Frozen Hillstone Crisp Martini in the Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker

A while back I shared a recipe for the Viral Hillstone Restaurant's Crisp Martini, also known as the "Sauvy B Martini."  I shared the recipe with my BFF Jenny (of Aunt Jenny's Watermelon Salad) She loves to cook and entertain like I do.  She also has a Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker.  All summer we have been sharing our concoctions with each other.  Last weekend we were having a chat and she said,

"Have you figured out a frozen version of the Hillstone Martini yet?" 

I said, "No, not yet.  Just do the Frozen Hugo Spritz, it's similar." 

Her response was, "We have and it's good, but WE WANT a Frozen Hillstone!"

So on Sunday, I was tired from a previous late-night concert, but started dragging out bottles from the bar.  Mr. Devilish Dish asked, "Surely you are not making a cocktail are you?"

And I said, "I HAVE TO.  Jenny NEEDS me!"

I feel like we've created enough cocktails in our Ninja Slushi this summer, that we are learning to get the right balance of ingredients for the maximum frozen experience, because I NAILED THIS on the first try.  The perfect blend of floral flavor from the St. Germain Liqueur and the Gin, plus the tang of lemon juice and Sauvignon Blanc wine and just a little sweetness from some simple syrup.  This might be my favorite concoction of the summer.  The Martini is delicious as is, but a spin through the Ninja Slushi takes it to the next level.  The were so refreshing as we sat in our little pool Sunday in the unforgiving Oklahoma heat and thoroughly enjoyed them. 

I didn't think anything could possibly taste
better than the Hillstone Crisp Martini, 
but then I FROZE it.  
Amazing.

This might be the best thing to ever dispense
from our Ninja Slushi!

We love this thing.  Definitely got our money's worth 

this summer.

Even better in our pool.  We call it the 
grown-up pool because it has two seats
and two cup holders.  Perfect  for holding
a Frozen Hillstone Crisp Martini if 
you put it in the right glass.

It was so hot even Ghirardelli got in the 
pool to cool off!

FROZEN HILLSTONE CRISP MARTINI in the NINJA SLUSHI PROFESSIONAL DRINK MAKER

1 1/2 Cups Sauvignon Blanc Wine
2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Gin
1/2 Cup St. Germaine Liqueur
2.5 ounces Simple Syrup

Lime peel for garnish

Combine all ingredients (except Lime Peel) and pour into the Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker.  Select the Spiked Slush Setting, and the Highest Setting (10 Bars) Freeze.  Garnish with a lime peel and enjoy.  

National Coffee Milkshake Day: Frozen Caffeine Dream in the Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker

I'm obsessed with our Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.  Most of the cocktails we've made have involved a lot of trial and error on our part to create the perfect frozen cocktail.  Rarely have we used any shortcuts or drink mixers, simply because we love to experiment and try new things and if it is something from scratch - typically that makes the experience even better for us.  We are both coffee drinkers in the morning, cold brew usually.  (Haven't tried running that through the Slushi, although the wheels are spinning now!) Occasionally we will have an afternoon coffee for a pick me up and once in a while we've been known to imbibe in some sort of after dinner coffee cocktail.  The other day I was reading a book on the patio and thought how good an afternoon coffee sounded, and since it was Saturday, what would a shot or two of something from our home bar hurt?  I typically keep a few Starbucks Bottled Frappuccinos on hand, and I've been known to stick them in the freezer for a little while.  What is way better than a trip to the freezer is a spin in the Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker.  I had to add two bottles of the Frappuccino to reach the minimum fill line.  Which was fine. I'm willing to share with Mr. Devilish Dish.  I also added some coffee liqueur and Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur.  The result was the most decadent, luscious frozen coffee drink.  Almost a milkshake.  Coincidentally it happens to be National Coffee Milkshake Day, and this is even better: an afternoon pick me up for sure but would make a great dessert too!  And so simple.  Literally three ingredients and a Slushi cycle for pure indulgence.

The "Caffeine Dream" Perfect for an
afternoon pick-me-up, or an indulgent
after dinner drink.

Add the Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino
to the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen
Drink Maker.

 

Add a shot of your favorite coffee liqueur

Add a shot of Irish Cream Liqueur

Freeze and enjoy

Garnish with coffee beans if desired.

Imbibe and Indulge!

