The Tastiest Cilantro Margarita

This Cilantro Margarita has a little twist on it. With super fresh ingredients it is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, a neighborhood BBQ or just a girls night on the back porch. I know you are going to love it.

The main ingredients we are going to use in this cocktail are tequila, lime juice, homemade simple syrup, cilantro, kosher salt, and ice. We’re going to keep it clean and keep our ingredients fresh and to a minimum. First we are going to select our glass and use a little bit of the lime to coat the edge of the glass. If you prefer no salt, but the best way to rim the glass is to use a little bit of the lime to moisten the edge and use kosher salt.

I only like a little bit of salt, so what I prefer to do is dab on a little tiny bit. Next pick off some of the cilantro leaves and place them in the glass. I know cilantro can go either way – you either love it or you hate it, but I happen to love it, so any time I can get fresh cilantro from the farmer’s market, I go ahead and grab it and make as many things as I can. I love it with tacos, guacamole, really anything. Even when we go get sushi I ask them if they have any cilantro – if they have it I just tell them to add it any roll they can!

After you add the lime and cilantro muddle then together. The juice of the lime will help mix that up. Muddle it and then add the lime juice. I always prefer to use fresh squeezed and natural, but if you can’t, the Key Lime very tasty.

A little bit of simple syrup just in to add a little bit of sweetness, then tequila and add in ice. Once you add your ice, stir and top it off with a sliced lime wedge.

I love the bright lime that makes it a little sour, and the cilantro. It’s a lot of cilantro flavor but not too much. Then a little bit of simple syrup makes it a little bit sweet, but honestly, you could do without that. Just depends on how you like your cocktails.

THE CILANTRO MARGARITA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

lime wedge, to muddle and as garnish
kosher salt
1 ounce lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1.5 ounces tequilla
1 ounce simple syrup
ice
lime wedge

METHOD

Moisten the outside edge of the glass with a lime wedge, dip in kosher salt to edge with salt. Place wedge in glass with cilantro leaves and muddle together to break down the cilantro leaves. Add lime juice, simple syrup, tequilla and ice. Stir together to combine.

Garnish with lime wedge and serve very cold.

Makes one cocktail.

Be sure to check out all the festive recipes from the Sunday Supper Community – And a special thank you to Marlene of Nosh My Way for hosting and with Sunday morning link updating from Cindy of Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Tidbits and Pupus

Chicken and Lemongrass Sugarcane Skewers by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Coconut crusted Tofu with Spicy Mango Cucumber Topping by Soni’s Food
Larp (Laos chicken salad) by Caroline’s Cooking

Breakfast

Midwest Style Loco Moco by Our Good Life
Tropical Sunrise Fruit Salad with Coconut Chia Cream by Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Companions

Caribbean Black Beans with Rice by A Day in the Life on the Farm

Condiments and Sauces

Mango Jam by Brunch with Joy
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce by Magnolia Days

Coolers

Cilantro Margarita by An Appealing Plan
Coconut Mojito by Flour On My Face
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cocktail by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Strawberry Lava Flow by Nosh My Way

Main Event

Bali Spicy Grilled Fish – Ikan Bakar Jimbaran by Food Lust People Love
Crockpot Hawaiian Pulled Pork by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Roll with Tropical Fruit Slaw by Food Done Light
Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple Salsa by Cooking Chat
Kalua Pig by Palatable Pastime
Mango Barbecued Pork Chops by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Mango Lime Fajitas by Curious Cuisiniere
Pineapple Pork by Basic N Delicious
Pineapple, Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza by Family Foodie
Catibias o Cativias (Dominican Yucca Empanadas) by The Petit Gourmet
Shrimp Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Slow Cooker Kalua Pork Tacos by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Tropical Chicken Burgers by Momma’s Meals
Whole Roasted Bream with a Ginger-Tamarind Sauce by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Delectable Delights

