Forget the syrupy caramel swirls! This velvety and aromatic Turmeric Latte will warm your soul with every creamy sip! Crafted with turmeric and a blend of popular Indian spices, it’s an incredible combination of spicy and soothing flavors.  

What Is A Turmeric Latte?

Also known as golden milk, this vibrant turmeric latte recipe is like a delicious drinkable mini-day spa for your body! Originating from India, it’s an Ayurvedic elixir that blends the earthiness of turmeric, the zing of ginger, the spice of black pepper, and the warmth of cinnamon with warm milk to create a creamy, comforting drink with potential health benefits.

• Milk: You can choose from cow’s milk, almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice. Each type lends a unique flavor and texture to the latte.
• Turmeric Powder: The star ingredient, known for its vibrant color and potential health benefits.
• Ground Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper enhances the absorption of the curcumin in the turmeric and adds a slight spiciness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers a sweet and woody flavor, bringing warmth to the beverage.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a spicy kick and complements the other spices.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet aromatic flavor enhancing the overall flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the latte. You can easily adjust the amount to your taste. 
• Ground Cardamom: Used as a garnish, it adds a unique floral touch.

Making a golden milk latte is a breeze, thanks to its simple ingredients and easy preparation. In just 15 minutes, you can indulge in a comforting mug of this cozy and flavorful beverage.

Warm The Milk 

Start by combining your milk of choice milk, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Then whisk, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil! You just want to let the flavors meld with the milk.

Add The Sweetener

Next, remove the saucepan from the heat and then stir in the honey or maple syrup. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste. You can even use stevia if you prefer. 

Garnish And Serve 

When ready, pour the turmeric latte into your favorite mugs. Then garnish with a sprinkle of cardamon and serve immediately to enjoy. 

Storage

You can refrigerate a turmeric latte for up to 2 days. Just make sure you keep it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor. Then, when you’re ready, you can easily reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Discover More Delicious Drinks

• Breakfast Smoothie
• The Perfect Lemonade
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Irish Coffee
• Hot Mulled Cider
• The Best Hot Chocolate

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Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)

Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk) is a soothing beverage that marries the earthy notes of turmeric with the warm zing of ginger and cinnamon. It's a simple blend that's quick to prepare, inviting a moment of calm into your busy day.

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 160kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk cow's milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or milk of your choice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 pinch ground cardamom

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a saucepan, combine milk, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. If you're using fresh ginger, make sure to slice it thinly so it can infuse its flavor more effectively. Add the vanilla extract if you're using it.
• Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer — keep an eye out to ensure it doesn’t boil over. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in your preferred sweetener, either honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
• Pour the golden milk into mugs, sprinkle with a pinch of ground cardamom if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

1. Milk Choice: Feel free to use any milk you like – cow’s milk for richness, almond for nuttiness, coconut for a tropical twist, or any other plant-based milk that tickles your fancy.
2. Spice It Up: Fresh ginger will give a more piquant kick compared to ground. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, go fresh!
3. Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep a watchful eye on your pot; you want the milk hot and flavorsome, not boiling over.
4. Sweeten to Taste: Honey adds a floral note while maple syrup offers a woodsy sweetness. Start with the suggested amount and adjust if your sweet tooth says so.
5. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir or shake before reheating, as spices may settle.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 503IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 334mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk) appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

Grab your blender and get ready to blend your way into morning bliss with this healthy and delicious Breakfast Smoothie! Made with ripe bananas, frozen berries, creamy Greek yogurt, and a splash of almond milk, this smoothie is bursting with fresh fruity flavor. It’s the perfect quick and easy way to provide a nourishing kickstart to your day!

Healthy Breakfast Smoothie Recipe

This flavorful and refreshing breakfast smoothie is a nutrient-packed way to start your busy mornings off on the right foot! It’s a fresh and tasty concoction of ripe bananas, sweet berries, creamy Greek yogurt, and a splash of almond milk that comes together to create the perfect fusion of creamy fruity flavor. Loaded with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, this healthy smoothie is sure to quickly become your favorite on-the-go breakfast!

Yet, the beauty of this breakfast smoothie recipe doesn’t stop there! Just like my Acai Smoothie, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize! You can easily sneak in some baby spinach or kale to make the smoothie green and add an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. And if you’re looking to add a little extra muscle-building power to your mornings, mix in a little nut butter or a scoop of your favorite protein powder. So grab your trusty blender, the possibilities are endless!

