Recipes

National Apricot Day 2019

National food holidays have been in existence for decades. Although they are not official holidays, they are sure fun to celebrate. It gives us a good excuse to enjoy certain foods. National Apricot Day is celebrated on January 9th every year in the USA by apricot lovers.

The apricot tree is a hardy winter tree that grows to 12 to 15 feet but can grow to 45 feet if not pruned. The tree produces pink, white, or red flowers,¹ and produces fruit for 20 to 25 years.²

The apricot fruit is fleshy and similar to peaches - a golden orange fruit color and a firm texture. Its flavor is more tart than a peach. You can eat it fresh, canned, or dried. To select fresh apricots, look for fruit with a rich orange color that’s soft to the touch; avoid pale yellow or green.

Apricots are fruits we can enjoy throughout the year when dried. They are tasty, healthy, and can be eaten any time of the day. Organic dried apricots are brown in color. Although most store-bought apricots have bright orange color indicating they were treated with sulfur compounds during preservation.¹

Here’s what you should know about National Apricot Day.

Origin of the name

Apricot is a Latin word meaning precious, but its history has been linked to an Arabic word “al barquq” or early ripe. They ripen in early summer, much earlier than most summer fruits, and are dried to preserve for use throughout the year.¹

History of National Apricot Day

Apricots were discovered about 4,000 years ago in China. It was introduced in the USA in California in the 18th century by Spanish explorers. They planted the trees all over the west coast of the USA, and it quickly became a popular crop.¹

The first commercially produced apricots were cultivated in south San Francisco in 1972. The USA is among the top apricot producers. Currently, California farmers produce more than 95% of the apricot grown in the US.²

Nutritional value of apricots

Fresh apricots are rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, and iron. They are also a good source of fiber. They are versatile with their unique flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They make a perfect low-calorie snack right of the pack, whether dried or fresh. Dried or freeze dried apricots can be added to salads or granola.¹

How to observe National Apricot Day

Use the hashtag #NationalApricotDay on Facebook and Twitter. Aside from that, you can add apricots to your dishes, cakes, or salads. Be creative! They can be used in many more ways than you think. Here are five apricot recipes to try on National Apricot Day.

1. Apricot-Raspberry Preserves/jam⁴

Make delicious apricot raspberry preserves in just 15 minutes. It acts a good sauce over pancakes and waffles or you can even add it to yogurt and ice cream. The raspberries add a sweet taste and pop of color.

Ingredients

1 lb. ripe peeled pitted and halved apricots

1 tsp. lemon juice

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)

Instructions

Add the apricots, lemon juice, and sugar in the food processor bowl. Pulse several times till the apricots are coarsely chopped.

Transfer the mixture to a pan. Lightly boil the mixture over medium heat while uncovered for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Add more sugar according to your preference. Add half of the raspberries and simmer for another minute or two till they are softened. Put aside to cool at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate until when you want to use it. It can stay in the refrigerator for a week.

2. Apricot Strawberry Smoothie⁵

This easy and quick smoothie recipe is healthy and delicious. The sweet-tart flavor is perfect for a summer afternoon or when a taste of summer is needed during winter. The strawberries add health and an energy boost with loads of vitamin A and C.

Ingredients

1 cup chilled coconut water/ filtered water

1 cup strawberries

2 cups pitted apricots

1 cup frozen pineapple

1 tsp. flax seed oil (optional)

Directions

Mix all the ingredients in the blender, one by one in the order listed and blend until smooth.

3. Baked Apricot Chicken⁶

This simple delicious chicken recipe is quick and easy for a busy day. Serve with rice or potatoes.

Ingredients

12 chicken thighs

1 cup apricot preserves

1 cup French dressing

1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C. // 350 degrees F

Combine the jam, dressing and soup mixture in a bowl. Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish. Pour the apricot mixture over the chicken. Bake uncovered for about an hour. You can also bake in aluminum foil to cook it evenly and keep the chicken moist.

4. Pineapple Punch⁷

This budget friendly refreshing juice incorporates the goodness of pineapple and lime. Enjoy a glass of the tropical flavored punch and garnish with a slice of pineapple.