FROZEN CAFFEINE DREAM IN THE NINJA SLUSHI PROFESSIONAL DRINK MAKER

2 (13.7oz) Bottles Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink

1 Shot Coffee Liqueur (like Arrosta, Kahlua or Mr. Black)
1 Shot Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur

Pour all ingredients into the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.  Select the Spiked Slush mode.  You will not need all 10 bars of "slushiness" :) 7-8 bars will do.  This freezes fast and almost to a milkshake consistency.  Very delicious.  Serve in a coffee mug and garnish with a few coffee beans if desired.  Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.  Double the recipe if you want more.  

Frozen Hugo Spritz Cocktail in the Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker

 Our summer obsession has been creating cocktails in our Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker.  We're like Mad Scientists over here creating frozen drinks with varying levels of success.  (Nothing is a true failure because they're still drinkable even if they are not perfection.) We've had great triumph with our Frozen Oklahoma Club Specials and Frozen Chi Chis (for National Pina Colada Day.) Sometimes we need a break from our libation laboratory and we just check out the Ninja Test Kitchen for interesting recipes they post.  That way we know the recipe has been previously tested for frozen perfection.  I'm a huge fan of St. Germain - it's a tasty elderflower flavored liqueur that pairs really well with citrus flavors like grapefruit and also compliments white wines like Prosecco and Sauvignon Blanc (Check out my Hilltop Crisp Martinis for the great combination of St. Germain & Sauv Blanc!) Similar to the Hilltop Crisp Martini, the Hugo Spritz is a refreshing floral Italian aperitif cocktail made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water and mint.  If you think that sounds refreshing on a hot summer day, then imagine that mixture in Slushi Form!  It's not only a sophisticated-sounding cocktail, but the traditional lime wheel and mint leaf garnish are stunning on the eyes.  This is one we will be making again for an afternoon on the patio!

The Hugo Spritz Cocktail - made even
more delicious in the Ninja Slushi 
Professional Frozen Drink Machine.

FROZEN HUGO SPRITZ COCKTAIL (adapted for the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker)

(makes 6-8 servings)

3 Cups Prosecco
2 Cups Water
2 Cups St.Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1/4 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Fresh Mint Leaves for Garnish
Lime Wheels for Garnish

Add the Prosecco, water, St. Germain Liqueur and lime juice to the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions to freeze.  Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wheel and enjoy.

By the way, I have enough fresh
mint leaves to garnish these cocktails
for an eternity. 

Tiramisu (In Baseball Hats - Just like the MLB NY Yankees!)

 You know from many previous posts that I am a baseball fan.  This comes from a long marriage of "If you can't beat them, join them." Mainly I am a college baseball fan, but I the hubs loves the St. Louis Cardinals so I do my part to keep up with Major League Baseball too. When I was a kid, you could get ice cream served in little plastic baseball hats.  I took them home, carefully punched holes in the sides, added elastic and made hats for my dolls.  When I admitted this to Mr. Devilish Dish years later, he wasn't a bit surprised as I am probably the girl-iest baseball fan you'll ever meet.  I saw these plastic hats and sundae spoon sets way back in the season at Dollar Tree.  I loved them, mainly for the nostalgia of my childhood, but I knew I would do something with them eventually.  Not long after I saw a social media post by Major League Baseball advertising that the New York Yankees would be serving Tiramisu in helmets at their games this year and a (copycat) idea was born!  I knew EXACTLY what I would be serving for Father's Day this year.  All I had left to do was order some super cute baseball napkins and the day was complete.  I have to admit my Father-in-Law and Mr. Devilish Dish were the most impressed as they are the biggest baseball fans in the family.  And also the biggest Tiramisu fans in the family.  Now you don't necessarily need to serve your Tiramisu in baseball helmets, you can certainly prepare this dessert in a regular 9x13-inch baking dish. BUT if you are a baseball fan then you'll definitely score a HOME RUN serving it the Yankee's way!

Play Ball!  A Father's Day HOME RUN

My inspiration - these little plastic sundae
dishes from Dollar Tree

Begin by whisking together egg yolks,
granulated sugar and salt.

Carefully cook in a double-boiler until the
mixture reaches 165-170 degrees F.

Allow mixture to cool 10 minutes
before adding vanilla extract.

Carefully whisk in cold mascarpone
cheese until the egg mixture is 
thick and smooth.

