Mocktails Protect Yourself

Just another quick variation on Mocktails guaranteeing satisfaction and thirst-quenching refreshment in place of alcohol, hangovers, and trouble.  I know some folks think that alcohol is "where it's at".  It's not--getting kicked out, paying fines, and living at home...again...have a blast!

This drink is packed with nutrients, Vitamin C, feeling good, energy and flavor.  So, protect yourself from scurvy, a snotty-runny nose, embarrassment,  cold viruses, and living with mama--and I haven't even mentioned the serious stuff.  Why bother with all that crap?  Protect yourself.  Protect a friend. 

Friends don't let friends be stupid!

Equipment:

Juicer (as demonstrated before) if making from fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup ruby red grapefruit juice

1-2 Tablespoons lime juice

1 tsp of honey

Rosemary stalk

Seltzer or Soda water (if dieting)

or

Ginger Ale or Diet (if you want more sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Juice (or buy) ruby red grapefruit juice

2. Squeeze some limes into grapefruit juice

3. Add honey and stir to combine.

4. Place 1-2 Rosemary sprigs into juice 

5. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.

6. Pour over large glass of ice. 

7. Add seltzer or ginger ale. 

8. Be surprised at how good you'll feel!
9. To making better decisions!

Do The Dew Dumplings

Who'd a thunk Mountain Dew could possibly be used to bake something delicious? Really?

After seeing this recipe on Food Network, and again in The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook, I couldn't resist since Jon has a small obsession with sweets, baked goods, and fruit pies.

And yes, we are going to use Mountain Dew to stay true to the original recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook

For the health-conscious college student:  I have adjusted the recipe to half size. Try using peaches and pears as well.  And, I'd experiment with seltzer water or other lower-sugar sodas to avoid the sugar rush. 

That said...this recipe is surprisingly good just as it is.  A perfect dessert for a college kid on a budget with limited cooking skills and equipment.  

Equipment:
Pyrex Oven-proof Dish
3-qt saucepan
PAM Spray
Oven

Ingredients:
1 large Granny Smith apple
1 8oz can pre-packaged Crescent Roll dough
3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Sprinkle of cinnamon

1/3 - 1/2 can of Mountain Dew

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Wash your hands and have a clean working surface.
3. Butter or spray your pyrex dish.

4. Peel apple, core and slice into 8 equal parts.  Use apple slicer if you have one.

5. Roll out the pre-packaged dough onto your clean surface.  Note the markings for 8 crescent rolls.

6. Place 1 slice apple at widest end and roll it up.
7. Place dumplings in buttered pyrex dish.

8. In a saucepan, melt your butter.  Add sugar and vanilla.
9. Pour over dumplings.  It will be a grainy, beautiful caramel-colored sauce.

10. Pour Mountain Dew over everything.  It will be bubbly.

11. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

12. Bake @ 350F for 40 minutes.
13. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.  It will have doubled in size and is piping hot.
14. Serve with vanilla ice cream or (a college favorite) Redi-Whip.