Seven Layer Bars by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Tropical Sunshine Cake by Lifestyle Food Artistry
Double Ginger Cookies by Pies and Plots
Majarete Ice Cream by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Mini Mango Cheesecakes by The Freshman Cook
Pineapple Blueberry Ooey Gooey Cake by Recipes Food and Cooking
Pumpkin-Coconut Biscotti by What Smells So Good?
Tropical Fruit Salad by The Redhead Baker
Tropical Layered Poke Cake by Daily Dish Recipes
Ube Panna Cotta by The Joyful Foodie
Whole Wheat Mango Coconut Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers

Tropical Foods and Drinks Sunday Supper

Tropical Foods and Drinks Sunday Supper

Wine Pairings

The Best Wines to Pair with Tropical Food #SundaySupper by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

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.

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

April 17, 2015May 6, 2016

Your Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Planning Checklist

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, ending the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds is held at Churchill Downs on a one and a quarter miles {2 km} track.

Also known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports” and also “The Run for the Roses”, first raced in 1875 recently celebrating its 140 anniversary, is the first leg of the American Triple Crown and followed by the Preakness Stakes, then the Belmont Stakes. A horse must win all three races to win the Triple Crown.

The attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America and usually surpasses the attendance of all other stakes races frequently reaching over 165,000 people! If you are not one of the lucky “few” to acquire a ticket to this year’s race I highly recommend hosting a Kentucky Derby viewing party of your own. Who can resist chilled drinks in fabulous silver cups and a reason to wear a gorgeous hat!

If you are considering hosting a Derby party, the following list can serve as your party planner check list. With just a little prep work your gathering will run smoothly and even better, be stress free!

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY CHECKLIST

1-3 Months Before – {this is a general timeline – don’t let it stop you from pulling together a last-minute gathering}

Check your local listing for television coverage schedule and timing. Ensure you will be able to view at your home or if you will need to host your party elsewhere.
Contact friends or relatives with a “Save the Date” email or call {or if you have time, surprise your friends with a mailed invitation – the Derby is a fun time to go all out formal}.
Determine attire and other requirements of guests {Dressy or Casual / Hats or No Hats} be sure to include this in your invitation wording.
Shop for your Kentucky Derby hat or wardrobe!
Pull out your julep cups, silver vases and any china or linens with an equestrian theme.
Purchase additional supplies and favors as needed.
Order official Kentucky Derby race day programs to be delivered to your home – believe it or not, this can be done through the official website and adds a fun touch.

2 Weeks Before Your Kentucky Derby Party

Create your race day menu – select recipes, develop your shopping list.

Suggested Kentucky Derby Menu ::

Zesty Pimento Cheese
Bourbon Bacon Deviled Eggs
The Perfect Kentucky Mint Julep
Spinach + Kale Bites with Hollandaise Sauce – {sign up for alerts}

Determine your race day bar offerings and recipes – check your stock and create a list spirits, mixers and garnishes needed.
Check the menu and bar list against your silver, china, serveware and linen collection. Purchase or borrow to fill.
Tally RSVP’s to finalize guest list and count.

1 Week Before Your Kentucky Derby Party

Create a Derby Party music playlist, of course it must include – “My Old Kentucky Home”
Shop for all menu items and bar offerings.
Order flowers to be delivered, if you do not intend to create your own display.

1 Day Before Your Kentucky Derby Party

Arrange your table top the night before – this allows you time to get ready but also to enjoy your display before guests arrive.
Create your flower centerpiece – traditionally Roses are the flower of choice but use what is fresh and available.
Prepare dips or other items that will hold {or improve} overnight.
Stock your bar with spirits, mixers and garnish – ensure you have plenty of mixers, glassware and water available for guests to stay hydrated, or for those not partaking in alcoholic beverages.

Day Of – Kentucky Derby Race Day

Make or Purchase extra ice.
Finish preparing your menu items – place on table when ready.
Print out racing forms for guests to track their wins!
Pour yourself a Mint Julep and put on your party dress… and hat of course!
Welcome guests as they begin to arrive.
Tune in early for coverage of the undercard races and Red Carpet – that’s the best part right!?
Breathe and relax. You did it! Enjoy the race in style!

