Grown-Up Cherry Limeades

Sonic-Drive In was founded in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1953.  So cherry limeades were quintessential to my childhood.  Lots of high school nights were spend "cruising" around aimlessly with my friends only to wind up at the drive in for a cherry limeade drink.  I don't drink them that often as an adult, mainly because I survive on Diet Coke or water only, but they sure are tasty every once in a while.  Since we've been stuck at home with nothing to do, Mr. Devilish Dish and I have been working diligently in our backyard.  It's not a huge back yard, but it does have plenty of space for Ghirardelli "Elli" to run laps like shes a racing dog.  And there is a lovely deck where we like to sit in the evenings and enjoy an adult beverage while we watch said dog racing.  Along with yard work, our adult beverage consumption as increased and it has been kind of fun to come up with a different cocktail each weekend.  Last time we enjoyed the Birthday Weekend Cocktail invented by my friend Jenny featuring moscato wine, vanilla vodka and strawberry soda pop.  Also during the quarantine here in Oklahoma small towns, "cruising" has become a thing again.  Huge Facebook groups have formed and folks of all ages are social-distancing by driving around in their cars listening to music and visiting the drive-ins just like the old high school days.  We haven't done that yet, but I want to soon, so I can see all of the classic cars and motorcycles and basically feel like I'm in high school again.  As we were reminiscing about our high school days the topic of Cherry Limeades came up and I decided a Grown-Up Cherry Limeade would be the ideal patio beverage.  With Memorial Day weekend and cook outs coming up,  here's a blast from the past with an updated adult twist.  So take a spin in your classic car, come home and put on some 80's music and get on the patio with a Grown-Up Cherry Limeade drink.  

A childhood favorite gets an adult makeover!

Refreshing, nostalgic and patio ready 

You MUST get the Tillen FarmsMerry Maraschino Cherries.
They are so worth it and totally make the drink!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend
and drink responsibly!

GROWN-UP CHERRY LIMEADES

4 ounces prepared limeade (I made a pitcher from concentrate)
4 ounces lemon-lime soda (I used Diet 7Up)
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce grenadine (I used the juice from the cherry jar instead and it's so good)
*Maraschino Cherries - You HAVE to get the Tillen Farms Merry Maraschino Cherries!
Lime wedges for garnish

In a glass, combine limeade, lemon-lime soda, vodka and grenadine.  Stir and add ice.  Garnish with cherries and lime wedges.

*NOTE: These are the absolute best Maraschino Cherries I've ever tasted and  I don't even like maraschino cherries :) you can use regular grenadine, but trust me, splurge on these cherries and use their juice in your cocktail instead.  It's so good.

Chicken Korma

Korma is a type of curry, made with meat or vegetables cooked in a flavorful sauce.  You can vary the type of vegetables you like, or opt for lamb, shrimp or in this case chicken.  If you've ever eaten at an Indian food buffet, chances are you've had Korma.  You know from past posts like Butter Chicken and Homemade Naan Bread that we are huge fans of Indian food around here.  This type of cuisine always seems complicated to me and I'm guessing it's due to either number of spices in a recipe or simply because they aren't spices that are usually in my wheelhouse and for some reason I equate exotic spice with difficulty.  Which isn't the case with this recipe at all.  It's quite simple to make and easily changed around to accommodate any variety of meats or vegetables you have on hand.  You could easily leave out the meat altogether and substitute some hearty potatoes or cauliflower for a tasty veggie version too.  Serve with Basmati or Jasmine rice and a batch of my Homemade Naan Bread to soak up the sauce.  The creamy sauce and warm flavors are sure to satisfy.  Don't be afraid to try something new in your kitchen.  It's as simple as reaching into your spice cabinet!

A simple to make curry using chicken, or whatever
meats or vegetables you have on hand.

Everything cooks in one dish.

The resulting sauce is rich, creamy and flavorful.
Check out the BALTI DISH.

Serve over Basmati or Jasmine Rice with Naan Bread
for a satisfying meal.

Strawberry Rolls

Since the quarantine, I've been trying to bake some kind of treat every week to share with my family.  So far I've made the No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread and Chocolate Cookies with White Chocolate Chips.  My mom had some blackberries in her freezer that she shared.  Much to my brother's chagrin I did not make homemade blackberry cobblers, I used them to make the Berry Best Muffins.  (Sorry Bro, I'll make you a cobbler on your birthday!) By far, the Strawberry Rolls have been the biggest hit, AND the easiest to prepare!  These sweet little rolls would be ideal for a Mother's Day Breakfast or Brunch, and they would look lovely in a little basket as a gift for Mom or Grandma.  Bonus, they are easy enough for the kids to help prepare and everyone loves them.  Strawberries are in season right now, so it's easy to find big, beautiful bright red berries at peak flavor.  Using crescent roll dough makes this recipe a breeze, and it takes just a handful of ingredients.  Surprise your family (and especially the MOMS) this weekend with a super simple, strawberry treat...

   

A tasty, simple to prepare treat.
Ideal for Mother's Day or anytime you
need a little snack.

Combine fresh chopped strawberries,
sugar, vanilla and salt.

Roll up strawberry mixture in to
prepared crescent roll dough triangles.

Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.

It's okay if the filling leaks out.
You want to see the pretty
color once they're baked.

Warm tender rolls with a sweet berry filling

The perfect treat for MOM, or anyone
who deserves a little homemade strawberry snack.