Spiked Watermelon + Basil Agua Fresca Cocktail

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes I am one of those. Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stopped by {Reza if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door… just saying}.

Traditionally Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic drink served by street vendors, in bodegas, and at cafes in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Coming in many flavor combinations Agua Fresca is made by combining fruits, seeds, and occasionally flowers, with sugar and water.

I had just picked up a fresh juicy watermelon at the market over the weekend and my patio garden is overflowing with fresh basil, so I figured I would give a Spiked Watermelon and Basil Agua Fresca a go as my first attempt at this “exotic” recipe.

On my first try I muddled the basil leaves in the cup leaving bits of them floating in the pink juice. The flavor was nice but the leaves ended up in your mouth which although I was ok with this, I figured not everyone would be. Especially as a guest at a party, you may then be worried about bits in your teeth – at least I would be – and thats never a good thing for a party guest to be concerned about.

So I switched instead to creating an easy basil simple syrup first which imparted the same flavor with out the bits. I feel this is probably the best method when serving to a group at your home for a summer BBQ or at a beach picnic.

WATERMELON + BASIL SPIKED AGUA FRESCA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed watermelon
1/4 cup basil simple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
juice of one lime
ice, for each serving
chilled vodka
basil sprig, for garnish
watermelon slice, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: In serving glass filled 3/4 with ice add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, top with approximately 1 cup of melon mixture. Stir well to combine and chill. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

An Appealing Plan Hostess Tip :: make the watermelon, syrup and lime combination the day before then simply add the vodka and ice as guests arrive.

May 15, 2016March 31, 2023

Tinto de Verano ~ A Sangria Alternative {#SundaySupper}

Tinto de Verano, translation the “red wine of summer”, is a refreshing blend of Spanish red wine and lemon-lime soda and the perfect beverage to serve on a hot summer day… or night!

A sangria alternative Tinto de Verano, with just 3 ingredients or less, could be one of the quickest cocktail recipes you will ever make! And when you chill the ingredients over night before mixing them, you will have one less thing to think about right before your guests arrive.

In Southern regions of Spain it is common for locals to drink Tinto de verano as it is easy to make at home and is considered less touristy than the more expensive Sangria. And as the name implies tinto de verano is often served during warmer days of summer.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is that you can choose a mixer that you prefer to suit you or your guests tastes. I happen to love San Pelligrino Limonata, however Squirt and Sprite mixed with sparkling water is another option readily available in all areas.

Tinto de Verano Recipe

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Para Empezar, Las Tapas (Appetizers/tapas) –

Apple, Chorizo, and Manchego Crostini by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Champiñones al Ajillo by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Chorizo and Sweet Potato Spanish Tortilla Bites by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Citrus & Fennel Marinated Olives by Go Epicurista
Clams Casino Dip with Bacon by Girl Abroad
Crab Enchilado Empanadas with Avocado Cream by Gourmet Everyday
Deviled Eggs with Shrimp by Our Good Life
Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) by Pook’s Pantry
Garlicky Shrimp with Pancetta Olive Oil by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Gazpacho Cucumber Bites by A Mind Full Mom
Gildas Picantes – Spicy Anchovy Olive Skewers by Food Lust People Love
Herbed and Spiced Almonds by Get the Good Stuff!
How to make Beef Sweet Sour Meatballs with Pineapple for #SundaySupper by Asian In America
Manchego Cheese & Chorizo Bites with Saffron Alioli by Hardly A Goddess
Margarita Ceviche by The Crumby Cupcake
Pinchos Morunos (Spanish Pork Skewers) with Mojo Picon by Curious Cuisiniere
Roasted Bell Pepper Goat Cheese Bites by She Loves Biscotti
Roasted Eggplant and Piquillo Pepper Toasts by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Roasted Red Peppers and Anchovies with Bruschetta by The Hungry Goddess
Seared Scallops with Shredded Manchego and a Bleu Cheese Crumble by The Freshman Cook
Serrano Ham & Goat Cheese Croquettes by My World Simplified
Serrano Ham Bites with Melon and Cheese by Palatable Pastime
Shrimp Romesco Bites by Cooking On The Ranch
Smoked Sardine Crostini by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Spanish Garlic Shrimp by Life Tastes Good
Tomato Gazpacho With Fried Avocado Bites by Nik Snacks
Tortilla de Camarones by The Healthy Fit Foodie
Tortilla Española by Monica’s Table
White Wine Marinated Steak with Blue Cheese by Caroline’s Cooking
Zanahorias Aliñadas (Spanish Marinated Carrots) by Tara’s Multicultural Table