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup apricot nectar

1 cup frozen limeade concentrate

2 liters lemon-lime flavored carbonated soda

Directions

Combine all the ingredients except soda in a punch bowl. Add the soda and mix.

5. Apricot Bars⁸

One will not be enough.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup butter

2 egg yolks

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup apricot preserves

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175° C/350° F.

Mix together butter, sugar, and flour. Add eggs gradually and mix well. Add vanilla extract. Don’t over mix. Pour the mixture into a baking tin preferably 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and spread the apricot preserves evenly. Sprinkle nuts on top. Cut into bars while still on the pan. Return to the oven at 120° C/250° F for another 15 minutes. Then cool on the rack.

Enjoy these delicious recipes on National Apricot Day. Don’t forget to purchase our freeze-dried apricots. They will make your work easier for these recipes.

References

11 Super Easy Vegetarian Big Game Recipes

Are you ready for the Big Game? What are your plans for the biggest American football event of the year? Most people will hold or be invited to a Big Game party. Most of the best game meals are vegetarian. While you can still eat wings and burgers, this article will focus on vegetarian game recipes, like dips and salsas. The advantage is that you will have taken care of everyone. Even the meat lovers will enjoy these vegetarian Big Game recipes.

Ready for the ferocious Big Game? Try these recipes!

1. Slow cooker vegetarian chili with sweet potatoes¹

This spicy vegetarian Big Game recipe contains green peppers, sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and tomatoes. It is a favorite for vegetarians, and you won’t even miss the meat. Spice is added with chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. All of this is cooked in a slow cooker. Serve with sliced radishes and tortilla chips with sour cream. You can refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for three months.

2. Beer cheese²

This vegetarian Big Game recipe incorporates cheddar cheese with Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder and flat brown ale in a food processor. The spices, like cayenne pepper and hot sauce, add a spicy kick to it. You can also use your favorite beer instead of flat brown ale. Use carrots, radishes, and or celery and assorted crackers to garnish. You can make this recipe two days in advance, but store it in an airtight container to chill.

3. Kale salad with sweet potato and apple³

This salad is packed with protein and fiber making it a nutritional powerhouse. To prepare, combine kale, roasted sweet potato, finely chopped apples, and almonds in a mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle mustard vinaigrette for dressing over the kale and rub together with your hands. It is now ready to serve with shaved pecorino.

4. Blistered Padron peppers⁴

This simple vegetarian recipe requires olive oil, sea salt, and shishito peppers. Heat some oil in a skillet. Add the peppers and toss occasionally till the skin is blistered and the flesh softens. This will take about four minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle salt. It is ready to munch.

5. Green beans shallot dip⁵

Perfect for reusing leftover green beans - even for people who can’t stand green bean casserole will not be able to resist this one. Fried green beans with shallot dip are addictive. Coat green beans in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and deep fry until golden. Sprinkle mushroom salt and dip in the shallot dip. The dip contains shallot, vinegar, mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream seasoned with salt and pepper.

6. Red pepper falfalel⁶

Made from chickpeas/garbanzo beans, red bell peppers, onions, and chickpea/garbanzo flour. It is seasoned with clove, coriander, paprika and baking powder. Finely chop chickpeas in a food processor, and add onion, pepper, garlic, and add the spices above. Roll the mixture into balls. Deep fry till brown and crispy. Serve with salad, tahini sauce, and pita. You can prepare this five hours ahead of time cover and store at the room temperature until ready to fry.

7. Guacamole⁷

Guacamole is a lifesaver dip that is perfect for vegetarian Big Game Sunday. You will need ripe avocados, chopped onions, chopped serrano chili, granulated garlic, lime/lemon juice, salt, and chopped cilantro. Smash the avocado with a masher or fork in a bowl till coarsely mashed. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Avocado takes some time to absorb the flavors. Give it a minute, taste before you add more spices or salt so that you don’t over-season it. Top with pepitas (optional) and some more cilantro as garnish. It is a perfect dip for French fries.

