Watermelon and Lime Popsicle

Are you having a great summer so far?  The Kids and I are definitely having lots of fun!  From play dates at the park, visiting the library, summer swimming camps, picking herbs and summer veggies in the  garden, and last but not least, cooking and prepping food in the kitchen together!  All are simple activities and we’re taking them all in and enjoying a relax time without the hectic schedules and pressure of homework, just yet!   One of the recipes we made often is this Watermelon and Lime Popsicle.  We love our watermelon in the summer and this is a great way to enjoy a healthy frozen treat.



Pretty much, this is a recipe inspired and created by my Little boy. He definitely loves the Zoku pop maker and we utilized it to the max!  One day, he simply asked if we can try blending the watermelons and make them as popsicle!?  Oh yes, of course Baby!   It was one of the best Pops in a while.  Besides just watermelon, I added some fresh lime juice to brightens up the flavor and they turned out to be amazing!



There are only a few ingredients in this pop, and let me reassure you, simplicity is the best!  I added a thin slice of fresh lime before pouring in the watermelon puree to the pop maker for a little decoration and extra texture and tartness, but that’s totally optional.  I hope you like today’s recipe.   Wish you all a wonderful rest of the summer!  Stay Cool!




Props and Tools used in this post:
Zoku Pop Maker (Please click here for more information)
Traditional Pop Molds (Please click here for more information)
Mini Colorful Spoons (Click here to see similar product)

Blackberry Lime Mimosa

Mimosa is a cocktail drink composed of one part champagne (or sparkling wine) and one part citrus fruit juice, usually orange juice.  It is traditionally served in a tall champagne flute during brunch or to guests at weddings.  Today, I’m twisting and changing things up a bit.  As many of you know that I love having brunch at home, and a cocktail here and there.  This Blackberry Lime Mimosa is a great new taste to try if you’re feeling a little adventurous.



I started this cocktail with a good amount of fresh lime juice for the refreshing citrus flavor; then I muddled some blackberries along with fresh mint leaves for a little sweetness and freshness.  I couldn't help it but took a deep breath to take it all in.  The citrus, berries and mints smelled divine!  Then, I pour in a little simple syrup and shaken it well with some ice; next, I filled my champagne glasses half way with the blackberry lime mixture and top the glasses with some prosecco.  That’s what I usually have on hand (or I should say, available in the fridge so I don't sound like an alcoholic!  hahaha....).  Of course, you can use champagne as well.



This cocktail is slightly sweet and tart at the same time, very refreshing and perfect for Spring.  If you have a brunch to serve or gathering to host, this would make a great cocktail for your guests.  You can make the blackberry lime mixture ahead of time and simply pour the prosecco when your guests arrive.  This is a lovely recipe and I can see myself making it over and over again.  Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe to share?  What is your favorite ingredients to use in a cocktail (I love citrus)?  Leave me a comment below and let me know.  I can't wait to find out!  Cheers to Spring!





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Strawberry and Lime Sparkle

If you've missed my post on the Strawberry tour at Tanaka Farms.  Click here to check it out.  So, with all the sweet and juice strawberries that we'd picked, I have created a few wonderful strawberry recipes for you, just in time for the strawberry season and Mother's Day celebration.  This Strawberry and Lime Sparkle is perfect to serve at brunch, parties or gatherings.  




I'm really blessed to have the most wonderful Mother and Mother-In-Law in the whole wide world.  They have the kindest and most generous hearts, truly, they are my role models.  They are the most beautiful women I've ever known, both inside and out.  Whenever I need someone to talk to or need advises, they're always there for me.  I can't say enough great things about them, and no words can describe how grateful I am to have them in my life.  So, to my Mother and Mother-In-Law, "thank you, for being the wonderful Mothers in my life and I love you!"





So, on this Mother's Day weekend, share something special with the special Mothers in your life.  Prepare this elegant and beautiful drink is a great way to start any celebration.  This Strawberry and Lime Sparkle couldn't be any easier to prepare.  It’s such a refreshing way to stay hydrated and crunch the thirst as the weather gets warmer and warmer each day.

Let me show you how to prepare this Strawberry and Lime Sparkle.  It’s so simple to make it’ll be ready in just 5 minutes.  First, muddle the mint leaves with a wooden spoon in a large pitcher.



Then, add in some fresh lime juice.



Next step, add the agave.  You can use other sweetener but I love the slightly floral aroma from the agave and it blends in and dissolves perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.



Then, add in the diced strawberries and give it a quick stir.



Last but not least, pour in some chilled club soda, tonic water, or sparkling mineral water.  Then enjoy the hot weather with this chilled and refreshing drink on hand.



This Strawberry and Lime Sparkle is elegant enough for parties and gatherings, yet casual and easy to prepare for any afternoon that you want a chilled drink to enjoy.  It’ll wash away the tiresome from a long day of work as you sip.



I love the sparkles and bubbles from the sparking water.



What is your favorite Spring/Summer time drink?  Do you like the bubbly like I do?  I drink it so often that I think it’s about time to invest in one of those bubbly machine maker.  If you have one, please let me know if you like it.  I would love your feedback and opinions.




So, how are you going to celebrate Mother's Day?  Share your plans, or a recipe in the comment.  Last but not least, I want to wish all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Mother-In-Laws and all Mother-To-Be a wonderful and meaningful Mother's Day!  Enjoy your special day!

Blood Orange Margarita

It’s the citrus season, guys!  Which means, it’s harvest time from my In-Law’s beautiful garden with gorgeous Meyer Lemons, grapefruits, kumquats, mandarins, oranges, and blood oranges, etc.  I’m so excited because I’m a big citrus fan.  If you’re not familiar with the blood oranges, they are a variety of orange with almost-blood-colored flesh, hence the name. This fruit is smaller than an average orange. The distinctive dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of antioxidant pigments common to many flowers and fruit.  The skin of the blood oranges can be tougher and harder to peel than that of other oranges.  The flavor is stronger and the aroma is more intense as well.  They have a distinct, sweet flavor with a hint of raspberry, yum!



Take a look at the picture above, aren't these blood oranges bloody gorgeous?  I know, their name might not be too appetizing, but they taste wonderful and I am simply in love with that deep red color.



I can’t help it but to turn them into this gorgeous cocktail.  This Blood Orange Margarita is sweet and tart at the same time, and the tequila adds just the right kick (no pun intended).  The lime zest salted rim of the glasses adds another dimension of flavor while you sip.  So, make sure to serve this Blood Orange Margarita with a wedge of lime.  I was having fun sipping the margarita, licking the lime zest sea salt on the rim, and then biting into the lime wedge right after.  That reminds me of the fun “tequila pop” drink that I love back in the college years.  Oh boy, that was bloody long time ago!



I hope you enjoy this cocktail recipe and give it a try if you come across these gorgeous blood oranges in the market.  Bring them home, they are full of vitamin C and antioxidant goodness.  Stay tuned for more fun citrus recipes in the near future.





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.