Apple Harvest Cocktail

Are you ready for Fall yet?  I guess I’ve been ready since last winter!  However, the nature is not quite cooperating as we’re still having pretty warm temperature.  The good news is, this Apple Harvest Cocktail will sure put you in the mood for Fall, or at least help makes me feel Fall has arrived!



This is a delightful and crisp cocktail that you can enjoy any time of the year.  But the apple cider and cinnamon really helps set the tone for Autumn. 




I’ve also added some bourbon, which harmonized wonderfully with apple and cinnamon.  The maple syrup slightly sweetened the drink and gives a depth of flavor as well.



Of course, the dash of ground cinnamon on top isn’t just for garnish.  It adds the earthy and warmth to this drink which complement the apple cider perfectly. 



I top this cocktail with a little bit of ginger ale for the evanescent and the little carbonation really makes this drink crisp and refreshing.



Last but not least, this cocktail also serves as a small snack with the thin apple slice on top!  I hope you really enjoy today’s video tutorial and recipe.  Give this recipe a try on your next gathering, or simply because, it’s 5 o’clock!  Cheers!

Props and Ingredients used:

9 ounce Old Fashion Glasses (click here for more information)
Ground Cinnamon (click here for more information)
Cinnamon Sticks (Click here for more information)
Hard wood coasters (Click here for more information)




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Paleo Italian Cookbook Giveaway Winner Announcement

 


Thank you everyone who participated in the Paleo Italian cookbook giveaway.  Special thanks to Tuttle Publishing for providing the prize.  We have selected a winner through Random.org!
 
 

 
The winner is Sa Ki, who said, “Pin a picture from this post onto Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485262928579016564/)”
Congratulations, Sa Ki!  I’ll be in contact with you soon.

If you didn't win the giveaway, you can still purchase a copy of the Paleo Italian cookbook here.  It’s a wonderful book to own in the kitchen even you’re not on any special diet.

Thank you all for reading.  Stay tuned for more fun recipes, video tutorials and giveaway soon.  Don’t forget to enter the $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway (Open to U.S. only, ending 12/31/2015)!

Black Sesame Pudding (黑芝麻布丁)

  
 
 
 
 Do you love black sesame seeds?  I am a huge fan of black-sesame-anything!  When these little gems are slightly toasted, they are very fragrant and nutty.  Some say the flavor is comparable to peanut butter.  I personally think they are way better than peanut butter with it’s unique aroma.  Today, I want to share with you this simple Asian dessert: Black Sesame Pudding (黑芝麻布丁).  As you can see from the video tutorial above, it’s super easy to prepare.
 

 
There’s a very popular black sesame dessert in most Chinese Dim Sum Restaurants that tasted just like this.  It’s called (黑芝麻糕), roughly translated to be Black Sesame Cake.  Although it’s actually more like pudding than cake, but firmer in texture and it’s usually cut into cubes.  I love this pudding texture better as it’s more bouncy and silky.  Plus, who doesn’t like a dessert topped with freshly whipped cream, right? 
 
 


 
Although I didn’t intend to make this a Halloween dessert initially, I think it’s festive enough to serve as one.   Especially with the black sesame seeds on top, don’t they look like small black ants?  If you’re having a Halloween party or gathering, this fun and decadent black dessert would be perfect because you can make it a day or two in advance.   
 
 
I hope you enjoy today’s video tutorial and recipe.  If you haven’t done so, please subscribe to my YouTube channel here.  You’ll be the first to know when I have new video tutorials published.
 
 
 
P.S.  Don’t forget to enter these giveaways on my blog!!!  Simply click on the links below and follow the instructions on each post to enter.
$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway (Open to U.S. only, ending 12/31/2015)
Paleo Italian Cooking Cookbook Giveaway (Open Worldwide, Ending 10/25/2015)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Props and Ingredients Used:

Mini Martini Dessert Glasses (Click here for more information)
Toasted Sesame Seeds (Click here for more information)
Black Sesame Paste (Click here for more information)
Unflavored Gelatin Powder (Click here for more information)

Witch’s Broom Cheese Snacks—A fun and healthy Halloween Treat, no Trick

Did you see my “magic trick” in this video?   If not, please click on my video tutorial above and check it out. 