• Banana – You’ll need a ripe banana, which adds some natural sweetness and adds to the creaminess of the smoothie.
• Mixed Berries – I used a mixture of frozen blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to add delightful fruity flavor. Fresh berries are another option if you like.
• Almond Milk (Unsweetened) – I choose a dairy-free option to thin out the smoothie. Feel free to use regular milk, coconut milk, soy milk, rice milk, or even other liquids like orange juice or coconut water.
• Greek Yogurt – Gives it a super creamy texture! Be sure to use plain yogurt which doesn’t have any added sugar or flavoring. Use coconut yogurt to make the recipe plant-based.
• Honey – Adds just a touch of sweetness. Agave and maple syrup are other good choices.
• Vanilla Extract – Just a dash elevates all the fruity flavors and melds them with the yogurt.

This recipe is a cinch! Just gather all the ingredients, pop them into the blender, and voila! You have a yummy and healthy breakfast ready to go!

Make The Smoothie

To begin, grab your blender! Next, add the banana, frozen berries, unsweetened almond milk,

plain Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. But make sure to slice your banana before tossing it in, which helps to speed up the blending time. 

Next, turn on the blender and puree the mixture together. You’ll most likely need to pause the blender a few times and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides. After you’re done blending your smoothie it should be a smooth and creamy consistency.

Serve And Enjoy

Now, pour the breakfast smoothie into your favorite glass or travel cup and serve it immediately to enjoy!

Storage

Any leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 24 hours. It’s also possible to store the smoothie in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container. 

Discover Other Drinks

• Strawberry Milkshake
• Chocolate Smoothie
• The Perfect Lemonade
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Easy Milkshake
• Strawberry Lemonade

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Breakfast Smoothie

Kickstart your day with this vibrant Breakfast Smoothie! Packed with frozen mixed berries, a ripe banana, wholesome almond milk, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a hint of vanilla extract, this smoothie is a nutrient-dense powerhouse.

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 275kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

• 1 banana ripe, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup frozen mixed berries
• ½ cup almond milk unsweetened
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a blender, combine the sliced banana, frozen mixed berries, unsweetened almond milk, plain Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
• Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
• Pour the breakfast smoothie into a glass and serve immediately.

Notes

1. Smoothie Consistency: For a thinner smoothie, add a bit more almond milk. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few more frozen berries or a chunk of frozen banana.
2. Sweetness: Adjust the honey to your liking. The sweetness can also depend on the ripeness of your banana and the type of berries used.
3. Yogurt Substitute: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
4. Adding Protein: To make this smoothie a complete meal, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter.
5. Fresh Vs. Frozen Fruit: Frozen fruits are great for making a thick and icy cold smoothie. However, you can use fresh fruit, but you may want to add a few ice cubes for a chilled effect.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Breakfast Smoothie appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

You are going to fall in love with this refined modern cocktail known as the Old Cuban! Made with bourbon, Prosecco, and Angostura bitters, it’s bubbly and boozy with a bit of spice and a hint of fresh mint. It’s a sippable and smooth delicious hybrid of a mojito and French 75! 

What Is An Old Cuban Cocktail?

The Old Cuban is actually a newbie in the world of cocktails! It was invented in 2001 by the Pegu Club owner and famous Soho New York bartender Audrey Saunders. Also known for the invention of the gin gin mule, she is a legend. Saunders took the concept of a classic Mojito and a French 75 to create this cocktail that we all now know and love as the Old Cuban. It’s fresh with a hint of mint, but complex in flavor with aromatic bitters and rounded off with a bit of bubbles. A true masterpiece, it’s a refined cocktail that speaks for itself. 

Traditionally, Old Cubans are made with aged rum, lime juice, bitters, simple syrup, Champagne, and fresh mint. Yet, in my recipe, I like to use bourbon and Prosecco in place of the rum and Champagne. I find that the bourbon cuts back on the sweetness and using Prosecco adds a bit of fruitiness to the cocktail. It’s a matter of preference really. 

But regardless of what type of booze you like in your Old Cuban, you can’t leave out the dashes of bitters! They are an important part of this delicious drink just as much as they are in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. With notes of cloves and cinnamon, the Angostura bitters add a bit of warm spice to the Old Cuban that makes it unforgettable.