8. Cheesy cauliflower wings⁸

Forget about chicken wings. These cauliflower wings are crispy and spicy. You won’t miss chicken and you won’t even tell the difference. Ready to become a cauliflower lover? You will need one cauliflower head, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, milk, and breadcrumbs. You will also need spices like hot sauce, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Mix the milk, flour, and the spices. Toss the chopped cauliflower in the mixture till well coated. Cover in breadcrumbs mixed with black pepper and red pepper. Toss the little cauliflower pieces into the breadcrumbs until well coated. Put them in a baking tin and spray with cooking spray. Bake for about 22-25 minutes. Serve with dips, like barbecue sauce.

9. Black bean burrito⁹

This healthy recipe is delicious and nutritious. It’s quick and easy to make, low calorie but tastes like comfort food. You will get protein from the quinoa and black beans, and healthy fats from avocado. Other nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It’s also gluten-free!

Fry onions in a pan with olive oil until translucent. Add the cooked quinoa, black beans, chili, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt, and mix together. Add the diced avocado and freeze dried sweet corn and cilantro.

10. Strawberry salsa¹⁰

A salsa comprised of onions, chopped strawberries, lime juice, and parsley: you can replace parsley with cilantro or mint. Mix strawberries, onions, and lime juice together. Let it soak for about five minutes so all the flavors mix and the strawberries become slightly macerated. Then add the herbs and mix. Chill until ready to serve. You will get a sweet and sour yet spicy mix that you can eat with pita chips or tortillas.

11. Caramelized onions with apples and goat cheese pizza¹¹

This tasty pizza is sprinkled with thyme also has honey drizzle, and the caramelized onions and apples make a great combination. The flavor is enhanced when you pair them with cheese. Goat cheese is the best option, because it is soft and adds flavor easily. You will need a pizza crust, onion, apples, goat cheese, thyme, butter and honey.

Cook the onions and apple in butter in separate pans. Spread the goat cheese over the pizza crust. Spread the apple slices then the onion on top. Bake for about ten minutes so that the cheese is slightly melted, add the thyme and sprinkle on top. Drizzle some honey. Enjoy!

Ready for the vegetarian Big Game Day? Give these recipe a try. They are simple and super easy and won’t take too much time. Make sure to check our freeze dried products since they will make your cooking time super fast.

References

Family Fit Lifestyle Month: 7 Health Resolutions To Pursue As a Family In January 2019

January is National Family Fit Lifestyle month. It offers a great opportunity to change the focus for the health of you and your family. Deciding to have an active and healthy lifestyle is never easy but making the decision and sticking to it is possible. While deciding to go vegan or running miles each day may be an easy resolution to make, sticking to it may prove to be a challenge. It doesn’t make sense to make such drastic decisions, though, but adopting habitual changes will enhance your personal growth.

Setting family health goals caters to the needs of growing children. Parents are the role models for their children and can educate them on a healthy lifestyle; therefore, adopting healthy eating and regular physical activity is a great start to having a healthy family.

Here are some resolutions to make as a family in the Family Fit Lifestyle month in 2019.

Keep fit

Working out reduces the risk for chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a minimum of 2.5 hours every week for adults and an hour every day for children.¹ Regular physical activity helps you to get fit and for your kids to adopt healthy living that they will practice for the rest of their lives. It is also a great way to spend time with your family.

Walking is a simple way to get fit. Find a few minutes every evening to walk to the park or visit nature trails. Being outdoors is great for physical and mental health. Bike riding is another fun way to keep fit. Buy bicycles, plus helmets and reflective jackets, for you and your family. You can take quick rides in the evening or take longer rides during the weekend.

Swimming is also another great way to get fit Playing swimming games like Marco Polo or Sharks can make it fun. You can also play games in your backyard like jumping ropes, tennis, basketball, or soccer to get your kids moving.

