to get it to desired sweetness.
3. Squeeze juices from orange, lemon, and lime in to the pitcher. ( I forgot to squeeze my fruit first) 
4. Then slice the fruit and put in to the pitcher as well.
5. Chill pitcher until read to serve — at least a few hours or a day in advance.
6. When ready to serve, add ice and 1 cup of lemon-lime seltzer.
7. 
   

   

   Albert is always ready to taste test- and he approved it!!

How do you think it would taste with a touch of cinnamon?? hmm? 

In addition to tasting sweet and juicy, fresh pineapple contains nutrients that are beneficial to our bodies. What are some of  the benefits of pineapple?

• Bromelain- rich in bromelain which is an effective anti-inflammatory and aids digestion
• Manganese   - provides 73 % of daily requirement which helps synthesize healthy bone and cartilage. Manganese is also important for collagen formation and to help wounds heal.
• Vitamin C-  helps to protect DNA from exposure to toxins and pollutants. May also help decrease uric acid levels in your body. This could be helpful for anyone prone to gout.
  

What's your favorite Sangria?
May be shared on a few of the following blog carnivals
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Party Drinks - Watermelon, Kiwi, Lemon

Frozen fruity party drinks are perfect for summer entertaining when we are looking for ways to beat the heat and quench our thirst. Watermelon, kiwi and lemon are three refreshing oldies but goodies that are easy to make and will make a great presentation at your next party or Memorial Day celebration.

Your guests are sure to love them :  Frozen Watermelon Frosty , Frozen Kiwi Mojito or Middle Eastern Lemonade- with or without alcohol . These thirst quenchers are made from natural fruit and other healthy ingredients and are real crowd pleasers!

Albert Waiting for his kiwi mojito in his Pennstate Tee

Frozen Watermelon Frosty   -
This easy drink calls for frozen watermelon chunks. I cut up my watermelon into bite size chunks and then freeze in baggies overnight. The next day you can enjoy the most refreshing drink ever!!Alcoholic or virgin, it tastes great both ways. ( more ingredients in the recipe)

                                         Click for recipe: Frozen Watermelon Frosty 



Frozen Kiwi Mojito  ( plus a tutorial on how to grow and dry mint)- We adore the mint in the mojitos and adding kiwi is an unusual twist on a common drink. Easy, fun, gluten free ,different, and tasty.

                       
                                                        Frozen Kiwi Mojito

Middle Eastern Lemonade -
This recipe is an old family favorite.With lots of fresh lemon, maple syrup and a secret ingredient, it will dazzle your guests. It's non alcoholic , but I'm sure you could spike it to make a hard lemonade!

                             
                                                   Middle Eastern Lemonade

I would love to know if you try them or plan to try them. Please leave a comment..

I'm sharing on Weekend Cooking at Beth Fish Reads where anyone can share a food related post. 

Is alcohol gluten free? 
Go to Celiac.com for a comprehensive list of gluten free alcohol, wine , and even beer. 

Like my recipes? I post lots more ; Follow me on Pinterest Gluten Free A-Z  and Twitter .

Drink This; Lose weight

Detox , weight loss, and blood  sugar  balancer  drink
Make it in your kitchen

How many chemicals are you exposed to in a day? Toxins and chemicals are everywhere. We are exposed to them from pollution,  the food we eat, the air we breathe, in our cosmetics, cleaning supplies,  in our water, etc. etc

.

If we don't do something to  help remove the toxins from our bodies, they can be stored in our system and potentially make us unhealthy. 

In addition, toxins can slow down weight loss. Do I have your attention now.?

The following information is from   

 Therese Patterson  of Edible Nature Organic Foods wrote and article 

In her article, She wrote and I quote:  

 "The body retains fats as a way to protect the vital organs in the body from the toxins that we ingest (and create through stress). Body fat accumulation, especially around the mid section, is a visible sign of toxic build up and a good indication that the liver is not functioning as efficiently as it should.

If toxins build up faster than they can be eliminated, in an attempt to protect your organs, your body will actually make body fat for the specific purpose of storing toxins as far away from vital organs as possible. This fat is particularly stubborn fat that is very difficult to lose unless you decrease the toxic load and you do something to help your body detoxify.

So when we detoxify and cleanse the body of toxins, we give the body a chance to repair and strengthen itself - and when the toxins disappear, guess what happens to the protective layer of fat...yes, that disappears too!" 

I have always known that eating greens like kale, collards, romaine, etc. helps you detoxify some of the fats, chemicals, and toxins we are exposed to.

What about the drink??

Recently, I found a video on You tube that taught about a detox and weight loss drink that you can make in your kitchen. ( It says it also helps to balance blood sugar levels as well)

 I was very impressed with the information and the author , 

Dr. Josh Axe. 