• Bourbon – Some recipes use rum, I like to use bourbon when I make old Cubans.
• Simple Syrup – You can find it pre-made at a grocery store. To make your own, bring equal parts water and granulated sugar to a boil over medium heat in a saucepan while stirring constantly until all the sugar dissolves. Then let it cool.
• Lime Juice – Always use fresh lime juice when making cocktails.
• Angostura Bitters – Traditionally aromatic Angostura bitters are used, but orange bitters could be yummy too.
• Prosecco – Adds a little bit of bubbly to the drink. You can use Champagne if you don’t have any Prosecco.
• Mint Leaves – Fresh mint leaves make the drink and add a bit of color.

This refined cocktail recipe is super easy! But do make sure that your glass is already chilled before you begin making the drink and don’t leave out the bitters!

Shake The Drink

To begin, you need to create the basis of the cocktail. Just add the bourbon, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker. Then fill it with a handful of ice and shake everything together vigorously.

Finish The Old Cuban

Next, grab your chilled coupe glass and strain the mixture into the glass. Then top it with some Prosecco and garnish it with some fresh mint leaves. Now, serve the cocktail immediately and enjoy!

Can I Use A Different Sweetener In Place Of The Simple Syrup?

Yes! You can use your favorite artificial sweetener, honey, or agave instead. You may also want to add a little more Prosecco depending on the sweetness of your sweetener of choice.

What Are Angostura Bitters Made Of?

Made by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago, the exact recipe is a secret. Yet, we know that they are made of a combination of gentian root as well as other herbs and spices like cloves and cinnamon. Bitters are wonderful at balancing cocktails.

Other Delicious Cocktails To Try

• The Best Red Sangria
• Irish Coffee
• Margarita
• Pina colada
• Mojito Recipe
• Blue Hawaiian

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Old Cuban

You are going to fall in love with this refined modern cocktail known as the Old Cuban! Made with bourbon, Prosecco, and Angostura bitters, it’s bubbly and boozy with a bit of spice and a hint of fresh mint. It’s a sippable and smooth delicious hybrid of a mojito and French 75! 

Course Cocktails

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 219kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

• 1½ ounce bourbon
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 ounces Prosecco
• 2 fresh mint leaves

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, lime juice and Angostura bitters in a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigourously.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Top with Prosecco and garnish with fresh mint.

Notes

1. To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and store leftovers in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
2. Don’t over-thicken the simple syrup. Do not simmer the simple syrup for too long. When done it will coat the back of a spoon. You just want the sugar to dissolve and thicken, but not turn into glue.
3. Make your limes juicy. Roll the limes as you press them against the kitchen counter to soften them up a bit. This old-fashioned trick makes it easier to get the most juice out of them.
4. Use freshly opened Prosecco. A brand new bottle of unopened Prosecco will make the most bubbly drink. And you should always keep sparkling wines in the fridge to maintain their fizziness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Old Cuban appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

Fresh strawberries and rich vanilla ice cream beautifully blend together with a dash of milk to make this delicious Strawberry Milkshake! It’s the perfect cold and creamy tasty treat on a hot summer day!

Best Fresh Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

Who doesn’t love the perfect shake!?! If done right, it’s rich and creamy with just the right proportion of ice cream to milk. It needs to be thin enough to suck through a straw, yet not watery. But at the same time thick, but not too thick. It’s a balance and one that I’ve mastered and am excited to share!

Just like my Easy Milkshake recipe, this strawberry shake is really simple to make. In fact, you only need 3 ingredients! One of them being fresh strawberries. And sure you can make a strawberry shake just by using strawberry ice cream, but it’s just not the same. The fresh strawberries add a refreshing all-natural flavor with no extra sugar added. Plus when blended with the rich vanilla ice cream you’re basically making your own strawberry ice cream and turning it into a shake just by adding a bit of milk to thin it all out! And as someone who loves milkshakes and strawberries, I’m telling you that this strawberry shake made with fresh strawberries is amazing! 

The shake is so yummy served as is topped with some homemade whipped cream and a cherry. But you can easily get creative with it too! It’s a fantastic fun treat when served at kid’s birthday parties with my decadent Chocolate Cake in place of a scoop of ice cream.  It also adds an interesting twist to a dinner party when served in a shot glass to accompany my heavenly crispy crunchy Easy Pavlova.

• Vanilla ice cream – Choose a good quality ice cream for the yummiest milkshake. You can also use frozen yogurt or dairy-free ice cream too.
• Milk– I like to use 2% milk, but any milk will work including plant-based varieties. The milk is used to thin out the ice cream to make it smooth and creamy.
• Fresh strawberries – Ripe ready to eat super sweet strawberries are ideal. You can also use frozen strawberries, but you may need to reduce how much milk you use as frozen berries can be watery. 