How are you celebrating?? Let me know in the comments! We love to hear how you are entertaining at home!

February 24, 2015February 24, 2015

How Does Karen Gillman of After The Band #CelebrateEveryday

In this interview with Karen Gillman, author of Life After the Band, we discuss An Appealing Plan, the book and how she finds ways to #CelebrateEveryday.

For the book launch I wanted to ask a few of my favorite people how they find ways in their busy schedules to celebrate everyday. The #CelebrateEveryday Interview Series is a collection of these interviews. Enjoy!

Learn more + pick up your copy of An Appealing Plan here!

MORE ABOUT KAREN GILLMAN ::

Karen’s book ‘It’s Never Too Late’ was written to share her battle with obesity and how she overcame it with weight loss surgery. She provides encouragement and support to those who are interested in or have had such surgery. Her 10 year experience living the banded lifestyle gives her the passion and voice to serve this community.
In early 2000 her weight crept to an all-time high. She found herself going through the motions in a lifestyle she didn’t love, living in a body that was weighing her down mentally and physically. There were several indications that had made her realize if she didn’t make some drastic changes her future would never match that of what she had dreamed of.

In 2004 she had gastric band (Lap-Band®) surgery which helped her to shed 145 pounds. Through tips and tricks she has learned along the way as well as those she has personally developed, she has maintained the loss and gained a new life. If you or someone you know has struggled with weight loss, or has had weight loss surgery of any kind, this book is written especially for you. Enjoy her journey from birth to present day as she pulls back the curtain and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly throughout the transformation of her mind and body.

Karen Gillman considers her greatest life-purpose being a wife, mother of two and homemaker. She works full time as a VP and team leader at On Point Executive Center, Inc, is Co-Founder of Charity Chics, a women’s based networking company that gives all proceeds back to local charities. Karen is well recognized for a long list of business awards and serves her community with passion and purpose.

Learn more about Karen and her journey by visiting – www.karengillman.com

Catch the entire #CelebrateEveryday series and all the interviews here.

February 19, 2015April 12, 2022

The Paloma Cocktail Recipe

The Paloma Cocktail is a refreshing Mexican cocktail with grapefruit juice and tequila! Similar to a margarita but with a sweet tart twist of grapefruit.

Paloma Cocktail (2) - Orange Lime Sugar Salt Setup #AnAppealingPlan @KraylFunch 750x

The Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail, prepared by mixing tequila with a grapefruit juice and served over ice with a lime or grapefruit wedge. The glass may be rimmed with salt or sugar – or in this recipe a combination of the two.

THE PALOMA COCKTAIL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 grapefruit
¼ cup tequila
¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
¼ cup club soda
grapefruit wedge for garnish

METHOD

Sprinkle sugar and salt on a small plate, gently combine, cut grapefruit in half, rubbing outer edge of cocktail glass with grapefruit to wet, rub rim of glass in the sugar salt mixture.

In a cocktail shaker combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup over ice. Shake to combine. Pour over ice into cocktail glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Makes one cocktail.

Shop these items ::

Riedel Double-Old Fashioned Whiskey Glass
Morton Coarse Kosher Salt
Cocktail Shaker – Brushed Stainless Steel

February 14, 2015February 9, 2016

It’s All About the Pink. Tablescape Inspiration.

Setting a romantic table for two or for a girlfriends brunch can be pulled together quickly with just a few pretty pink items on hand.

In this episode of An Appealing Plan TV I create a sweet tablescape complete with Pink flower arrangements and Pink Ombre XOX Sugar Cookies.

Pink large plates or chargers go down first to set the spacing and tone for your vintage inspired tablescape. Top them with pink linen cocktail napkins and a sprig of blooming wax flower.

Group birchwood votives around taller taper candles to set a romantic but natural feel.

February 10, 2015July 12, 2016

Pink Ombre Sugar Cookies

Show your loved ones how much they mean to you with a special treat in their briefcase, lunch bag or as an after dinner treat. These Ombre XOX sugar cookies are chic, tasty and super easy to create.