I decided to try his detox and weight loss drink. 

Surprisingly, it tastes good to me, takes only minutes to make, and is made from things I keep in my kitchen. 

I just started drinking it two days ago, so I will report back in 30 days.

Here are some of the ingredients in what Dr. Axe calls his " Secret Formula"

• Apple Cider Vinegar- full of enzymes, helps balanace ph and blood sugar
• Lemon Juice- high in Vit C ; helps alkalize the body ( which is essential to fighting disease) 
• Cinnamon- #1 Antioxidant, helps balance blood sugar levels
• The formula is in the video

Enjoying my weight  loss detox drink

Listen to the video and learn  why these simple ingredients can help you cleanse, rejuvenate, balance blood sugar and lose weight! It's inexpensive, tastes good , and can be made very quickly.

If you are reading this in your email, you will have to go to my blog at www.glutenfreematters.com

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfE_vIcaQ1g

 

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing this video, nor do I benefit in any way monetarily from it. I just found it interesting and  think it is worth sharing. I am not a medical doctor . The information in this entire blog post is for educational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet.

READ MY POST - RESULTS AFTER 30 DAYS

Another Post: 

Eat this : lose weight- Jicamahttp://glutenfreewithjudee.blogspot.com/2010/06/can-this-latin-american-vegetable-speed.html

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Middle Eastern Lemonade

No matter how you look at it,  this Middle Eastern Lemonade is a winner in this hot weather for so many reasons!

The recipe combines fresh lemon juice, maple syrup , sliced oranges, and orange blossom water,  ( a typical Middle Eastern flavor available in many supermarkets, ethnic markets, or health food stores that does not taste like oranges).

This drink is not only absolutely delicious, but it is also bursting with minerals and antioxidants which can be readily lost by the body in really hot weather.

fresh lemons

This is an old family Recipe

I didn't create the recipe . My  husband's family has been drinking  this refreshing lemon drink with orange blossom water for generations. They lived in a really hot climate.
 They call the orange blossom water by it's Arabic name " Mahzar".

It is not only used in lemonade, but also in baking and cooking. The aroma is so wonderful that just opening the bottle and smelling the amazing fragrance will relax you.

orange blossom water

Last week my husband was doing a significant amount of  yard work.  The temperature was beastly, ( 102 degrees),  and he was sweating profusely. At times like that, your body not only needs fluids, but it needs to replace nutrients.

My husband's work in the yard

Why this lemonade is a Nutritional Power House and perfect for really hot weather!

Maple syrup provides the trace mineral manganese and the mineral zinc which are both very important to maintain a healthy immune system, as opposed to sugar which provides no nutrients and may actually rob your body of nutrients.Although maple syrup is sweeter than sugar, it only has 34 calories in 2 teaspoons.
Use Grade B and look for a raw brand.

Fresh Lemon Juice 
Lemons are high in vitamin C, full of powerful antioxidants, and can provide antibacterial benefits. Since you squeeze fresh lemons for this recipe, there are no nutrients lost in processing. Lemon juice also helps the body detox toxins.

Orange Blossom Water
This Middle Eastern essence contains no calories or nutritional benefits, but can have a very calming effect on the nervous system. Just smelling it is relaxing. Drinking it is calming.

Mint leaves
Believe it or not , fresh mint leaves are high in nutrients. They are rich in  manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. Mint also provides fiber, folate, iron, vitamin B2, potassium and copper. I have a great herb garden in my yard, and my mint comes back every year.

This drink takes about 2 minutes to make, really cools you off,  adds to your nutrition, and is delicious.

No Comparison To Storebought
As opposed to store bought lemonade that offers very little nutritional value, empty calories, and loads of  sugar that may be too stimulating for kids ( and adults) and rob the body of nutrients.  This recipe for Middle Eastern lemonade seems like a better choice.

Which tastes better? I'll choose this recipe hands down every time.

We like to serve it without sliced oranges and lemons too... 

In this hot weather, we keep a pitcher of this old family favorite in the refrigerator . We fill a glass with ice and cover it with lemonade and then add a few fresh sprigs of mint from the garden.

I hope you try it and enjoy it on a hot summer day!

Author: Judee Algazi@gluten free A-Z Blog
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: none

Ingredients per 10-12 ounce glass
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 Tablespoons maple syrup or more or less to taste, ( or raw agave syrup)
1/8 teaspoon of orange blossom water ( Mazhar)
water to fill the glass after everything else is added.
2 mint leaves

Directions:
Fill a 10 ounce glass with ice
Add fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, orange blossom water, and mint leaves.
Stir well and enjoy.

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Sparkling Pomegranate Cider for the New Year

Have you tried sparking Pomergranate Cider?