1. Blend the ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Serve the strawberry milkshake: Pour the blended shake into your glasses of choice, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a fresh strawberry!

Can I Make This Milkshake Without A Blender?

Yes! If you don’t have a blender you can use a food processor or an immersion blender. You can also make the strawberry shake by hand by folding the ice cream and strawberries together in a large bowl with a spatula while slowly adding the milk. Then just continue to fold until you get your desired consistency. If you do it this way by hand, you will want to mash your strawberries with a glass before adding them to the bowl with the ice cream.

Can I Make This Shake Dairy-Free?

Yes! Simply replace the vanilla ice cream and milk with dairy-free choices. A coconut milk based ice cream is a really yummy plant-based option for this strawberry milkshake recipe.

Can I Use Other Fruits In This Milkshake?

Yes! You can use any type of berry you like. Just be sure to use the same amount as instructed in the recipe. That would mean 1 cup of any berry you like can be used in place of the strawberries. 

Other Refreshing Drinks To Try

• Acai Smoothie
• Easy Milkshake
• The Perfect Lemonade
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Chocolate Smoothie
• Witches’ Brew
• Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)

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Strawberry Milkshake

Fresh strawberries and rich vanilla ice cream beautifully blend together with a dash of milk to make this delicious Strawberry Milkshake! It’s the perfect cold and creamy tasty treat on a hot summer day!

Course Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 523kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

• Vitamix Blender

Ingredients

• 1 quart vanilla ice cream
• ¾ cup 2% milk
• 1 cup strawberries roughly chopped

Instructions

• Blend the ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Serve the strawberry milkshake: Pour the blended shake into your glasses of choice, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a fresh strawberry!

Notes

1. Quality ice cream matters. Try to avoid using an ice cream full of artificial flavors and gums. Instead, use a higher-quality vanilla ice cream that is made with actual milk and cream. It will create a much tastier milkshake that is super rich and creamy.
2. Use fresh ripe strawberries. Make sure that your strawberries are nice and ripe. You want them to be that beautiful bright red color which means that they are super sweet and ready to eat. That natural sweetness and freshness is what makes this shake so yummy.
3. Don’t add all the milk at once. Just add about 2/3 of the milk to begin with when you blend your shake. Then add more milk as needed. This will prevent the milkshake from becoming too thin. The consistency of every ice cream and strawberry is different, so the amount of milk needed can change. Yet, if you do add too much milk all you have to do is add a little more ice cream to balance it out.

Nutrition

Serving: 1milkshake | Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 1045IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 362mg | Iron: 0.4mg

The post Strawberry Milkshake appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

This refreshing homemade Lemonade Recipe is the perfect quick and easy solution to quench your thirst on a hot summer day! Made with fresh lemons and soda water with just the right amount of sugar it’s tart, tangy, and full of lemony good fizzy flavor!

Best Fizzy Lemonade Recipe

Lemonade is a classic! It’s easy to make and a popular summer drink that is bursting with sweet, sour, intense citrusy goodness! But in most cases, it’s made with water, which does work. Yet, I like to switch things up a bit and replace that plain old boring water with bubbly extra refreshing soda water! 

The fizzy twist of soda water adds an extra boost in flavor when combined with the fresh lemon squeezed juice, simple syrup, and lots of cold ice! It elevates everyday lemonade to the next level creating a delicious tart sparkling lemonade. 

And it’s also amazing with booze added! This is totally an alcohol-free recipe, and actually, a great non-alcoholic cocktail with an herb like mint or basil added. But I do know some of you are big fans of my Mojito and Margarita recipes. So I thought why not mention how easy it is to add a touch of something extra like gin or tequila to this lemonade recipe turning it into a quick summer cocktail!

• Sugar– To sweeten the lemonade you will need sugar to make a simple syrup, which is a thickened sugar water. I used granulated white sugar, but cane sugar will work too.
• Soda Water– Gives the lemonade its fizz and you can use any brand you like.
• Lemons – Fresh juicy lemons provide the best flavor. 
• Crushed Ice – You can either get ice from the store or your ice maker, but crushed is the best choice of ice for this lemonade recipe. 