1 – Begin with our basic sugar cookie recipe

2 – Cut the rolled dough using XOX and heart cookie cutters

3 – Bake dough per directions

4 – Allow cookies to fully cool

5 – Decorate with white icing and

6 – Place mini sugar hearts gently moving dark to light in color

7 – Present with wine, or milk, to your Valentine

January 25, 2015April 12, 2022

Self Care Sunday

Is it me or does it seem that this January we have an extra weekend? After the rush of 2014 I am welcoming it with open arms.

Last week my body finally started to slow down from the frantic pace of the second half of the year, producing and publishing the book, heading into a busy client and travel season, and finally the holiday rush kept my body and brain running on high gear, full steam ahead.

Enter Self-Care Sunday.

For me this means not just letting my body rest but also the busier part of me, my brain.

In Tara Mohr’s new book, “Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message“, she talks about how we as women, tend to allow the inner critic {critical, panicked, anxious} to be the louder voice in our heads and about the importance of practicing and letting our inner mentor {calm, strong, guiding} become a stronger voice.

I’ve been practicing this as I set my goals and intentions for 2015 – a seemingly easy job which has turned into an unexpected sole searching journey.

The last two years my business focus has become much more clear, thanks in part to being in the B-School community – currently on my list are financial goals, both business and personal, career intentions {soon to be announced out loud… To ensure they happen} a few travel dreams for the next few years and moving to the top is Project ME.

Don’t worry, I’m not packing my bags and heading to Bali for the year, {although it sounds like a dream!} but yoga, more time spent in nature and feeding my soul are themes that continue to come up that need attention.

What does your inner mentor say to you? What path is she guiding you towards that perhaps you haven’t listened deeply enough too yet? Let me know in the comments and start the conversation.

{what’s all this about BSchool? Learn more about my experience, the upcoming class and get some amazing FREE training here.}

January 17, 2015April 12, 2022

On My Bedside Table

Sometime in November I went on a book binge but per usual life, and the holiday’s, took over leaving me with little time to do any real reading – even when I did have time I found myself falling asleep from exhaustion. So now I am back in the groove with a reinforced direction of reading more on a monthly basis – less of the talking box and more using my brain to absorb all the amazing inspiration that is in the written word. This month we have a biography of sorts from one of my favorite foodies, a love relationship we all need to be in, a collection of design inspiration from all across the world and recipes to ensure we all get more veggies in our lives from a talented {and genuinely nice guy} photographer/chef friend of mine. Here’s what I’m reading this month, leave a comment letting me know what’s on your list!

Money A Love Story by Kate Northrup :: Money, we all need and want it so why do many of us struggle with it? Too much, too little , just the right amount? It’s like a three bears fairy tale in real life. I dream of a loving relationship with my finances and this book provides real world tools to get you there. I am on my second reading of this book and I am sure not my last, it is that powerful {the first reading gave me the tools and mindset to pay of all debt by the end of the year}. Each reading requires me to look directly at my money challenges and find ways to go beyond them. As they say “new level, new devil.”

My Life In France by Julia Child :: I have watched Julie & Julia at least 4 times so I thought it was about time to dive a little deeper into the life of a woman I grow to respect and admire more and more with each chapter. The writing, brought to life finally by her nephew, is so detailed you can smell the sole al a normande cooking on the stove, feel the warmth of the summer sun on the patio of the stone patio at their French cottage and experience Julia’s energy for life and her passion for cooking.

The Southern Vegetarian Cookbook by Justin Fox Burks :: I had the pleasure of meeting Justin recently at a the Food. Fight. Write. Conference in Las Vegas a few months ago and have been a super fan ever since. He and his wife co-author this cookbook together {a test to any relationship} and they could not be any cutier! The cookbook is filled with recipes and images of veggies prepared in ways to please even the meat and potato lovers in your life.