New Year's Eve we watched Dick Clark's New Year's Eve party on TV at my friend Jan's house.
When the ball dropped, we toasted each other with a glass of non alcoholic Martinelli Sparkling Cider . ( We had already had wine at dinner).

I was surprised when I realized that our toast wasn't just the traditional apple cider Martinelli!
The Martinelli was a blend of apple and pomegranate , and it was really delicious.
I didn't even know that Martinelli came in flavors.

 It was so good, that New Year's day  I was on a mission. I went out early and shopped for some apple pomegranate Martinelli.

I went to my local supermarket, but there was none to be found.
Instead, I found bottles of apple- mango, apple -pear, and apple -mixed berry. I was amazed. Who knew?

I bought a bottle each of the mixed berry and apple- pear.

When my kids and grand kids came over for New Year's day dinner, I sliced some strawberries, took out some champagne glasses, and poured in some apple -mixed berry Martinelli for a toast!
                       

Everyone loved it , and we may have started a new tradition.

 I can't wait to try the apple-pear mixture or apple mango mixture!

How did you spend your New Year's eve?

Happy Healthy New Year to everyone!

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Frozen Watermelon Smoothies

Looking for a refreshing icy cold fruit drink to serve at your next pot luck or bbq? This easy to make frozen watermelon smoothie will not disappoint and keep everyone cool as a cucumber in hot summer months!!

The key to the fabulous taste of this watermelon smoothie is that the watermelon is frozen before I make the smoothies!

How To Freeze Watermelon 

All I did is cut up some watermelon into cubes, popped them into baggies, then into the freezer overnight and in the morning the frozen watermelon was ready to be used to make these really cold refreshing smoothies.

Truthfully, it is refreshing just to eat some of the frozen watermelon cubes right from the freezer .
However, drinking frozen watermelon in a smoothie is truely amazing!

Let me tell you why I started making these smoothies!

It has been really hot and humid in Pennsylvania. Sometimes you just need something very cold and refreshing!

I was scrolling through Pinterest and saw lots of ideas for freezing watermelon and then using it for smoothies !

Do you know how good frozen watermelon smoothies  looked to me when I was dripping from the heat and humidity?  I wanted to make some right then and there, but I didn't have any frozen watermelon!  (who would?)

95 degree - hot and humid day ( I'm on the right of my cousin)

However, I did have a watermelon! 

Unfortunately , I had to wait until the next day when the cubes froze solid ( the next day).

Let's face it. Who would have ever thought to freeze watermelon? Not me! But I tried it!

I proceeded to cut up watermelon, placed the cubes in  baggies and froze them. Yes, it was that simple. (See freezing suggestions at the end of this post )

Today,  I am prepared for the heat.. It is still oppressively hot, but I have a few baggies of frozen watermelon in my freezer. 

Watermelon is Good For You. 

• Watermelon has virtually no fat. A cup has only 48 calories and it is a rich source of valuable antioxidants and vitamins.

• In addition, watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body that may lead to disease.

• Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable including tomatoes.

**This rich source of lycopene may be especially good for those with prostate problems (ask your doctor first)

I usually buy a whole watermelon when they are on sale, and end up with more than we can eat in 2 days. There is no waste when you are able to freeze some for smoothies!

3 Ways to Use Frozen Watermelon Cubes :

• Eat them plain right from the freezer - yum! It's like frozen ices
• Use them as ice cubes in a pitcher of water to flavor the water and keep water cold
• Mix the cubes into any type of smoothie

Watermelon Smoothie Recipe

Author of the blog: Judee Algazi
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Blender Time: 1 minute

Serves: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

3 cups of frozen watermelon cubes
1 cup cold watermelon juice ( I save the watermelon juice when I scoop the watermelon)
Juice of 1/2 large lime
1 large ripe banana
Optional: sweetener of choice only if needed ( It should not be needed)

Blend all ingredients in Vitamix, Nutribullet, or in a strong blender.
Serve immediately with a wedge of lime.

My Notes: 

Suggestions:

1. Cut the watermelon in small chunks and freeze on a cookie sheet so it doesn't all stick together. Then throw it into baggies when frozen. ( about 8 hours) . Otherwise it may freeze in one large clump and that could be very hard on your blender. Melon balls are cute too.

2. When cutting the watermelon, reserve the watermelon juice in a jar and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. ( you can also just use water)

3. Don't skip the banana. The first time I made the smoothie, I skipped the banana and it just wasn't as good as with a banana. The banana really adds something to the drink.

4. This recipe is raw, vegan, dairy free, and gluten free.

Follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and G+ or even follow my blog. I post many more recipes  Gluten Free A-Z  and Twitter .

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