Postres (Desserts) –

Buñuelos de Viento by Dessert Geek
Chocolate Orange Macarons by Gluten Free Crumbley
Chocolate Toasts with Apricot Jam by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Churro Bites with Chocolate Sauce by Angels Home Sweet Homestead
Churro Cupcakes by Pies and Plots
Mini Vanilla Flans by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecakes by The Redhead Baker

Bebidas (Drinks) –

Tinto de Verano ~ A Sangria alternative by An Appealing Plan

Plus Alcachofas al Ajillo – Garlicky Artichokes – and Spanish Tapas Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board

May 5, 2016May 6, 2016

Fresh Lime, Grapefruit + Mint Rum Cocktail

Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day or any Summer holiday gathering call for cocktails that are a refreshing blend of all the season has to offer! Fresh squeezed lime and grapefruit juices muddled together with just picked mint create a tasty fresh citrus rum cocktail perfect for entertaining or simply cooling off with your toes in the water.

Inspired by the popular Paloma Cocktail I wanted to create a cocktail that brought together my favorite citrus flavors but that would blend well with rum rather than tequila. I know most people love tequila in the summer but it’s just not my favorite – something to do with a certain senior class trip, but that’s a long story for another time.

Really you could use most white alcohols you have in your bar in this recipe but I chose to start with white rum and it turned out really tasty! The ice will water it down after a little while but you could also add tonic water if you are worried about guests enjoying them a little to quickly, as can happen in the warm summer months.

I was concerned about the rum being too sweet but actually the fresh citrus juices and mint took the front stage and I have to say even I am impressed about how delish this Lime, Grapefruit + Mint Cocktail turned out. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think! Cheers!

Fresh Citrus + Mint Rum Cocktail

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December 30, 2015February 4, 2016

Raspberry Mocktail Punch Recipe

I love my champers but when entertaining you must consider the needs of your guests and offer an non-alcoholic beverage. This Raspberry Mocktail Punch is fruity, festive and alcohol free.

A mocktail is great for non-drinkers as well as hydrating all your guests but be sure you don’t skip on flavor. Just because you are skipping the alcohol doesn’t mean you should skimp on taste – in fact your flavor is could be even more important in this mocktail punch recipe!

Using raspberry puree as the base for this punch you can add regular sparkling water or try a flavored water to add even more variety to your bar display. I’m a huge fan of the lime sparkling water so I always have it in the fridge and on display when I entertain. Provide glasses, ice and extra frozen raspberries for garnish.

To make your gathering even more stress free this raspberry punch mocktail can easily be enhanced with Champagne, Vodka or your favorite spirit. Keep it off to the side, well marked so there is no confusion and let guests add their own selections. I love a DIY bar!

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Thank you again to Tabitha FreshMommyBlog.com for taking and sharing the pictures from our recent West Elm Entertaining Event at the Hyde Park Tampa location.

September 27, 2015August 25, 2020

The Perfect Autumn Bellini Recipe

Cooler temperatures and additional clothing layers have never stopped me from enjoying a chilled glass of champers. However, it does make me crave a slightly “warmer” version with spices such as cardamom and allspice found in this Autumn Bellini recipe.

