happy hour: fall sangria

i saw this recipe the other day and have been dying to try it.  in the fall, i always (want to) like mulled wine, but sometimes hot, spicey wine just doesn't cut it.  i think is autumnal take on a classic sangria might just do the trick!

credit {here}

fall sangria

3 apples

3 pears

3 clementines

2-3 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
6 oz triple sec or cointreau
2 bottles of red wine (something fruity works best)
optional: fresh cherries

1. core and cube all fruit and put into a pitcher or carafe

2. add 2-3 cinnamon sticks & 2 honey, stir

3. add liquor and wine, stir and let sit.

it's best if you make this drink a few hours or even a day in advnace and let the flavors mariante in the fridge.  garish with fresh, ripe cherries : )

cheers & happy weekend!

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foodie wednesday: french bread pizzas

i promised yesterday that i would post the recipes for the french bread pizzas we made for our clothing swap.  my sis had the brilliant idea of getting a large boule (i.e. round loaf) and cutting it into 4 layers (like a layer cake) - each layer served as a crust for our toppings.  they were delish!  and super easy to make : )

so, here's what went down:

1 large boule, cut into 4 layers
1/2 cup pesto
1/2 cup red sauce
cheeses (as much and as many as you want)
olives
roasted red peppers
turkey pepperoni

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees and toast bread for a few minutes to get it a little crispy

2. top 2 rounds with pesto, 2 with red sauce

3. add cheese and olives and pepperoni and peppers and whatever else you please  (our combos?  (1) pesto + bleu cheese + provolone + olives / (2) red sauce + mozzarella + cheddar / (3) pesto + mozzarella + roasted red peppers / (4) red sauce + muenster cheese + turkey pepperoni)

4. bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly

5. cool slightly before cutting

makes 6 (or so) lunch servings

we paired our pizza with a simple salad.  mixed greens & arugula topped with bleu cheese and dried cranberries.  we dressed it with a classic balsamic vinaigrette.  yum!  to complete the feast, we sipped on some sangria. 

it was a lovely lunch : )
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summertime sangria {guest post}

Hey guys! I am guest blogging for Cailen while she is on vacation – hope she is having a great time! I bet you wish we were away too, huh?! Until that happens, I wanted to share two sangria recipes with you. My fiancé and I concocted the red version this Spring and it has been our go-to drink these past few months! In fact, I gave it to my Mom to make for my bridal shower in early June! The measurements are for a huge punch bowl, but if making in a wine decanter, cut in half.

LJ & JT Red Sangria

·         One jug of Carlos Rossi “Sangria” (Not the greatest wine, but the sangria version is a great base for this recipe! We get the big jug for around $12 – a steal!)

·         Frozen or fresh fruit (any variety works: limes, lemons, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, apples, oranges, raspberries, etc!)

·         Can of Sprite

·         Splash of Tequila – now my Mom didn’t add this for the shower – didn’t want any sloshed shower guests – but this adds a kick. Try if not driving anywhere for the next few hours!

Mix ahead of drinking time and then enjoy. That’s it! So easy. So simple. So refreshing!

sangria

At the Split Rock Wine Festival on Father’s Day weekend, Chaddsford Winery passed out summertime wine cooler recipes.

This double-sided sheet is a definite keeper for me! My best friend made the recipe the following weekend at her house-warming party and I can attest to its awesomeness -- my Mom and I had 2-3 drinks each!

Niagara Limosa

·         One bottle of Niagra wine

·         1-12 ounce can frozen lemonade or limeade

·         ½ cup sugar

·         3 cups club soda

·         Chopped strawberries and limes

Combine wine, lemonade, and sugar in punchbowl. Slowly stir in club soda. Garnish with fruit and serve chilled. A very light and summery drink! Goes down toooo easily!

So, try either of these recipes, depending on your preference of red or white OR create your own! Have fun mixing different wines with different fruits. Summer is the perfect time to sit on your porch with a home-made glass of sangria! Cheers!

lovin' liz's sangria?  check out her blog {here} and check out her bridal blog {here}..