Beat the heavy whipping cream until
you achieve medium-stiff peaks. 

Carefully fold the whipped cream into
the mascarpone mixture.  You want this 
to remain very light and fluffy.

Place your cold espresso or coffee into a
shallow baking dish.

Add coffee liqueur if desired.
(Optional)

I had to cut my ladyfingers in half to fit
into my baseball hats.  If you are using a
9x13-inch baking dish, there is no need
to cut the ladyfingers.

Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the coffee
mixture.  You don't want them to get too
soggy and start falling apart.  Place them
into the helmet, or baking dish and make 
one layer covering the bottom.

Top the soaked ladyfinger layer with a
layer of mascarpone filling. Keep dipping
your ladyfingers and repeat this layering 
process.  (Because my helmets were deep
and only held a couple of ladyfingers per layer
I think I wound up with 3 layers of each
mixture.  If you are using a baking dish,
you'll probably have two layers of each.

I filled them as full as I could get them. 
At this point I wrapped them with plastic
wrap and refrigerated overnight.  If you aren't'
using the helmets, go ahead and dust your baking 
dish with unsweetened cocoa powder and cover with
plastic wrap before you refrigerate.

Thank you Major League Baseball and 
especially the New York Yankees for this idea.

Here they are!  The perfect Father's Day Treat,
and the perfect summertime dessert for any baseball fans.

These were so much fun to make and a HUGE
hit.  You might say a HOME RUN.

I'm so happy with how these turned out.  A fun
reminder of those childhood baseball games with ice 
cream served in team helmets.

TIRAMISU

6 Large Egg Yolks
2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
24 Ounces Mascarpone Cheese
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
2 Cups Cold Brewed Espresso (I used some strong cold brewed coffee I had in the fridge)
1/4 Cup Kahlua Coffee Liqueur (or other coffee liqueur - this is entirely optional. Omit the liqueur all-together if desired)
36 Ladyfingers (Possibly up to 45 if you are using a traditional baking dish and not the little helmets. (look for the traditional ones that are crisp - NOT the soft cake-y ones)
1/4 Cup (or a little more) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Combine the egg yolks, granulated sugar and salt in a double-boiler (A heat proof bowl will do too.) Set over a sauce pan of simmering water, whisking constantly making sure the egg mixture does not scramble.  Once the mixture becomes pale in color and begins to thicken, remove the bowl from the heat.  (Test to make sure it is done by checking the temperature.  It should be 165-170 degrees F.)

Set the mixture aside to cool for approximately 10 minutes.  Once the mixture has cooled, whisk in the vanilla extract and mascarpone cheese.  Don't overmix, just make sure to get the lumps out so that your mixture is smooth.  

With an electric or stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until you achieve medium-stiff peaks.  
Fold half of the whipped cream into the egg/mascarpone mixture until well-combined and then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, taking care the keep the mixture light and fluffy.  Set aside.

In a shallow dish, combine the cold coffee and liqueur (if you are using it.) Quickly dip the ladyfingers one by one into the coffee mixture and place in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.  (If you are using the plastic helmets like I did, you may need to cut the ladyfingers to fit with a serrated knife.)

Once the base of the baking dish (or helmets) is covered, spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.  Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers over this layer.  Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.

At this point if you are using the helmets, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.  (My hats were pretty full so I did not want to mess up the cocoa layer with plastic wrap) If you are using a baking dish instead, you should be okay to go ahead and dust the mascarpone layer with cocoa powder.  

Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight as you want the flavors and layers to meld together.

I made my Tiramisu the day before, covered the helmets in plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight.  Just before serving, I removed the plastic wrap and carefully dusted them with cocoa before serving.

National Pina Colada Day - The Chi Chi in the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker

It's National Pina Colada Day!  If you haven't tried a Chi Chi, then you are in for a treat.  It is Pina Colada's little sister.  Where a Pina Colada is made with rum, a Chi Chi features vodka.  We were in Palm Beach, Florida a couple of weeks ago and it is safe to say we enjoyed our fair share of Pina Coladas and Miami Vices.  Now that we're back to the Oklahoma heat (minus the beach view) I wanted to re-create the flavors of our vacation using our Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.  Last week I shared a Frozen version of one of our favorite cocktails: The Oklahoma Club Special. We have had so much fun with our Slushi Maker, I have been determined to adapt some of our most revered cocktail recipes for the Ninja.  After several trial runs over the July 4th weekend, we finally achieved success with the Chi Chi!  And I think I might even like it better than a traditional Pina Colada because I may or may not have had too many Rum & Cokes back in my college days.  Run, don't walk and get yourself a Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker so you can cool off with a Chi Chi.