1. Make the simple syrup: Mix the sugar and water together in a small saucepan. Then bring it to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened. Then set aside to cool.
2. Juice the lemons: Juice 3 of the lemons, which should give you about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. If your lemons are small and you end up with less juice, I suggest you juice another lemon if you can for the tastiest lemonade. 
3. Slice the remaining lemon: Cut the remaining lemon into circle shaped slices and set aside. 
4. Make the concentrate: Pour the cold simple syrup into a pitcher. Then add the fresh lemon juice and stir until fully combined. 
5. Make the fizzy lemonade: Add the soda water and fresh cut lemon slices to the pitcher. Then top with a good amount of crushed ice and stir.
6. Serve and enjoy: Pour into your favorite glasses, add a slice of lemon to the rim, a straw, and enjoy your refreshing homemade lemonade.

Can I Use A Different Sweetener In Place Of The Sugar?

Yes! Simply don’t make the simple syrup and use your favorite artificial sweetener, honey, or agave instead. Just use an amount that is equal to ½ cup of regular sugar. You may also want to add a little more soda water depending on the sweetness of your artificial sweetener of choice.

Can I Make This Lemonade Recipe Without Soda Water

Yes! If you don’t have soda water on hand or just don’t want fizzy lemonade, you can use water instead. It’s as simple as that and easy to make this recipe fizz free.

Can I Use Limes In Place Of The Lemons?

Yes! Homemade limeade is another option using this recipe. All you have to do is follow the instructions exactly the same except use limes in place of lemons. Or you can even be super creative and use a combination of lemons and limes! Yummy!

Can I Add Fresh Herbs To The Lemonade?

Yes! Fresh mint or basil adds a deliciously amazing herbal twist in flavor. For a pitcher of lemonade that you are serving right away within the next few hours just add the herb of your choice in with the soda water and fresh cut lemons. But if you plan on drinking your lemonade over the course of days, you will want to add the herbs each time you make a glass. The reason being is that after a couple of hours the herbs do start breaking down in the lemonade. 

Make Ahead Lemonade

This lemonade recipe can be prepped ahead of time for parties, events, or just for having it on hand because it’s so dang good! All you have to do is follow the recipe up until right after you make the lemon concentrate, then stop, and put the concentrate in an airtight container to store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezer for up to 3 months!

Fridge

Simply remove the concentrate you made from the fridge, and continue on with the recipe by adding the club soda, sliced lemons, and crushed ice to finish making the lemonade.

Freezer

Take the concentrate out of the freezer and let it thaw out a tad. Then continue making the lemonade as stated in the recipe.

Other Delicious Recipes To Try

• Acai Smoothie
• Easy Milkshake
• Haunted Orchard Cocktail
• Irish Coffee
• Strawberry Milkshake
• Hot Mulled Cider
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie

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Lemonade Recipe

This refreshing homemade Lemonade Recipe is the perfect quick and easy solution to quench your thirst on a hot summer day! Made with fresh lemons and soda water with just the right amount of sugar it’s tart, tangy, and full of lemony good fizzy flavor!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 128kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

Simple Syrup

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water

Lemonade

• 4 cups soda water
• 4 lemons washed
• crushed ice

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Simple Syrup

• Make the simple syrup: Mix the sugar and water together in a small saucepan. Then bring it to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened. Then set aside to cool.

Lemonade

• Juice the lemons: Juice 3 of the lemons, which should give you about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. If your lemons are small and you end up with less juice, I suggest you juice another lemon if you can for the tastiest lemonade. 
• Slice the remaining lemon: Cut the remaining lemon into circle shaped slices and set aside. 
• Make the concentrate: Pour the cold simple syrup into a pitcher. Then add the fresh lemon juice and stir until fully combined. 
• Make the fizzy lemonade: Add the soda water and fresh cut lemon slices to the pitcher. Then top with a good amount of crushed ice and stir.
• Serve and enjoy: Pour into your favorite glasses, add a slice of lemon to the rim, a straw, and enjoy your refreshing homemade lemonade.

Notes

1. Make your lemons juicy. To help get all that yummy fresh juice, roll the lemons as you press them against the counter. It’s an old fashioned trick that will soften them up a bit for easier squeezing. 
2. Use just opened soda water. A brand new bottle of unopened soda water will give the lemonade the most fizz. Or, if you have a soda machine even better. Soda water gets flat over time and loses its bubbles.
3. Don’t over thicken the simple syrup. Be careful not to over-reduce the simple syrup, so make sure to keep it at a simmer and watch it carefully. You want the sugar to dissolve and thicken, but not turn to glue.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

The post The Perfect Lemonade appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

No more waiting in long lines at the coffee shop! Make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte right in the comfort of your own home with my easy recipe!

No more long lines making you late in the morning, and no more over priced coffees. I am here to show you how easy it is to make this sought after latte, right in the comfort of your own home!

