Glow juice

Here she is ..... my latest kitchen appliance!

She is so sturdy and broad of girth

that she looks like a giant in my small country kitchen.

I finally had a chance to give her a "whirl" today.

My sweet daughter gifted me with this famous "Oh She Glows" cookbook

by Angela Liddon

and I've been anxious to try some of the smoothie recipes.

No more excuses now that I have my Vitamix!

I used one of the Yogi Juice recipes

with a few slight variations.

The Beet-utiful Power Glow recipe calls for

1 seedless cucumber - I used half.

1 small beet - peeled and chopped - I grew some candy-cane striped beets so I used one of those.

1 medium carrot - peeled and chopped.

1 - 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice - I also added lime juice.

1 small apple - cored and chopped.

I added two handsful of spinach and 1 banana.

It also seemed too thick so I added 1/2 Cup of water.

My juice came out looking green but if you use

a red beet it would be a lovely red like in the book.

This made approx. 3 servings and the fresh flavour was delightful.

The banana added just the right amount of sweetness.

The recipe suggested straining the mixture or not if you like the pulpy texture. I chose not to strain but could have used a wider straw - just saying!

Because my Vitamix is so powerful it was unnecessary to  slightly steam the beet before blending - bonus.

Now I'm hoping the power part kicks in and gives me the umph I need to

tackle the flower beds today....

Till next time - making the most of my Monday!

Lemons in a Bottle

Some time ago

I was privileged to attend an Italian

cooking school class

and had a taste of Homemade Limoncello.

I was inspired to try to make my own

and today was the day to bottled it.

It's in the freezer ...

...so bring on Summa'

Can't wait to try some of this lemony goodness - maybe this

coming long weekend?

Here is the recipe I used:

15 lemons - thick skinned and scrubbed/washed

2 750 ml. bottles Vodka

4 Cups sugar

5 Cups filtered water

Zest the lemons (I used my vegetable peeler) being careful there is no white pith on the peel. Place the peel into a large glass jar. Add the vodka, put lid on jar and let it "steep" at room temperature for at least 10 to 40 days (in cool dark place). I set the jar in my basement. Now the challenge is to know what to do with the peeled lemons!? I juiced them and froze the juice for future lemon-aid or maybe a lemon pie or two!!

After the 10-40 day period, make a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan. Boil gently for 5-7 minutes. Cool the syrup before adding it to the Limoncello mixture. Cover the jar again and allow this mixture to rest for another 10-40 days. 

After the rest period, strain the Limoncello through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth or a moistened coffee filter. Discard the lemon peel. Pour the Limoncello into glass bottles, seal tightly and store in your freezer.
Serve ice cold from the freezer in frozen shot glasses or on the rocks. A nice little treat after a great meal. This liqueur can also be used in mixed drinks or spritzers.

Do you have anything special planned

for this upcoming long weekend?

Till next time ......enjoying this long awaited Spring of 2014!!