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Breakfast

Apple-Currant Dutch Baby Pancake by The Weekend Gourmet
Apple Swirled Pumpkin Yeast Bread by What Smells So Good?
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread by Party Food and Entertaining
Giant Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart by Pies and Plots
Sweet Potato Buttermilk Biscuits by Tara’s Multicultural Table

Appetizers and Sides

Butternut Squash, Cauliflower and Cabbage Soup with Lentils by Monica’s Table
Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins by Pancake Warriors
Pumpkin Spice Roasted Sweet Potatoes by Love and Confections
Roasted Veggie Tart by Books n’ Cooks

Main Dishes

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Roasted Veggies & Couscous by Momma’s Meals
Butternut Squash Lentil Curry Soup by Food Done Light
Curry Beef Pies by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Fantasy Rice by The Petit Gourmet
King Prawns in Red Sauce – Mauritian Style Creole Sauce by Peachy Tales
Pasta with Creamy Butternut & Bacon by Cooking Chat
Pork Chops with Apple Dijon Sauce and Arugula Salad by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Pork Chops with Glazed Apples and Vegetables by The Complete Savorist
Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash by Feeding Big and More
Roasted Tomato Soup with Bacon/Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich by A Gouda Life
Salt Roasted Salmon over Roasted Butternut & Yam Soup by Lifestyle Food Artistry
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken, Delicata Squash and Olives by Foodie Tots
Sweet Potato French Bean Lentil Salad by Food Lust People Love
Sweet Potato Alfredo Sauce by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Thai Curry Pumpkin Soup by Eating in Instead
Whole Roasted Chicken with Vegetables by Life Tastes Good

Desserts and Cocktails

Apfelkuchen by Curious Cuisiniere
Applesauce Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Swirls by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Apple Gingersnap Refrigerator Dessert by Recipes Food and Cooking
Autumn Bellini by An Appealing Plan
Autumn Spice Cookies by Desserts Required
Caramel Apple Napoleons by The Crumby Cupcake
Caramel Apple Pie Bundles by The Freshman Cook
Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins by The Redhead Baker
Caramel Apple Swirl Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Cheesecake Swirl Pumpkin Muffins by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Chestnut and Pear Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream by Caroline’s Cooking
Dark Chocolate-Espresso Pumpkin Tiramisu by Brunch with Joy
Dutch Apple Pie by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Butterscotch Drizzle by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
Pumpkin Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Pumpkin Crisp by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake by Flour On My Face
Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Cookies by Palatable Pastime
Roasted Maple Pears by Amee’s Savory Dish
Spiced Pear Cake by Simply Healthy Family
Spiced Pumpkin Bread by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures
Sweet Apple Skillet Cake by Nosh My Way

Plus, A Guide to Apples plus Best Fall Recipes Ideas for #SundaySupper

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

* * * * * * *

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

June 20, 2015June 27, 2015

The Ultimate Summer Solstice Cocktail

For me there are two culinary reminders that the Summer Solstice is here – lemonade and lavender. I still can hear the calm voice of the Country Time Lemonade commercials from the 80’s letting us all know that “summer is just a short 94 days long this year…”, those precious fleeting days of warmth and feeling free, perfectly accented by the sweetness of a tall glass of lemony goodness. And as an adult, with a garden of my own, the sounds of bumble bees buzzing around the just opened lavender buds summon me to gathering them up and bring them into the kitchen to make a batch of lavender syrup has become a tradition marking the arrival of summer.

This year I am whipping up a batch of The Ultimate Summer Solstice cocktail for my friends on The Daily Basics and to my greet guests as they arrive for the solstice celebration.

GET THE SUMMER SOLSTICE COCKTAIL RECIPE + LEARN MORE HERE

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

March 17, 2015October 9, 2016

Dark And Irish Guinness Cocktail

February 27, 2015January 22, 2017

Bailey’s Bonfire Spiked Warm Milk + Chocolate

Few things can warm you through to your toes after a day on the slopes like a Bailey’s Spiked Warm Milk. This version adds a toasted marshmallow sweetness to the top layer along with shaved dark chocolate. Sip as you watch the flurries out the window.

If you are feeling really decadent, try adding a dash of cardamom to the milk mixture or even drop a few chocolate chips in.

BAILEY’S BONFIRE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
large marshmallows
dark chocolate shavings

METHOD

In a small saucepan, add milk and Bailey’s. Turn on medium heat and let mixture warm up. Stir to combine and transfer to oven safe mugs fill only 3/4 full to leave room for the marshmallows

Turn oven broiler to low. Place 3 marshmallows on top of hot milk mixture and place mugs on a baking sheet under broiler. Keep the oven door open and watch your marshmallows. Do not walk away, they will quickly burn if not monitored. Once your marshmallows are a warm toasty color, carefully remove from heat with oven mitt.