Start a fitness challenge

Commit to a certain number of hours of physical activity every week and see your family’s health improve this year. The challenge can vary in length and difficulty depending on each family member. Go out for nature walks; great weather and fresh air is enough incentive to walk a mile more. Have a family walk on the weekend or in the evenings. You can make it fun by setting different fitness challenges. Instead of a family movie night, choose fitness night. Prepare chopped veggies and fruits as healthy snacks and dips, like low-fat yogurt. Exercise with a fitness DVD or dance the night away to your favorite music.

Drink water

Water hydrates the body, cleanses the system of harmful toxins, and makes the skin look great. Another huge benefit is helping you to lose weight, since water has no calories.² Water fills you up and you won’t need to indulge in food. When you drink water instead of regular soft drinks, you also reduce your calorie intake.

Buy bottles for each family member and decide on the number of bottle refills to have in a day. Carry the water bottles to school and work. Colorful bottles are a great idea for young children..

Limit TV time

Most children spend more time in front of the television. TV and social media have taken a huge chunk of time during which children used to use to go out and play, and this can contribute to some kids being overweight. In the USA, 15% to 25% of school children are overweight. This increases their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension; moreover, only about half of Americans aged between 12 to 21 exercise regularly.³

Choose health this Family Fit Lifestyle month and limit TV time for your kids to about two hours of TV per week. Let them use the time to engage in physical activity, like cycling or playing soccer, tag, playing at the playground, catch, or family games in the backyard.

Include vegetables in your meals

Eating adequate vegetables with meals helps to prevent obesity. Vegetables contain fiber which is linked with less incidence of type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart problems.²The cost of treating these diseases is much more than purchasing vegetables on a regular basis. Choose healthy vegetables to include in your meals like cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers.

Take advantage of the Family Fit Lifestyle month to educate your children on healthy food choices. Go for grocery shopping together and discuss with them the different foods and give them the benefits of choosing healthier foods.

Eat 3-5 portions of fruits daily

Encourage healthy snacks like fruits and discourage high sugar snacking. Fruits are delicious and healthy and give you a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Eat a fruit with every meal to achieve the recommended fruit intake. Fruits like pineapples, strawberries, and citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.

Wake up early every day

Hitting the snooze button always seems the best idea for a sleepyhead, only to regret the decision after being late for an appointment. Teach your kids to wake up early even during the weekends to get more done. A lot can be done in the morning, like exercising and cleaning.

Although January is Family Fit Lifestyle month, choosing a healthy lifestyle is a yearlong and lifelong commitment. Take time to teach your children early about healthy living so they can practice as adults.

Choosing nutritious foods and having regular physical activities will improve your family’s health and lifestyle. Teaching young children good lifestyle habits helps them to get started on the lifelong path of good health. Choose health this year and make not only January but all the other months your Family Fit Lifestyle months.

References

6 Festive Holiday Appetizers For Your Holiday Table

Whipping up a batch of festive holiday appetizers can be a tricky business, and these treats need to wow your guests, healthy enough to not put you in a food coma, and easy enough to prep en masse. It sounds like a lot of work for something that'll just “warm up” your guests' bellies, but to help you deal with all this kitchen drama and spend more time with your friends, we rounded up six of our favorite holiday appetizers that take minutes to put together and are bound to amaze your guests.

Baked Mashed Potato Balls

One dish that screams “holiday” – mashed potatoes. Even though it's a must, the festive holiday appetizer is the reason behind a pile of dirty dishes and potential carpet stains. To spare yourself the hassle, serve your mashed potatoes in the form of these bite-sized balls – delicious!
Ingredients:
2 cups freeze dried potatoes
2 medium eggs, beaten
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400^o
In a large bowl add the potatoes and pour just enough water to see the dices float. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Once that happens, remove the water and mash them until they are smooth.
Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and stir until they are evenly combined.
Place the breadcrumbs and eggs into two different bowls and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using your hands, form small balls with the mashed potato puree and dredge them first in egg and then in breadcrumbs.
Place them on the baking sheet and put them in the oven.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until they turn gold.

