Daiquiri is an elegant drink that is a blend of citrus juice, rum, and sugar. The history of this classic drink goes back to 1898 during the Spanish-American war. An American mining engineer came up with this unique summer drink. It is served in tall glasses packed with ice. It is a strong drink as its alcohol content is high. The Pure daiquiri has a good balance of citrus or lime juice, rum, and sugar. Its taste is a combination of tart and sweet flavor.

Which rum to use for daiquiri?

You can use white or light rum for the best experience. The taste will be better than using aged, darker, or spiced rum. The light flavor of white rum best complements the fresh flavor of strawberries as its subtle and slight sweet. So, the strong flavors of strawberry and lime become more prominent. If you want to taste a more complex flavor then you can go for the aged or gold rum. Spiced rum has mixed flavors of different spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. It will create a warm contrast with the flavors of lime and strawberry.

Ingredients

• White rum – 1.5 cups
• Lime juice – ½ to ¾ cup, freshly squeezed
• Simple syrup – ¼ to 1/3 cup
• Frozen strawberries – 1 package
• Ice cubes – 4

For garnish

• Strawberries, lime wheels, or tiny umbrellas

Method

• Pour rum, lime juice, syrup, strawberries, and ice cubes into a blender. Blend till you get a slushy consistency.
• Check the flavor. You can add more lime juice to make it more tart or add syrup to make it sweeter.
• Pour in different glasses and garnish with a strawberry, lemon wheel, or small umbrella.
• Chill the mix by putting it in the freezer and keeping it there for 8 hours. That way you will need less ice as well.

If you are not a heavy drinker then you go alcohol-free with this drink. Just use apple juice instead of rum and you will have a similar experience drinking this cocktail. You can store this drink for up to a month in the freezer in an airtight container.

Tips

You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries for the drink. However, frozen strawberries will thicken the drink and make it smoother.

Variations

• Frozen or fresh blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or lemon.
• Use different syrup to sweeten up your drink, like mint simple syrup or basil simple syrup.
• Mix tequila or vodka instead of rum.
• Add jalapeno for a hot punch.
• Mix some fresh basil leaves for a refreshing herbal flavor.
• Add vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy flavor.

Serving Tips

• Serve in stemmed glasses, like hurricane or martini glasses.
• Add strawberry, lime wheel, or mini umbrella for garnishing.
• Rub a wedge of lime around the glass edge, then dip it in sugar to create a shiny touch.
• Keep the glass in the fridge for some time to chill it before serving.

Foods that complement strawberry daiquiri

• Seafood tapas
• Tropical salad
• Lemon tart
• Grilled chicken

This drink has an elegant feminine touch. The best thing about this drink is that it is presented beautifully. Strawberry daiquiri will spill out many emotions. It will show your personality. Frozen strawberry daiquiri is a very bright and fabulous drink that is perfect for summer. It is very refreshing indeed.

A mug of espresso can give you a new life! Most of us get so tired after running the daily errands that we don't feel like getting up the next morning. A good espresso can kick you to the start of your day again. Now espresso is not only for the morning. By making a cocktail of it by adding other drinks, you can make it a more useful drink than just a tool to wake you up in the morning. Espresso Martini is an example.

A story that has been around about the espresso martini is that it was created by pure chance in the early 1980s. It is said that in London, an aspiring model went into a famous bar and asked the bartender to make her a drink that would wake her up and then make her miserable again. So, the bartender mixed a drink with a shot of espresso and that's how the espresso martini was invented. It is now found that this drink is good for the digestive system, especially after having a big meal. Here's how you can make espresso martini at home.

Ingredients

• Espresso – ¾ oz
• Kahlua coffee liquor (or Baileys, Tia Maria) – ¾ oz
• Vodka – 1.5 oz
• Ice
• Whole beans (to garnish)

How the taste of vodka, martini, and tequila differs?

If you are a regular drinker at the bar then you will know the difference in taste of these drinks right away. But for those who haven't tried them out, here's what you need to know. Taquilla has a distinct taste; vodka has a neutral taste,

Which alcohol best goes with an espresso martini cocktail?

You can choose from three alcohols: coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, or vodka. For the vodka, make sure it's unflavored.

How to make the espresso martini cocktail

• Take a cocktail shaker and add ice.
• Then add espresso coffee, liquor, and vodka.
• Shake the cocktail shaker with the lid on till everything mixes well and turns cold.
• With vigorous shaking, foam will be formed.
• Take a martini glass and pour the cocktail. Before pouring the cocktail put the martini glass in the fridge to cool it.
• Take out the ice and garnish with some whole coffee beans.

Variations

• Instead of coffee liqueur to sweeten the cocktail, you can use syrup.
• If you want your coffee to be creamy then add Baileys.
• If you are vegan then you must replace Kahlua with Tia Maria. If you want to avoid the caffeine in coffee, you can use decaf espresso.
• Take fresh espresso for the best quality.
• Take out a fancy glass to pour the espresso martini.

Tips

• Use real espresso, not instant coffee.
• Make the espresso first and then add the other ingredients. That way the espresso will cool down a bit. This enhances taste.
• You can add some cocoa on top of your drink.