Using a vegetable peeler shave, chocolate over top.

Enjoy!

December 30, 2014February 3, 2015

New Year’s Eve Champagne Cocktails

Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a large gathering or a more intimate evening for two, Champagne cocktails create a festive atmosphere that will last well past 12:01 am. Here are a few variations sure to add a signature touch to your evening, be sure to click through the links to see the full recipes!

{image + recipe courtesy of Kitchen Konfidence}

ST. GERMAIN + CHAMPAGNE

INGREDIENTS

St. Germain, chilled
Brut champagne (or any other dry sparkling wine), chilled

See full recipe :: Kitchen Konfidence

{image + recipe courtesy of Something Turquoise}

RASPBERRY SPARKLER

INGREDIENTS

Fresh raspberries
Raspberry liqueur
Brut champagne {or dry sparkling wine}, chilled

See full recipe :: Something Turquoise

Eager for more Champagne cocktail recipes? See Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail and Champagne Selection Tips

Looking for New Years Eve decorating or tablescape ideas? See How to Decorate for a New Years Eve Party and A Posh Table for New Years Eve.

May 22, 2014June 27, 2015

Entertaining Summer Style: Finds For Your Table

Memorial Day. Fourth of July. Labor Day. Three holiday weekends that are classic summer entertaining opportunities. You can almost feel the excitement building in the air as the dates approach. Our Nations colors become part of our home and tablescape design. Fly your flag high and break out the Red, White & Blue with these #SummerStyle Entertaining picks we think are must haves for your next gathering.

PRODUCT LISTING + BUYING INFORMATION:

1} Lobster Cocktail Napkins by Caspari available via PaperStyle ~ $5

2} Red & White Star Paper Straws by Shop Sweet LuLu ~ $4

3} Red Rustic Serving Tray by FasProjects ~ $80

4} Blue Striped Melamine Plates by West Elm ~ $6

5} Red Bikini Tags by AnAppealingPlan for Etsy ~ $6

Do you have a special platter or tablecloth you bring out for your summer table? Tell us about it in the comments! Like + Share using the buttons below and be sure to sign up for everything AnAppealingPlan.com to your inbox using the form below. Happy Summer!

February 13, 2014February 9, 2016

Looking for Some Extra Love in the Bedroom? Recipes Included.

I talk a lot about entertaining and designing spaces but when it all comes down to it, the reason we do all of this is to be able to share time with the ones we love. This Valentines Day let’s ensure your loved ones know it is all about them with special touches through out the day to show your love. Beginning of course with the most important meal of the day…Breakfast. Belgium Waffles topped with Blueberries and Raspberries, Coffee with Whipped Foam and a flute of Love Potion Champagne Cocktail all served on a tray in bed…. Sounds perfect to me!

The famous Love Potion is a simple mixture of champagne and cranberry juice. My husband and I made it when we were dating and the story goes that he tricked me with the Love Potion. So we continue to drink it today so the spell does not wear off. If you like champagne cocktails check out these versions: Harvest or Pomegranate

For the tray-blescape… (get it..) you will need:

Red and Linen napkins – 2 {one to cover the tray and the other to use}
Fork & Knife
Coffee
Two small bud vases with red tulips
card for your loved one
Menu: Coffee, Waffles, Love Potion
Add your own love

Belgium Waffles with Blueberries and Raspberries

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg – separated
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
Powder sugar to top

PREPARATION:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix well. Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla and mix well. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes. Fold in whipped egg white.

Follow the directions on your waffle iron to cook the waffles.

Top with Blueberries, Raspberries and dust with powder sugar.

Love Potion Champagne Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

Champagne, Cava or Prosecco
Cranberry Juice
Frozen Cranberries for garnish

PREPARATION:

In a champagne flute, pour champagne 2/3 full. Pour a splash of Cranberry Juice on top. Top with frozen cranberries. Let the Love Potion do it’s work. Cheers.

Show your love today and everyday. The world need more lovers. Tell me two of your favorite ways you to show a little extra love. Lets keep it PG-13. Cheers! XO ~ Krayl