Red Bell Pepper Feta Bites

Let's be honest: Feta makes everything taste betta – this yummy appetizer deserves a spot on your holiday menu. The treat also packs a great nutritional punch thanks to feta's protein⁽¹⁾ and red pepper's vitamin C⁽²⁾_.
Ingredients:
1 cup feta cheese, cubed
1/3 cup dehydrated red bell peppers
Directions:

Cut the cheese into bite-sized cubes.
Then, add the red bell peppers into a bowl.
Dunk the feta cubes into the bowl piece by piece, making sure each cube is completely coated with the flakes.
Put a toothpick in each cube for easy picking.

“Bacon” and Caramelized Onion Crostinis

Ask any foodie, and they'll tell you that crostinis are the perfect holiday appetizer. The bread-and-smear combo is a huge time-saver, but also a great way to “prep” your guests for the main course. If you ran out of healthy topping ideas, this delicious crostini recipe is here to save the day. Swapping regular bacon for TVP Bacon Bits, this take on the classic treat gives you an early start on those healthy eating resolutions.
Ingredients:
1 loaf of rustic bread, cut in ½-inch slices
1 cup TVP bacon bits
5 tbsp olive oil
3 medium onions, peeled and sliced
½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400^oF and brush the bread slices with 3 tbsp of olive oil.
Place them onto a baking sheet and bake them for 2-3 minutes or until they turn gold.
Remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Add the remaining olive oil to a pan and bring to a simmer.
Then, stir in the balsamic vinegar and the sliced onion, and cook until it's translucent.
Once it's cooked thoroughly, add the TVP Bacon Bits and sauté for a couple of minutes.
Then, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.
Once it's cool, scoop some of it on top of your baked bread slices and serve.

Hasselback Potato Bites

Between their layers and nose-tingling aroma, roasted Hasselback potatoes are a thing of beauty. What happens when you add a bunch of drool-worthy ingredients to the mix: bacon, sour cream, and chives? You’ve got yourself a festive holiday appetizer for your everyone to devour, that's what happens. Are you ready to dig in?
Ingredients:
6 small potatoes, rinsed
1 tbsp TVP Bacon Bits
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dehydrated chives
A pinch of salt, for seasoning
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
After rinsing them thoroughly, make several vertical cuts through the potatoes without reaching all the way to the other side.
Place the potatoes on the baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt.
Roast for about half an hour until they are fork tender.
Remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.
Then, place a few of the TVP Bacon Bits between the slices, coat with sour cream, and sprinkle with dehydrated chives and the remaining Bacon Bits.

Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

It's no secret that we're big fans of cauliflower here at MEP HQ. From reducing inflammation to improving digestion, the cruciferous vegetable boosts our health in more ways than. This roasted parmesan cauliflower recipe takes minutes to put together, plus it's delicious. Top with chopped parsley or pomegranate seeds for a slightly festive vibe.
Ingredients:
1 cup of freeze dried cauliflower pearls
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Directions:

Add the cauliflower pearls to a bowl. Then, pour just enough water to make them float.
Let them sit for 10-15 minutes until they are rehydrated.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the pearls are hydrated, remove them from the water and add them in a bowl along with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well until they are evenly combined.
Then, place them onto the baking sheet and roast them for about 20 minutes or until they're fork-tender. Toss with a spatula halfway through to make sure they're evenly cooked.

Red Bean Hummus with Pita Chips

Hummus may not exactly be what you'd call “festive.” But, this go-to dip can turn into a bonafide magnet for your crackers and crudites if you add the right ingredients. Don't believe us? Let red bean hummus recipe change your mind.
Ingredients:
2 cups of dehydrated red beans
2 tbsp dehydrated celery
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
The juice of 1 lemon
1/8 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
½ tsp dehydrated chives, for serving
Directions:

Add the red beans, celery, and garlic to a pot along with 4 cups of water.
Simmer the veggies over low heat for about 20 minutes, and then using a sieve, drain all the water. Reserve 1-2 cups of the water.
Add the red beans, celery, and garlic to a food processor as well as the rest of the ingredients and pulse for a few minutes.
If the mixture is too thick, add some of the water you reserved or 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Serve with baked pita chips or crackers.

