Gin(ger) and Juice

While we are all enjoying the lovely spring weather, some of us, myself included, are trying to fight off a cold/allergies or some sort of bug due to the weather change.

I have to admit I'm not much of a medicine taker so this vitamin C packed juice really helped me kick this cold.  The fresh ginger root helps with throat and sinus congestion while the coconut water (Trader Joe's brand is my favorite) is super hydrating.

OK so now about that really pretty Soda Stream in the picture above.  I almost couldn't live without it!  After spending two weeks in Europe I found a new love for soda water and now I can make it anytime I want.  If you are a soda water lover I highly suggest you look into investing in this beauty!  The perfect amount of fizz made my "get well" juice delightful and well, not so much like a "get well" juice.

So if you are starting to feel that tickle in your throat mix up some Gin(ger) and Juice!

Note:  The title of this post was inspired by our Pandora Radio listening this week while cooking.  We've been feeling a little "gangsta" and throwing it back with some real rap/hip-hop music.  Thank you 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Snoop Dogg!  Seriously, "musicians" of today please start creating your own music, tell us a story, and lastly, PLEASE bring back the girl singing the hook!

Gin(ger) and Juice

2-4 slices fresh ginger root

1/2 cup fresh squeezed mandarin juice (substitute oranges, grapefruit or lemons)

1 sprig fresh mint 

3/4 cup coconut water

Soda water

Place the ginger into an 16 ounce (1 pint) jar.  Muddle the ginger slightly.  Pour the mandarin juice into the jar. Refrigerate for about an hour or over night to marinate.  Note: You can use immediately, however the ginger flavor will not be as strong.

Once marinated add the coconut water, top with soda water and garnish with mint.  Add ice if desired.  Enjoy!

Feeling fine and ready for cocktail hour?  Add 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of your favorite spirit such as vodka, tequila or gin to turn this juice into a spring time cocktail.

Citrus Sunshine

First, so sorry for the long break.  I have been buried under costume books, ordering props and putting all my creative juices into my choreography.  I'm now finally creeping out from under it all as recital season is in full swing and spring is just around the corner.

While there seems to be, hopefully the last winter storm of the season hitting my family and friends on the east coast and us Californian's "recovering" from the rain I thought a little sunshine is in need.  Citrus is in season and if you are lucky to find those beloved blood oranges you are probably jumping for joy like my sister and I. My go to recipe using those lovely sweet and vibrant oranges is, well of course, MARGARITAS!  However, I thought my/our livers could use a (short) break from alcohol and get a little healthier with this spring inspired salad tossed in a creamy and tangy avocado dressing.

Here's looking forward to spring!

Citrus Salad with Avocado Mint Dressing

Ingredients

2 slices grapefruit, rind removed and quartered
2 blood orange, sliced (see instructions below)
3 cups chopped baby bok choy
1-2 tablespoons avocado dressing (see recipe below)

Avocado Mint Dressing

Ingredients
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cold water or more if you like thinner
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 shallot roughly chopped
2-3 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Place all of the ingredients into a food processor.  Blend until smooth.  Add more water if you prefer your dressing thinner.

Slicing Citrus:
Slice off the ends of the citrus. Slice the sides of the citrus to the membrane.  Slice the citrus into 1/4 inch thick slices.

Assembling the Salad:

In a medium mixing bowl place the grapefruit, blood oranges, baby bok choy and dressing.  Toss to combine and evenly coat with the dressing.  Serve immediately. Makes 2-4 servings.