The Simple Note: Foodie

LIME BAR CART + BRAZILIAN LEMONADE

Bar Cart 11:02 AM

Lime is such an underrated small citrus fruit packed with health benefits. I love putting lime in my water, Mexican dishes, and fish!

This lime cart was made in less than 10 minutes! I accented this cart with some paper straws, galvanized ice bucket and serving tray, and mason jars.

I threw on some fresh flowers and limes for a pop of color. I also used some items I had around the house for some added style.

Now let's talk about this Brazilian lemonade! A few months ago, T and I went to a Brazilian steakhouse. Our waiter recommended this beverage he said was a big seller. Me being the foodie I am, “Ohh, bring me one!” Yall, when I tell you that drink. was. delicious.

I’m a visual creator. I see it. I make it. So when I saw how much I loved this drink, I knew I had to try it out for myself. The waiter even gave me the recipe!

As you can see, I didn’t make fresh lemonade. I used Simply Lemonade with coconut milk, fresh mint, and two sliced limes.

I also used a tablespoon of Polar Seltzer. Polar has the perfect lime seltzer for a dash of spritz to the lemonade. I purchased the bottles from my local grocery. You can also find them here. If you're willing to take the plunge, Polar also has a Cranberry lime flavor that looks promising.

So fast forward a few months, here I am finally testing it out. I’ll be honest, mine did not taste EXACTLY like the steakhouse’s but it was darn sure close!

Try it out!

Ingredients:

2 limes
fresh mint
cream of coconut
club soda or spritzer
fresh lemonade (or Simply Lemonade)

Recipe:

Mix lemonade (or pour) and place in a drink shaker.

Add half of lime juice, and cream of coconut to lemonade in shaker.

Shake ingredients until everything is combined and mixed. Pour beverage into a glass.

Serve drink in glass with ice and garnish of choosing.

Note:

This recipe can be served with or without adult beverage, frozen or on ice.
If you choose to add adult beverage to mix, add during step three.
If you would like your beverage frozen, place ingredients in blender (with ice) at step one and blend until mixed and smooth.

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PATRIOTIC DESSERT: STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE TRIFLE

Dessert 1:39 PM

Summer time is here and I am so excited about spending some quality time with my family. This year we are adding a lot of "firsts" and new "traditions" to our list. A new addition to the list of celebrations now includes Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

In my hunt for some ideas for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, I stumbled across traditional strawberry shortcakes. Gosh, I haven't had one of those since I was younger! So I thought, what a better way to celebrate than to try new things and cool down the summer heat with a red, white and (not so-) blue dessert with an "old school touch". My youngest daughter is such a picky eater and she even asked for more!

This quick and easy dessert is perfect for any gathering. Who doesn't love fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and fluffy cake? I can’t wait to make this yummy patriotic dessert again for the holiday.

Ingredients:

· 1 Box of Angel Food Cake

· 2 Packs of Strawberries

· 1 Box of Banana Cream Pudding

· Milk

· 1 Container of Whipped Cream

· 1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar

Directions:

1. Cook Angel Food Cake according to the directions on box. When done, set aside to cool.

2. Slice strawberries and place in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and toss gently until all strawberries are covered. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for strawberries to glaze and cool for at least 30 minutes.

3. In another large bowl, prepare banana cream pudding (using cold milk). Set aside.

4. Slice Angel Food Cake in small slices. Once sliced, cube pieces into uneven squares.

5. Remove strawberries from fridge, and prepare to layer your dessert bowl. I layered mine, cake cubes, pudding, whipped cream, glazed strawberries. Repeat until bowl is filled.

6. Layer top with cake crumbles (you can also add leftover strawberries in glaze or whole strawberries.)

7. Serve. Refrigerate.