So, which of these festive holiday appetizers would you add to this year's Christmas menu list? Let us know in the comments below!
References:

12 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails Recipes You can Make in No Time

The party doesn’t end just because summer is over. It’s time to get into the Thanksgiving season. Do you have everything ready for Thanksgiving Day? You may have prepared the best roast turkey recipe, mashed potatoes, barbequed chicken, salads, and dessert, but you still need drinks for your guests. Will you hire a bartender?
Whether you’re looking for a comforting cold drink or a hot drink for cozy nights, we’ve got the best Thanksgiving cocktails. Here are 12 super easy Thanksgiving cocktails that you can make in a short time.

Warm and Toasty cranberry cocktail¹

This super easy Thanksgiving cocktail recipe integrates bourbon, cranberry puree, apple cider, a dash of cinnamon powder, and whipped cream.
Heat up the apple cider and combine it with the rest of the ingredients except whipped cream. Top up with the whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon powder. Garnish with an apple slice. This toasty cocktail is insanely delicious.

Caramel Chai Sangria with blackberries¹

Everything you love in one cocktail. You will need salted caramel vodka, cranberry apple cider, Tazo chai tea, lemon juice, red apples, soda, and blackberries.
Combine vodka, wine, tea and juice in a pitcher. Add the apple slices and stir. Top it up with club soda and have a mix of awesome. Get extra festive and top with fresh cranberries.

Cider Sangria with lemon¹

If you don’t mind having a drunken stint at Thanksgiving, this is the perfect cocktail for you. It combines Pavan Liqueur de France, hard apple cider, apple juice, green and red apple cubes, lemon juice and an orange. Combine them in a pitcher and add the hard apple cider vinegar just before serving. Serve with ice cubes. This is the best cocktail you’ll ever have.

Ginger Snap cocktail²

This easy Thanksgiving cocktail incorporates vodka, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon juice, agave syrup, and freshly grated ginger.
Combine all the ingredients with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and spice it up with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick and add some ice cubes.

Warm Apple Pie cocktail³

Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without this delicious cocktail. Combine heated apple cider with Tuaca liqueur in a glass coffee mug. Top up with whipped cream.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg and add a cinnamon stick to garnish.

Coffee liqueur chocolate Cocktail⁴

Using a martini shaker, combine chocolate flavored vodka, vanilla flavored vodka, coffee liqueur, and ice cubes. Shake well to combine for about 30 seconds. Pour out into pre-chilled martini glasses. Garnish with shaved chocolate and espresso beans.

Bananas Liqueur Cocktail⁵

Combine a shot of vanilla vodka with a shot of banana liqueur in a glass filled with ice. Add half a shot of butterscotch schnapps and half a shot of chocolate liqueur. Stir to combine; garnish with banana slices.

Ginger Apple Spice Cocktail Recipe⁶

Mix together spiced rum, ginger liqueur, apple juice, a dash of chocolate bitters, and coconut rum in a pitcher. Strain into pre-chilled martini glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.

Pumpkin Pie Martini⁷

This cocktail is ideal for autumn, but still delicious any time of the year. Although it makes the best dessert, you can still enjoy it anytime. It blends the sweet flavors of white chocolate and vanilla with pumpkin puree and nutmeg.
Pour the pumpkin puree in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes and shake vigorously. Add vanilla vodka, white cream, heavy cream, and pumpkin puree and a dash of nutmeg. Add a graham cracker rim to complete the flavor to perfection.
It is perfect to pair it with grilled meats or smoked chicken breast made for Thanksgiving dinner. Chill it by adding some ice cubes. Shake thoroughly since the pumpkin puree can be thick. Now this will get you into the Thanksgiving spirit.