The espresso martini is simple to make with only three ingredients. You only need to shake the cocktail which anyone can do. This coffee gives earthy flavors and the martini compliments well with espresso. You can have an espresso martini on various occasions. In the evening, after coming from work, you can revive your senses by drinking it. You can go out with your friends and have fun while drinking an espresso martini. After a heavy meal, this drink can save you from feeling uncomfortable physically. You can begin your weekend brunch with this cocktail as well.

If the name of this dish seems strange to you then let me explain and you will see that you have eaten something similar. 'Ricotta' is a type of Italian cheese that is now used in many cuisines. It is made from cow milk commonly. It has a creamy consistency and milky flavor. It's a bit sweet as well. It is used in various dishes like pasta and others.

'Gnocchi' is a kind of Italian pasta. Its difference from normal pasta is that it is made from potatoes. It is not thinly shaped. It can be used to make dumplings as well. So, ricotta gnocchi is basically pasta with cheese. You will find the dish very interesting because the ingredients are different from the traditional pasta.

Difference between gnocchi and ricotta gnocchi

The traditional gnocchi is small dumplings made of potato. Ricotta gnocchi is also dumplings but then are made of ricotta. The texture is lighter than that of the potato dumplings. It has a springy texture as well.

Ingredients

Gnocchi

• Ricotta – 250 gm
• Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup, grated
• Egg – 1
• Egg yolk – 1
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Flour – 1 cup
• Black pepper – a pinch

Mushroom sauce

• Butter – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves – 2, finely mince
• Onion – 1/2, finely chopped
• Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon
• White mushrooms – 250 gm, sliced
• Cooking oil – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Chicken stock/broth – ½ cup
• Heavy cream – 2/3 cup

For garnish

• Fresh parsley chopped
• Freshly grated parmesan

Cooking method

1. In a bowl, put the gnocchi ingredients other than flour. Combine everything with a spatula.
2. Now add flour and mix well. It will be a sticky dough that can hold its shape. Make sure it's not runny. You must remember that the stickier the dough is, the softer your gnocchi will be.
3. In the work surface, sprinkle some flour and form a disc. Lightly knead the dough by sprinkling some more flour on top. Make it into a ball and put it in a 1-inch thick disc. Slice the disc into 8 wedges with a knife.
4. Now roll each piece of wedge into a log. Your gnocchi is ready.
5. For the creamy mushroom sauce, melt the butter in a pan. Then add garlic, onion and thyme. Saute for some time. Add mushrooms along with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushroom becomes soft.
6. Add stock or broth and cream. Keep on stirring.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer till it thickens.
8. Take a pot and boil water in it. Give 2 teaspoon
9. Take a large pot and boil water. Add some salt. Pour the gnocchi and cook for a few minutes. When they start floating on the surface, you know it's done.
10. Scoop the gnocchi from water and put it in the sauce. Heat the mixture till it thickens and coats the gnocchi.

Tips

• Use ricotta that is a bit lumpy, and not too smooth.
• Don't use self-raising flour as it will change the shape of the gnocchi.

How to store

You can store the uncooked gnocchi in the fridge for a few hours. For that, you need to spray some flour on the dish you want to store them so that they don't stick to the dish. If you want to store them for a longer time then you must put them in the freezer.

Health benefits

• Low carbohydrate, high protein
• Rich in potassium
• Helps to maintain electrolyte balance in the body
• Has magnesium which regulates blood pressure.
• Makes bones stronger.
• Good source of vitamins A, B6, and C.

Gnocchi tastes good with any sauce, but the creamy mushroom sauce gives it a more enhanced taste. Its rich an earthy flavor goes well with this light and fluffy ricotta gnocchi. Instead of the white mushrooms, you can use cremini or a mix of other mushrooms for the sauce. The use of heavy cream gives the sauce a luxurious base. The use of different herbs gives a special aroma.

One-pot cajun beef pasta is a wonderful twist for pasta lovers. It's such a filling and nutritious dish that you won't feel hungry for hours. It has everything including meat, vegetables, and lots of cheese. On top of that, you get the unique taste and flavor of cajun.

This dish is often called a super food due to the amount of nutritious ingredients it contains. You can easily prepare part of the dish beforehand to reduce hassle. You can cut the vegetables, boil them, and freeze them in zip-lock bags. You can also pre-cook pasta to reduce your cooking time. However, it's best to prepare the ingredients fresh before cooking and serving the hot dish right away to get the best taste and flavor.