Why Make This Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Super Simple to Make
• Save Money
• Uses Simple, Kitchen Staple Ingredients
• No Waiting in Long Lines
• Easy, Comforting & Delicious
• Perfect For Fall

I don’t know about you, but I am done with paying $6 for a coffee every morning. You know I always say homemade is better, and this glorious fall drink could NOT be any easier to make! If you have a coffee maker, some canned pumpkin and a few other kitchen staple goodies, you’re set.

Ingredient Notes

• Milk – Any type will work, including non-dairy alternatives!
• Coffee – You’ll want strong brewed coffee or espresso!
• Pumpkin – We are using canned pumpkin for this recipe.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Essential for this recipe! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own using my recipe here.
• Whipped Cream – You can use my recipe for homemade whipped cream! This is totally optional, but I always LOVE adding it to my latte!

How To Make A Pumpkin Spice Latte

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until the mixture comes to a simmer, then take it off the heat. Do not boil it.
2. Finish and Serve: Ladle the latte into 2 mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice over top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Tips

• You don’t have to make this recipe with coffee. If you’re not a fan of the caffeine, or taste of coffee, just use steamed milk!

More Great Recipes To Try

• Pumpkin Pancakes
• Pumpkin Pie
• Taco Seasoning
• Pumpkin Roll
• Moroccan Spice Blend
• Apple Pie Bites
• Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)

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Pumpkin Spice Latte

No more waiting in long lines at the coffee shop! Make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte right in the comfort of your own home with my easy recipe!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 185kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk any type, including non-dairy alternatives
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 3 oz espresso
• 2 tablespoon canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar use more or less per your sugar preference
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus extra for garnish

Topping

• whipped cream optional

Instructions

• Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until the mixture comes to a simmer, then take it off the heat. Do not boil it.
• Finish and Serve: Ladle the latte into 2 mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice over top.

Notes

1. You don’t have to make this recipe with coffee. If you’re not a fan of the caffeine, or taste of coffee, just use steamed milk!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 2730IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 276mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Pumpkin Spice Latte appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

This Red Sangria is made with simple ingredients! Fresh fruit and red wine meld together to create an essential summer time cocktail.

When I think of sangria, my mind immediately transports me to a sunny patio – it’s the quintessential summer sipper! Made with a small list of simple ingredients, this is one drink that’s almost impossible to mess up.

The best part about sangria is getting to snack on the alcohol infused fruit at the bottom of the glass! The strawberries will soak up all that excess goodness, so even when the drink is finished – you still get a little treat at the end. I should tell you to enjoy responsibly, but I’m not the boss of you!

What is sangria?

An alcoholic beverage originating in Spain and Portugal – this fruity cocktail is one of the most popular drinks in Spanish cuisine! Made with wine (red or white depending on which type of sangria you’re making) the occasional added spirit, liqueur or juice and an abundance of fresh fruit!

Ok, so what makes it THE BEST?

I may be biased, but I think it’s the best because I made it! Just kidding, this red sangria is the best because it is SO easy to make and the end result is nothing but fabulous. It is super versatile, you can add a copious amount of fresh fruit (an excellent way to clean out the fridge) and it’s one if the only cocktails that gets better with time.

Ok… and because I made it! 😉

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card for FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

• Strawberries – Fresh strawberries, sliced.
• Orange – Sliced into 1/4″ rounds.
• Lemon – Sliced into 1/4″ rounds.
• Juice – We are using a both cran-raspberry juice and orange juice!
• Alcohol – You’ll need Brandy and Grand Marnier!
• Wine – Red wine, chilled. Opt for a Garnacha or Pinot Noir.
• Ice

How to make red sangria

It’s almost too easy..

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher and stir well to combine with a long wooden spoon or a ladle.
2. Serve: You can add ice straight to the pitcher, or pour the sangria over glasses filled with ice.

Is it sweet?

Sangria can be as sweet as you want it to be! The juice and the fresh fruit really add to the sweetness so it all depends on what you choose to add to yours.

If you’re looking for a more toned down version, start with a dry red wine to keep that sugar content down and choose fruits that are more tart than sweet (like Granny Smith apples rather than white peaches). If it’s still too sweet for your liking you can also add more of an acidic juice like lemonade to create more of a balance!

Which wine is best?

I know wine can be challenging, there are SO many options! For sangria, you’ll want to opt for something with a mild flavor that will pair nicely with the fruit. I recommend looking for a low tannin wine such as a Garnacha or Pinot Noir.