I sure hope that I know a magic trick or two.  But there really isn’t any short cut or magical way to make these Witch’s Brooms Cheese Snacks, unless you have a couple little handy helpers at home, like me.  Yes, that’s how the Kiddos like to call themselves these days.  These Witch’s Brooms are actually quite easy and fun to make.  With so many sweet treats around this time of the year, I think it’s pretty nice to prepare a savory treat for a change.  Plus, these are pretty simple and healthy snacks to enjoy.



The first time that I encountered these Witch’s Brooms was last October.  One cold and creepy night when I wondered into the forest alone…..Okay, just kidding.  I was just checking to see if you’re pay attention!  It was when I attended my Son’s Halloween Party.  One of the Room Parents prepared these fun and whimsical treats for the whole class.  I immediately fell in love with them and the Kids enjoyed them a lot as well.  So, I decided to share the video tutorial and recipe with you early this year so you can make some at home, just in time for Halloween.  And guess what, I’ll be preparing these fun little treats for my Daughter’s Halloween Party at school this year. 



If you’re making these for a party, I suggest that you prepare everything but  to add the pretzel sticks right before serving.  I noticed that pretzels will get soggy after several hours in the fridge.  I don’t think anyone would appreciate a soggy pretzel stick, unless your intension is to trick someone.      



Are you guys ready for Halloween yet?  I am surprisingly well prepared this year.  My Kids already picked out their costumes back in September, can you believe that?!  What are you or your kids going to dress up in this year?  Do you prefer cute or creepy costumes?  Please share in the comment below.  I can’t wait to hear from you.  Wish you all have a wonderful and Happy Halloween!






Props and Ingredients:

Organic String Cheese (Please click here for more information)
Pretzel Sticks (Please click here for more information)

Broccoli Salad

I hope most of you had checked out my YouTube Channel by now.  If not, yes, you are missing out!  Simply click on the video tutorial above to learn how to make this healthy and hearty Broccoli Salad, and many other yummy recipes with step-by-step tutorials.  I know it’s Fall, as it said so in the calendar.  However, my thermometer said otherwise!  I can’t quite believe we’ll be bearing another triple digits temperature this weekend.  My solution to beat the heat?  Eat some salad. Not any salad, but this Broccoli Salad, which is packed with Fall flavors and wonderful goodness.




There are only a few simple ingredients, as you can see from the picture below.  Simple, clean and healthy.  And what I love most is how easy it is to prepare.  If you make them ahead of time, it’s equally good the next day as the broccoli stays nice and crispy even with the dressing tossed in.  Thus, make this Broccoli Salad a great pot luck item or perfect for your up coming gathering!  You can easily double or triple the recipe. 



In the recipe, I only blanch the broccoli for one minute and transferred it to a bowl of iced water.  The iced water helps stop the cooking process and helps the broccoli stay nice and green.  So, that’s an important step not to miss.



The dressing is simple with just a few ingredients.  Noticed in the video that I used Japanese Mayo instead of the regular ones.  I am partial to the Japanese Mayo.  It’s more flavorful and rich, since it contains higher ratio in egg yolks compare to the regular ones.  You can find it in most Asian supermarkets or ethnic isle in major supermarkets as well.  If not, you can also order it online.  I’ll provide a link at the end of the post for your reference.




Last but not least, don’t’ forget to check out the 2 current giveaways on my blog.  One is for the awesome Paleo Italian Cooking cookbook (worldwide) and the other one is $100 Visa gift card (U.S. only)!  Click on the links below for details on how to enter!

$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway
Paleo Italian Cooking Cookbook Giveaway



Tools and Ingredients used:

Japanese Mayo (Click here for product information)
Wood Salad Bowl with Servers (Click here for similar product)
Small Glass Bowls (Click here for similar product)
Core Bamboo 3-Piece Cutlery Set  (Click here to see product information)
Wood Print Photography Backdrop (Click here to see similar product)