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Summer Fruit Punch

Spring Fruit Punch

Rachel Sherwood

Summer calls for fun fruit drinks and this one hits the spot. Many store bought versions contain artificial dyes and large amounts of unnecessary sugar. Try out this summer fruit punch that uses real fruit and juices to sweeten it at your next gathering. Feel free to make it your own serving it as a punch more frozen as a slushy or add a bit of vodka or rum for an adult beverage. This summer fruit punch is perfect for any kid or adult party. Happy Entertaining!

Summer Fruit Punch

(Summer Fruit Punch)

Summer Fruit Punch

  • 4 ripe bananas
  • 6 cups water, divided
  • 2 15oz can mandarin oranges in light syrup
  • 1 46oz can pineapple juice
  • 1 12oz can frozen orange juice concentrate
  • 1 12oz can frozen lemonade concentrate
  • 3 liters club soda, chilled
  • 3 (64oz plastic containers)

In a blender, combine bananas and 3 cups water. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl and stir in pineapple juice. Blend in orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate and 3 cups water. In a blender lightly pulse the two cans of mandarin oranges just until broken up but not pureed. Add to banana pineapple mixture, stir to combine. Divide into 3 equal plastic containers and freeze until solid.

Remove from freezer 3 to 4 hours before serving or slightly thaw in refrigerator overnight. Using one portion at a time, slightly break up the frozen mixture into slush, place slush in a punch bowl and pour in 1 liter of club soda for each slush container.

Dirty Foods

Dirty Foods

Rachel Sherwood

Dirty Foods

The new report points to strawberries as being the most pesticide-contaminated fruit or vegetable tested. It ranked higher than apple, which topped the list for the last 5 years in a row. The EWG looks at the results of tests done by the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to produce their list. The results of another report done by CBS news found that almost all non-organic strawberries had pesticide resides and nearly half of the tested samples contained at least 10 different pesticide chemicals.

Yes, the FDA acknowledges that most pesticides are safe to consume, and the EPA argues the levels of pesticides found in fresh produce are safe to eat. They also warn that others have been linked to various health issues and neurological problems. So, who’s right? What do we do? By all means don’t stop eating the items found on the Dirty Dozen List. I hope you still love and enjoy strawberries. The EWG just recommends that you purchase the organic versions of the items found on the Dirty Dozen List and of course always thoroughly wash all produce before consuming it. In the end the choice is yours and with most things in life each choice we make has it’s own potential risks and rewards.

The “Dirty Dozen” list:

12.Cucumbers
11.Cherry tomatoes
10. Sweet bell peppers
9. Tomatoes
8. Spinach
7. Cherries
6. Grapes
5. Celery
4. Peaches
3. Nectarines
2. Apples
1. Strawberries

In addition to releasing its “Dirty Dozen” list, the organization also creates its annual “Clean Fifteen” list of fruits and vegetables that were found to have minimal amounts of pesticides:

The Clean Fifteen

15.Cauliflower
14.Cantaloupe
13. Grapefruit
12. Honeydew melon
11. Eggplant
10. Kiwi
9. Papayas
8. Mangos
7. Asparagus
6. Onions
5. Frozen sweet peas
4. Cabbages
3. Pineapples
2. Sweet corn
1. Avocados

Pantry Essentials

Pantry Essentials

Rachel Sherwood

Pantry Essentials

It happens, we all get busy and all of a sudden we need food and need it fast. Here is how to keep from running out of fast food. Stay in by having a few of these Pantry Essentials on hand for simple and creative snacks anytime. I often make my own pizza crusts and keep them frozen and ready for use but sometimes you just need a quick snack, appetizer or lunch. I always have some type of tortilla shells yet pita bread, naan, flat bread, even English muffins or bagels will work too. Basically you are looking for a flat bread-type items to serve as a base, then add a sauce a variety of toppings and in 15 min or less you have food on the table. Here is a basic guide.

Base (pick one)    

  • tortilla shells
  • pita bread
  • naan
  • flat bread
  • English muffins
  • bagels

Spread Base with Sauce (pick one)

  • Marinara
  • Blue cheese dressing
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Herbed cream cheese
  • Ranch dressing
  • Italian dressing
  • BBQ Sauce

Add a Topping or two (pick 1-3)

  • Deli meats
  • Pepperoni
  • Chicken
  • Tomatoes
  • Cheese
  • Olives
  • Herbs
  • Artichoke Hearts
  • Sausage
  • Grilled Vegetable
  • Canned Beans
  • Leftovers

* be creative! Many items are shelf-stable. Keep a few of your favorites on hand and you will never be hungry again!

Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes and you are set with hot and tasty snacks. Slice and serve like pizza or fold in half like sandwiches.

Fruit Tartlets

Fresh Fruit Tartlets

Rachel Sherwood

Spring is finally here and springtime gatherings like Easter, Mothers day and Bridal showers are right around the corner. This year make it special with individual servings of these beautiful fresh fruit tartlets with cream cheese filling. They are so simple because I use store-bought gram cracker crusts. Theses crusts are shelf-stable and good to keep on hand for last-minute treats. The filling whips together in minutes, decorating with fresh fruit is creative, and fun even children like to help. Your guests young and old will love these tartlets as they feature colorful fresh fruit on a lightly sweetened cream cheese base.

Fruit Tartlets

(Fresh Fruit Tartlets with Cream Cheese Filling)

Makes 6 (you can easily double this recipe to serve more).

  • 6 store-bought individual graham cracker crusts
  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (more if you like things sweeter)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • variety fresh fruit  (I like strawberries, kiwis and blueberries because you can slice the strawberries and kiwis to make them go further and these offer a good variety of color. Other good options are raspberries, blackberries, peaches or sliced grapes).

In a medium-large mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Mix these together well until creamy and smooth.

Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the 6 crusts and top with sliced fruits in a variety of patterns. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Easy Homemade Salad Dressing

Easy Homemade Salad Dressing

Rachel Sherwood

Salads are a great way to eat well but did you know your salad dressing may be hiding a lot of not so healthy ingredients? Making your own homemade dressing is easier than you think. You just need to know the basic ratio of acid to oil and you can make almost anything in your pantry into a tasty homemade salad dressing.

Watch the video below to find out how you can make a homemade salad dressing and clean out the fridge in the process.

Need a little more guidance? Here are a few starter recipes to give you some thoughts and inspiration to making your own homemade salad dressing.

Basic Vinaigrette

  • ¾ cup oil such as olive, canola, grape seed, vegetable
  • ¼ cup acid such as red wine, white wine, balsamic, champagne or apple cider
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • optional additional flavorings like sweet, spice, garlic or herbs

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bow or jar and mix well until thoroughly combined.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp dry mustard
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 large garlic clove crushed

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bow or jar and mix well until thoroughly combined.

Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Makes about 1 cup

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bow or jar and mix well until thoroughly combined.

Citrus Vinaigrette

  • 6 tablespoons good quality olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey, more if you like it sweeter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 small cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bow or jar and mix well until thoroughly combined.