Ingredients

Pasta:

• Pasta of your choice (macaroni, penne, spirals, or small shells) – 3 cups
• Beef – 500 g, minced
• Carrot – 1, shredded
• Zucchini – 1, shredded
• Capsicum (of your choice of color) – 1, chopped
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Garlic cloves – 2, finely chopped
• Onion – 1, chopped
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
• Canned crushed tomato – 800 gm
• Chicken stock/broth – 2 cups
• Water – 2 cups
• Colby cheese – 1.5 cups
• Green onion stem – 1, finely sliced

Cajun spices:

• Garlic powder – 2 teaspoons
• Onion powder – 2 teaspoons
• Dried thyme – 1.5 teaspoons
• Paprika – 1.5 tablespoons
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – to taste

Cooking process

1. Use a box grater to shred the zucchini and carrot
2. Put a cast iron pot on the stove and heat oil over high heat. Add garlic and onion.
3. Add beef and cook till it turns brown.
4. Add vegetables and spices. As you cook them they will release water. Wait for the water to evaporate. Then add capsicum and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste and cajun spices and cook for a minute.
6. To make the sauce, add water and canned tomato in a pot. Pour beans and chicken stock. Give a good stir and simmer for some time.
7. Add pasta and cook for 15 minutes. When the mixture becomes runny, lower the flame and cover the pot. Stir and keep it for some more time till the cheese melts.
8. Sprinkle cheese over it. Serve your past hot on a nice platter.

Variations

• Add more vegetables; preferably, seasonal ones to make the dish healthier.
• Add cheese or a mixer of cheese of your choice, like mozzarella and cheddar.
• Choose from a wide range of pasta like, macaroni, penne, and others.
• Instead of meat use chicken pieces, shrimp, or tofu.

How to store

You can keep this pasta in your refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for 3 months. To reheat, you can do so in the microwave or on your stovetop. Just add a little bit of water or oil so that the pasta doesn't get dry.

Health benefits

• Reduces craving for unhealthy snacks, so you can maintain your weight.
• Keeps blood sugar level in check
• Improves immune system
• Lowers cholesterol level
• Promotes better digestive health
• Cajun seasoning is good for the heart because its ingredients contain anti-oxidants.

One pot of cajun beef pasta lets you add lots of vegetables and sauces in one dish. It not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish nutritious. One-pot dishes like this give exposure to food that we often don't prefer. It is a great dish for your children as they will get exposure to different kinds of vegetables and meat in a single dish.

This grilled sandwich recipe is for the cheese lovers. The sandwich is crispy on the outside and cheesy and soft on the inside. It's a light, yet highly satisfying dish for breakfast or afternoon snacks. You can create several variations of this sandwich using different types of bread and cheese. Here you will learn the full-proof recipe of the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

• Cheddar or gruyere cheese – 1/3 cup, freshly grated
• Mozzarella cheese – 1/3 cup, freshly grated
• Butter – 2 tablespoons, salted
• Mayonnaise – 1 tablespoon
• Dijon mustard – ½ teaspoon (optional)
• Sourdough Bread – 2 slices

Ingredients Explained

Sourdough bread

It is a slow-fermented bread that is best for making cheese sandwiches. This bread doesn't require any yeast. It is made with sourdough started, a natural leavening agent. It has a chewy and crispy texture and a tangy flavor. It is easily digestible.

Cheese

You need to choose cheese that melts easily. Here is a list of cheese from which you can choose:

• Havarti – mild aroma and flavor with a hint of sweetness and butter
• Swiss – soft texture and nutty flavor
• Fontina – mellow and buttery
• Monterey Jack – creamy and fresh
• Aged cheddar – sharp taste
• Blue cheese – pungent and bold flavor

Cooking procedure

1. Grate cheese: It is better to grate cheese by hand rather than buying pre-sliced cheese. Use a box grater to grate it. The pre-sliced cheese found in stores has anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from melting properly.
2. Butter the bread: Spread salted butter on both sides of the bread.
3. Add mayonnaise: Spread a layer of mayonnaise over the butter on the top surface of the bread.
4. Add Dijon mustard: It's totally up to you to use it. Dijon mustard will give a tangy flavor. You can spread it over the mayonnaise.
5. Fry: Put a grill pan or non-stick fry pan on the stove and put it on medium-low heat. Once the grill pan is heated, toast two pieces of bread side-by-side for a minute. It will make the bread ready to melt the cheese after you flip it.
6. Cheese the bread: Flip the bread with a spatula and spread the grated cheese on top. Place the toasted side of the other bread on top of the cheese. This sill makes the second slice of bread stick to the first one making a sandwich.
7. Cook: Press down lightly on the bread and cook for 3 minutes. You will have the grilled marks on the bread this way. You will get a golden-brown color at the bottom. Lower the heat if it browns too quickly. Now turn the sandwich carefully, and cook for another 3 minutes on low heat the same way. You will get a crispy sandwich full of melted butter.
8. Cut and serve: Take the sandwich out of the pan and cut it in half on a cutting board before serving.

Tips

• Not too thick as the cheese might not melt easily. It shouldn't be too thin as it will be full of cheese then. It also shouldn't be too holey so that cheese may escape. You can use white bread also.
• You can choose any melted cheese or even a combination of cheese, like cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere.

What can you serve with the sandwich

• Cajun fries
• Roasted Tomato Soup
• Creamy Cole Slaw
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Variations

• Add vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes. Cut them into small cubes.
• Add fruits, and cut into small pieces.
• Add pickles.
• Add the sauce of your choice.
• Sprinkle herbs like dry oregano or basil.

A grilled cheese sandwich can be your grab-and-go meal of the day. You will feel fuller and be in a state to relax. Experiment by adding herbs and other spices. It's a very healthy and energizing food for everyone.