S is for Summer: Summer Specials!!

The A to Z April Blog Challenge third week run ends with the letter S. My first reaction was to choose S for Spicy as the theme. With summer fast approaching our heels, I figured why not share one of my beloved much-anticipated summer cocktail which I most look forward too once the heat kicks in – Sangria. Sangria is most popular in Spain and Portugal during summer. It normally consists of wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of brandy for punch. Usually sangria is chilled over night for the flavors to blend together. Traditionally made with red wine, modern variations now include white and champagne base too.

Now that I have taken care of the adults for summer; how about indulging my children too? Especially since summer equals vacation time for them. I chose to make simple and nutritious pops to keep the kids hydrated between their afternoon swims and endless neighborhood play sessions.

 

Rose Sangria with Tropical Fruits

In the evenings, I do enjoy a red wine sangria, however during summer afternoons, especially Sunday brunches I lean towards Sparkling Rosé. I enjoy the delicate flavor of a rosé, especially the French dry ones. Since, I prefer my drinks on the stronger side, I add white rum to the mix.

 

Ingredients

• 1 750-ml bottle rosé
• 4 6-ounce cans pineapple juice
• 2 11 1/2-ounce cans guava nectar
• 4 – 6 star anise or cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups 3/4-inch cubes fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup white rum or gin
• 2 oranges, halved through stem end, thinly sliced crosswise
• Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Mix first 5 ingredients in large pitcher. Set 12 orange slices aside for garnish; add remaining orange slices to pitcher. Cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. Fill tumblers with ice. Pour sangria over. Garnish with orange slices and serve.

 

 

Frozen Fruit Pops

Growing up I used to indulge in an orange creamsicle daily at school, especially with the oppressing high temperatures of Delhi. I think it was more of a necessity than anything else in attempts of keeping us hydrated.  Fast forward 30 years and I am not so much of a fan anymore, simply because of the high contents of sugar in it. Hence, I created these fruit popsicles which while indulging my children’s sweet tooth serve the purpose of being nutritious and healthy at the same time.

You can mix and match your favorite flavors to create these cooling pops. Try any combination which will have your children squealing with delight at these pops. The best part might just be in the fun kids have while helping you create these. Of course, have rolls of hand towels handy to clean up the mess. *Wink, wink*

 

 

Ingredients:

1. Strawberry or Blueberry Yogurt
2. Orange or Pineapple Juice
3. Cranberry or Grape Juice

Directions:

• Set popsicle molds or paper cups on a work surface. Spoon an equal amount of the yogurt into each mold or cup and press down with the spoon to fill the bottom evenly. Cover the molds with the handle or popsicle stick and freeze for 1 hour.
• Remove the molds from the freezer, pour an equal amount of orange or pineapple juice. Repeat the freezer step for another 1 hour.
• Repeat the procedure with cranberry or grape juice. Cover the molds and freeze overnight.
• Serve chilled!!

 

 

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