Other options to try:

• Zinfandel
• Tempranillo

A list of wines to avoid:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Malbec
• Shiraz
• Syrah

Additions

You can add a multitude of different fruit or berries! Whatever you choose, I highly recommend you include some citrus – not just for the added zest of flavor, but for a gorgeous hint of bright color!

For red sangria try adding:

• Cherries
• Peaches
• Blackberries
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Pears
• Blueberries
• Apples
• Blackberries

If you’re not a fan of red wine, no worries! You can try my White Sangria Recipe.

Serve it up!

You can add ice straight to the pitcher, or pour the sangria over glasses filled with ice to avoid watering down the entire pitcher – either way, this beautiful creation will disappear before your eyes!

Tip: Another great option is to freeze your fruit beforehand to act as ice cubes! No more watered down pitchers of sangria!

Can I make it ahead of time?

Sangria is a fantastic drink to make ahead of time! Especially because the fruit will have a longer time to infuse and soak up all of that extra flavor.

You can of course, make this a few hours in advance (without ice) and let it all marry together or you can make it beforehand and keep it refrigerated overnight to really let those ingredients get to know each other!

Storing leftovers

I highly doubt there will be any sangria leftover, BUT, in case of a miracle, you can cover the top of your pitcher with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealable bottle. It will last for 3 days in the refrigerator!

Other Delicious Recipes To Try

• Mojito
• Pina Colada
• Tom Collins
• Margarita
• Gin and Tonic
• Irish Coffee
• Earl Grey Martini
• Pomegranate Cider Mimosas
• The Perfect Lemonade
• Hot Mulled Cider
• Old Cuban

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The Best Red Sangria

This Red Sangria is made with simple ingredients! Fresh fruit and red wine meld together to create an essential summer time cocktail.

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Spanish

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 175kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

• ½ pound fresh strawberries sliced
• 1 large orange sliced into 1/4" rounds
• 1 lemon sliced into 1/4" rounds
• ½ cup cran-raspberry juice
• ½ cup orange juice pulp-free
• ½ cup brandy
• ¼ cup Grand Marnier
• 750 ml red wine 1 bottle, chilled. Low tanin such as Garnacha or Pinot Noir.
• ice

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher and stir well to combine with a long wooden spoon or a ladle.
• Serve: You can add ice straight to the pitcher, or pour the sangria over glasses filled with ice.

Notes

1. Another great option is to freeze your fruit beforehand to act as ice cubes! No more watered down pitchers of sangria!
2. Cover the top of your pitcher with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealable bottle. It will last for 3 days in the refrigerator!

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

The post The Best Red Sangria appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

This delicious Chocolate Smoothie is a healthier alternative to a chocolate milkshake and is made with simple ingredients you will already have in your kitchen!

The Best Chocolate Smoothie

This chocolate smoothie is the perfect treat if you’ve got a hankering for a creamy milkshake, but don’t want all the excess calories of ice cream! This smoothie is super simple to whip up; a chocolatey delight made with kitchen staple ingredients.

Smoothies are an excellent way to start your day or subside a mid day craving, and what’s better than chocolate? I am a HUGE milkshake lover, but not a fan of the nutritional content, which is why this smoothie is the perfect healthy alternative to my favourite creamy treat.

• Milk – I used Almond milk, unsweetened – Any type of milk will work, dairy or non dairy! Almond milk is just a healthier alternative.
• Bananas – Frozen bananas.
• Almond Butter – Peanut butter will work as well!
• Honey – Can be substituted with agave.
• Cocoa – For that decadent chocolate taste.
• Ice
• *Optional – Hemp hearts or flaxseed

How to make a chocolate smoothie

Just blend it up!

1. Blend Ingredients – Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour and serve

What else can I add to my chocolate smoothie?

You can really make this smoothie your own by adding different ingredients and toppings to your liking! Here are some examples:

• Cocoa Nibs
• Raspberries or Strawberries
• Coconut Flakes
• Spinach
• Greek Yogurt
• Protein Powder
• Blueberries or Blackberries
• Coconut Milk

How to serve

This recipe will give you enough smoothie for two servings, so choose your favourite glasses, pour and serve!

Did you like this recipe? Try these!

• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Acai Bowl
• Easy Milkshake
• Mango Lassi
• Avocado Chocolate Mousse
• Chia Pudding
• Acai Smoothie
• Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
• Strawberry Milkshake
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy
• Breakfast Smoothie

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Chocolate Smoothie

This delicious Chocolate Smoothie is a healthier alternative to a chocolate milkshake and is made with simple ingredients you will already have in your kitchen!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 616kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond milk unsweetened
• 2 frozen bananas
• ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3-4 tablespoon cocoa
• ½ cup ice
• 1 tablespoon hemp hearts or flaxseed, optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend for 30 seconds to one minute until all completely smooth with no lumps. Pour into two glasses and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 616kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 1004mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 543mg | Iron: 5mg

The post Chocolate Smoothie appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.

Açai Smoothie – A health conscious smoothie made with açai berry, dates, mango and fresh baby spinach. The perfect way to start your day or perk your mood in the afternoon!

This açai (pronounced AH-sigh-YEE) smoothie is packed with nutritious ingredients including the açai berry – the fruit of all fruits. This blended beauty also features dates, orange juice, mango and baby spinach; to make for a fresh, brightly flavored, healthy smoothie!

With almost zero prep and the blender doing all of the work, this is an easy breakfast or snack that you can really feel good about enjoying! In this recipe you will find out all of the health benefits the star of the show: Açai, has to offer!

What is açai?

(pronounced AH-sigh-YEE)

Açai is a round berry, similar in shape and size to a grape. The berry itself comes from the açai palm tree, which is native to rainforests of Central and South America. The berries have a deep, dark purple skin, yellow flesh, and a large-sized seed inside (the seed takes up about 80% of the fruit itself.) Açai berries have a slightly sweet-and-earthy flavor that’s often compared to blueberries mixed with a rich, supremely dark chocolate.

Ingredients

• Açai – I used a package of frozen Açai berry puree.
• Dates – Pitted.
• Orange Juice – I used fresh orange juice, whatever you have will work!
• Mango – I used frozen mango chunks.
• Spinach – Fresh baby spinach.
• Water

How to make an açai smoothie

1. Blend Ingredients – To your blender add the acai packet, dates, orange juice, mango, baby spinach and water. Blend until smooth, serve immediately.

Note: If you’d like a thicker shake, feel free to add a handful of ice cubes and blend again until your desired texture is achieved.

Benefits of açai

Açai berries are a packed with nutrients and also contain very little sugar, making them a SUPER berry! There are plenty of auspicious benefits, to name a few:

• Fiber: Açai berries are a great source of heart-healthy fiber in your diet.
• Antioxidants: Açai has an incredible amount of antioxidants! About three times the amount of blueberries. These antioxidants will help neutralize the damaging effects of free-radicals in your body.
• Low sugar: Açai is perfect if you’re looking for a dessert alternative. It contains very little sugar (anywhere from 0 to 2 grams) making it a healthier option than almost any other fruit – not to mention a LOT healthier than cakes, ice cream, muffins or cookies.
• Calcium: Açai is a balanced source of calcium – therefore beneficial to your bones, heart, and muscles!

What else can I add to my smoothie?

This list is endless for what you can add to your smoothies! Mix it up and add your favourite fruits, goji berries, blueberries or raspberries would be fantastic! Mix-ins like greek yogurt, honey and matcha powder or add in more health conscious ingredients like spirulina, chia seeds and flax seeds. Get creative and make this smoothie to your liking.

How to serve your smoothie

Immediately after blending, serve this delicious, healthy, refreshing smoothie for breakfast, as a snack or whenever you have a hankering for a healthful treat!

Did you like this easy, healthy recipe? Try these!

• Acai Bowl
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Chia Pudding
• Easy Summer Fruit Salad
• 3 Ingredient Healthy Energy Bars
• No Bake Energy Bites
• The Perfect Lemonade
• Breakfast Smoothie
• Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)

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Açai Smoothie

Açai Smoothie – A health conscious smoothie made with açai berry, dates, mango and fresh baby spinach. The perfect way to start your day or perk your mood in the afternoon!

Course Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 694kcal

Author Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

• Vitamix Blender

Ingredients

• 3½ ounce acai berry puree frozen, 1 package
• 2 dried dates pitted
• ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 1 cup mango cut in chunks, frozen
• ½ cup baby spinach fresh
• 1 cup water

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• To your blender add the acai packet, dates, orange juice, mango, baby spinach and water. Blend until smooth.
• If you'd like a thicker shake, feel free to add a handful of ice cubes and blend again until your desired texture is achieved. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 701mg | Fiber: 37g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 3440IU | Vitamin C: 126mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Acai Smoothie appeared first on Craving Home Cooked.