The Chi Chi - Pina Colada's delicious
little sister.

Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry
if desired.  Delicious but not necessary.

Apparently in Florida the correct garnish
is a fresh flower!

A beach, a book and a Miami Vice...

THE CHI CHI (Adapted for the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker)

9 ounces Pineapple Juice
6 ounces Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut

2 ounces Vodka (Rum if you want a traditional Pina Colada)
6 ounces water

In a measuring cup whisk together pineapple juice, cream of coconut and vodka.  Pour into your Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.  Add 6 ounces of water to the measuring cup and kind of rinse it out, adding to the drink maker.  Select the Spiked Slush setting and the highest setting (10 bars)

Enjoy once it is frozen! (Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry if desired - or if you're in Florida, apparently a fresh flower!)

Fourth of July Fruit & Brownie Skewers

Happy Birthday America!  Sharing a quick little treat that I've been making for years.  These fruit skewers are always a hit, with adults and kids alike, but ESPECIALLY if you have kids at your get-together!  These go together super fast and I've never had leftovers.  You can customize your skewers with whatever you like, but I really love the look of the RED strawberries, the WHITE marshmallows and the BLUEberries.  Simply grab a pack of 12-inch wood skewers and you've got a quick but festive patriotic treat that everyone will love.

Aren't these just the cutest? And unlike a Bomb Pop
they won't melt in the summer heat.

FOURTH OF JULY FRUIT & BROWNIE SKEWERS

1 large package of fresh strawberries, cored and stemmed
1 large package of fresh blueberries
1 package large marshmallows
2 boxes Little Debbie Mini Brownies (or Entenmann's Little Bites Fudge Brownie Muffins)

Alternate your fruit, marshmallows and brownies on the skewers.  If you're worried about little hands and mouths, you can trim the point off the skewer or cover it with a big marshmallow.  Enjoy and have a safe and happy fourth of July!

Frozen Club Specials in the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker

 Mr. Devilish Dish and I have been working quite a bit in our backyard this year.  We added some really cool cafe lights around our deck and a couple of fun flower beds (even one that is fishing themed!) Since we both enjoy fishing so much, we try to stay acclimated to the heat.  We spend a lot of time sitting on our patio.  We've created quite the little oasis, and sit out there in the evenings and watch TV or listen to music.  All of this made more enjoyable with a cold beverage.  For my birthday this year, I treated myself to the Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.  It features 5 unique presets that use a RapidChill Technology to determine the perfect temperature for the ideal frozen drink.  Translation: It is not a blender, no ice is involved.  The results are the perfect textured frozen drinks that are not watered down.  They don't have to be adult beverages either, with settings for milkshakes and non-alcoholic slushes.  I've shared with you before that Oklahoma has a famous drink called the Club Special  It was invented at a golf course, and has grown in popularity, so much that you can pretty much order one anywhere around the state.  A few places even feature a Frozen Club Special, which is the more attractive older brother of a Club Special on the rocks.  The day we took our Ninja Slushi out of the box, we were determined to create our favorite cocktail in frozen form.  Success!  The Frozen Club Special is our favorite summer beverage on our patio. It is sweet and tart, from Sprite and citrus juices and so refreshing on a hot day.  

The Famous Oklahoma Club Special-
made even better in frozen form with the 
Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker.

The ideal patio beverage on a hot summer day!

FROZEN CLUB SPECIAL IN THE NINJA SLUSHI (MODEL FS301)

40oz Limeade (made from frozen concentrate)
7.5-8oz Sprite

4 oz vodka

4 oz club soda

1 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz fresh lemon juice

Combine ingredients and pour into the Ninja Slushi vessel.  We like to choose Setting 8 as anything higher tends to come out like a dry snow.  We also like to make the concentrate ahead of time and store in the refrigerator so we can have a frozen club special at a moments notice.  

Everything is so easy to assemble, operate and clean.  The folks at Ninja Slushi have so many videos and additional recipes at the Ninja Test Kitchen.