Mockmosa Non-Alcoholic Drink⁸

Thanksgiving is not complete without some non-alcoholic mocktails for your conservative guests. No one needs to be left behind.
Try a sweet spin with this classic cocktail substitute by using a champagne substitute like sparkling cider. It has a grapefruit flavor that tastes like high-quality champagne.
Ensure that the one you select is sugar-free or has little sugar and no corn syrup. Serve it alongside mimosa cocktail for your non-drinkers guests to feel at ease.
To prepare it, combine orange juice and sparkling white grape juice in a flute glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Orange, Pineapple, and Passion Non-Alcoholic Mocktail⁹

Another surprisingly refreshing Thanksgiving twist of nonalcoholic drink for your guests. It’s comprised of citrus and spice flavors and enough sweetness for your sweet tooth.
It basically combines orange, pineapple, and passion fruit juices with lemonade and ginger ale. It is perfect to serve it alongside roast turkey or chicken teriyaki.
You can make ginger ale at home with fresh ginger, lemon juice, and soda.
Combine the orange, pineapple, and passion fruit juices, ginger ale, lemonade, strawberry halves, and mint into a punch bowl filled with ice cubes. Stir together. You can combine the strawberries in the mixture or use it to garnish or set it aside for people to add to their glasses.

Cherry Coke Mocktail¹⁰

Start Thanksgiving morning with this delish cherry "coketail" - a refreshing drink that is a great option to offer for Thanksgiving dinner for non-drinkers. It tastes better than other cocktails which incorporate soda.
Blending the goodness of cherry syrup, vanilla, lime, and your favorite soda brand it serves well with chocolate cake or chocolate bars. It's so easy to make and you can mix them as you go. Pour the cherry juice and vanilla into a rock glass and squeeze some lime juice in it. Pour soda in and enjoy. You need to try this.
You have no excuse not to have a fun filled Thanksgiving this festive season. These twelve crazy easy Thanksgiving cocktail recipes are perfect for your next Thanksgiving dinner. What a better way to toast to such special moments.

References

Why You Should Try Our Refried Beans

Beans are an essential pantry supply. They are vital for survival, but also for every day food needs. They are a delicious addition for outdoor activities as a healthy food package that fits right into your backpack or trail pack, and you won’t need much time to prepare on the trail, because they require minimal cooking. Here's more reasons why you should try our refried bean mix.
Our bean mix contains pinto bean flakes, sea salt, and onions. Our pre-cooked refried beans are 100% natural and non-GMO, and have no added preservatives or additives and are gluten-free. Not only do the refried beans retain their nutritional value,¹ they are great source of essential vitamins and minerals.
They have a long shelf life (which ensures no spoiling), and can be stored for any emergency or inclement weather, especially if you live on the coast during hurricane season. They can last longer than 10 years, when stored in proper conditions, and are perfect for a meal to save time when making lunch or dinner. Apart from being easy to prepare and tasty (one of our owners has a long history of eating them for her lunch several times a week), they are also a cheaper option. You can make just a little and store the remaining without the hassle of trying to remember an expiration date.
To prepare, add 1 part of boiling water to 1 part bean mix to rehydrate. Remember to remove the desiccant before eating. Cover and let stand about 3-5 minutes and they’ll be ready! Add a little cooking oil if desired. The consistency will vary according to your preferences. You don’t have to wait all day for them to cook, unlike raw beans from the grocery store.
Try out this Refried Bean tostadas recipe with our refried beans.

Refried beans tortillas

Ingredients

1 cup (or more) of our refried bean mix, rehydrated
6 corn tortillas
1 tablespoon of canola/olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
One teaspoon lime juice
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Method

In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Toss in the garlic cloves and saute for about five minutes till slightly browned.
Add chili powder and ground cumin, and stir for about 30 seconds.
Add the rehydrated beans and some water. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes in medium heat until the beans are cooked. Stir occasionally.
Cover and cook for 5 more minutes in low heat.
Turn off the heat. Add lime juice and cilantro and stir till combined. You can add more salt to taste.
Spread the beans on each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and top with some lettuce. You can also add sour cream, avocado, or red salsa.

Our products have the best taste on the market! We have a wide selection of dried veggies, spices, beans, and freeze dried fruits and vegetables. It is a brand that you can trust and who puts your needs first. You will not regret trying our Refried Bean Mix.

References