Kinfolk Magazine Issue 14 by various contributors :: The winter issue of Kinfolk does not disappoint. As usual it is filled with the most gorgeous images of landscapes, communities, homes and gatherings one could ever images. I dream of being placed directly into the pictures each issue. For a daily dose of Kinfolk dreamy-ness, also follow them on instagram.

January 15, 2015April 12, 2022

Gasparilla Pirate Fest Decor For Your Home + Bar

Gasparilla. Never heard of it?

Neither had I before moving to Tampa, nor did I have any fondness for Pirate decor or for that matter own anything with a Jolly Roger on it. My how things have changed. {be sure to scroll down the entire page to shop this look}

To give you a little background on Gasparilla, or Private Fest as it is also referred to {if you live in FL you can skip ahead to the last paragraph or stick around to learn a little history}, it goes back to good ol’ Jose Gaspar, “last of the Buccaneers,” who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th century. Gaspar, given to calling himself “Gasparilla,” served as a lieutenant in the Royal Spanish Navy for five years until 1783 when, upon seizing command of a Spanish sloop-of-war, he with his fellow mutineers set sail for the Florida straits. And so the young Spanish aristocrat-turned-pirate began an adventurous life as outlaw of the sea.

When Jose Gaspar died, he supposedly left an untold fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. Though that treasure has never been discovered, the story of the swashbuckling Gasparilla was unearthed and his memory revived in 1904 when Tampa’s social and civic leaders adopted the pirate as patron rogue of their city-wide celebration.

The first invasion was so successful and well-received by the people of Tampa that a city-wide demand was voiced to make the Mystic Krewe organization permanent and to replicate the carnival each year.”

Flash forward to modern-day Gasparilla…

Pirate gear abounds for the weeks leading up to the celebration – they can be found on painted finger nails, t-shirts and proudly flying flags on most homes – and of course the colorful wreaths adoring neighbors doorways. But what about inside your home?? Are you ready? To help you out, I have picked out a few items to sprinkle a little Gaspar feeling through out your home so you will be ready to welcome your bead wearing revelers with open arms! And even better… they are all live links straight to Amazon – so with just a few clicks your pirate bounty will be on its way!

SHOP THIS LOOK – click on the images to find out more

GASPARILLA DECOR FOR THE KITCHEN

GASPARILLA DECOR FOR THE HOME

GASPARILLA DECOR FOR THE BAR

GASPARILLA DECOR FOR THE BEDROOM

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December 31, 2014January 14, 2015

Thank you 2014! Happy New Year 2015!

Thank you 2014! What a Year You Have Been!

WOW! That is really the best expression I have to express everything that has transpired in 2014. What an amazing year it has been – I actually can not believe it is already December 31st – filled with challenges, too many learning experiences to count and a few incredible wins!

This year started with a dream of writing and publishing my first book, and with the help of an amazing team and YOUR support it became reality in the final months of the year – An Appealing Plan : A Year of Everyday Celebrations is now on shelves and available on-line!

I won’t go into the thank you’s here as I have in several posts in the Passion to Print category which you can read here, as well as on the acknowledgment page of the book {are you there?… you might just have to buy the book to see!}, I do however wish to say to you all that I hope you see this achievement as a sign that anything is possible, that those dreams of yours that you think are silly, or perhaps too big, are achievable – and not only that, but to stress the importance of reaching them, of knowing you have completed them. If not I promise you, you will always wonder what if. And I can not have that, not after you have been here to support me in achieving mine.

SO – what are we going to do about it? First, I want you to leave a note in the comments below and tell me a goal or dream of yours you feel is silly, too big, not important enough,… that you have always wanted to achieve. Second, write down on paper – right now – the three big steps you need to achieve this goal. Third, write down the date of when you will achieve this goal. {if you are really daring, write them all in the comments and really commit to it!

Next up – my new top three goals for 2015… stay tuned, it only gets better.

Tag: An Appealing Plan

The Tastiest Cilantro Margarita

THE CILANTRO MARGARITA RECIPE

Your Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Planning Checklist