It’s hard to believe that I was actually sailing along the California Coast just a little over a month ago. Oh what I would give to be back on the Ruby Princess enjoying food, friends and adult beverages like one of these Pomegranate Rum Cocktails inspired by the Love Boat’s famous bartender, Isaac. With Florida weather still creeping into the 90s (um…yea, it’s November), my husband and I were able to enjoy these cocktails on our back patio over the weekend – not exactly the same as cruising but definitely helped us feel like we were escaping for about 10 minutes.

A fun fact I learned while cruising with Princess Cruises is that one of my favorite childhood shows, Love Boat, was actually filmed on their cruise line. Any other Love Boat fans out there? (I realized quickly while on our cruise that age played a big part in even knowing what the Love Boat was!)

One of the many things that made our Princess Cruise extra special was that Jill Whelan, who played the Captain’s daughter Vicki, was on board as their Celebrations Ambassador. She mingled with cruise guests, hosted special events and joined our group on excursions – talk about fun! Jill was so personable and it was a treat to get to know her as well as hear about her personal Love Boat experience (she was just a young girl when she was on the show).

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Growing up in NY, then later on in FL, my family always had several fig trees in both my parent’s and my grandparent’s yards. Lots of fig trees, lots of figs. This is the time of year where we would stand under our fig trees and just pull off basketfulls of plump fresh figs off branches, sampling a few along the way of course. It was ridiculous how many we would have in such a short period of time, and the only way I really remember eating them was straight up, sometimes washed and slightly peeled.

https://instagram.com/p/wg724Slg-a/

As an adult, in my 3rd home since I grew up and moved out of my parent’s home, I finally have a fig tree in my own yard. My grandfather came over last December and put it in the ground for me and routinely checks on it when he visits or calls, making sure that I’m keeping it watered. My grandpa has the greenest thumb I know and I wish I could say my thumb was as green as his – it’s not, but I do try.

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‘Tis the season to be jolly…fa la la la la…la la la la.

Well, guys, the real countdown begins right about now. We have less than a week to go before Christmas day … are you ready, excited, tired, stressed, relaxed, enjoying the moments?

I would have to say I’m feeling a bit of all of the above. I’m thinking that’s totally normally too.

I wanted to share one of my favorite holiday drinks with you today. It’s not complicated, I actually almost didn’t post it. But for all of you eggnog lovers out there (I do enjoy a nice glass of homemade eggnog), this one is for you. It’s actually kind of a cheater version of eggnog. A cheater, lighter and not really the real deal version, but, it works for me and is what I drink to get me in the mood when I’m doing all the holiday stuff I love to do this time of year. For instance, pour yourself some of this Spiked Holiday Nog, put on some Christmas music and start writing out those Christmas cards, wrapping gifts or finish trimming the tree. Spiked Holiday Nog is perfect for all of those things. It will get you feeling all warm and fuzzy and erase any silly holiday stress away. 😉

It’s also a wonderful drink to take with you on a walk through the neighborhood to look at all the lights. (note: walk – not drive.).

A glass on Christmas morning while opening gifts isn’t a bad thing either.

This post is not sponsored by any brand..I just happen to pick up Silk Holiday Nog every year for as long as I’ve seen it in the stores and make it a little more festive by adding a shot of spiced rum (Sailor Jerry or Captain Morgans usually), cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg. You can serve it with or without ice but I usually prefer it with ice. Pour your nog, rum and ice into a glass, shake it up – then top with cinnamon and nutmeg. That’s it. My kids happen to love this nog as well…I spice theirs up with cinnamon and nutmeg but leave out the rum of course.

This kid sure does love his non-spiked Holiday Nog. I sure do love this kid.

Cheers!

So you now know that Spiked Holiday Nog is one of my favorite drinks of the season…

I thought it would be fun to share a few more of my holiday favorites…

Favorite Holiday Meal:

Christmas Eve Dinner – Feast of the Seven Fishes (specifically this Sicilian Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs and Anchovies, oh I love this pasta so much!). You guys, my family does some serious feasting on Christmas Eve.

When we are all together we feast on Christmas Day too, and it’s usually with our traditional Christmas lasagna made with layers of ricotta, sauce, ground beef, peas and hard boiled eggs. And cheese of course, lots of cheese. That is my all time favorite lasagna (will have to share recipe with you eventually I’m thinking).

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Is it just me or are we in a bit of a weird in between season as far as fruit goes? I am finding myself buying apples and pears every week (and of course bananas) but not much else is coming home with me from the fruit department. Grapes are super expensive right now, citrus isn’t really in yet and berries are long gone. So, pears and apples (and bananas) it is then. And that’s totally ok.

(It’s a good thing we love them.)

Since I’ve been buying a ton of pears and apples, I am finding that with so many on hand my pears are getting real ripe and sweet real fast. The other morning I was in the mood for a green smoothie, but not really in the mood for the green smoothie I usually make. I wanted something a little different. Liz has me obsessed with adding cinnamon to my smoothies so with that in mind and some ripe pears on hand I had to put this tasty little concoction together. It turned out pretty amazing and I made it again for my daughter this weekend.

I introduce you to my current favorite smoothie – Cinnamon Pear Green Smoothie!

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Once upon a time I was 30+weeks pregnant and said to myself more than a few times — I can’t wait to lose this pregnancy weight! It’s going to be fun, like a game! I’ve done this before, it won’t be hard! I’m going to walk with the baby in the stroller so much the weight is just going to melt off! I’m going to get fit in no time!

Clearly, I was a bit mental at the time. What in the world. Crazy pants.

Now here I am 20+ weeks post partum and I can not even believe how out of shape I am. I’m so low energy and just feel bleh all the time. Pair that up with not sleeping well most nights, I pretty much feel like a mess lately. Oh and it’s full on spring in Florida right now and let’s just say black yoga pants just aren’t cutting it anymore. Something has to be done here.

So I’m committed. I’m committed to exercising in some capacity every day (even if it is just a quick stroller walk with my baby). I need to be selfish with my workouts, it’s very important “me time”. I got back in the gym last week. I also got myself jogging a bit over the weekend (that felt GOOD!). Things have to change and it’s starting first with my attitude —

I need to be telling myself things like:

Just do it!
No more excuses!
and on the days I’m feeling down… What are you going to do about it? (this one is key)

So far it’s working.

I got this. But dang, it’s hard!

I’ve been making this kefir smoothie in the afternoons lately for my car ride to pick up the kids from school. It gives me exactly what I need to hold me over until dinner and I like to believe it gives me a little energy boost too. Micah’s not a huge fan of the blender so I have been avoiding making smoothies for a few months. Now when I turn the blender on I have to put on a really happy funny face to distract him from that “loud scary noise”. You gotta do what you gotta do right?

If you’re not familiar with kefir, it’s very similar to yogurt and can be found in the dairy aisle most likely near the milks. I discovered it a couple years ago when I was on the 17 Day Diet (…for 14 days). It’s a probiotic, has a good amount of protein and calcium, and is a great option for an afternoon snack. I personally like it’s natural tartness but feel free to add a little honey or sweetener of choice if that’s your thing.

Happy Monday!

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Hard to believe, but this week marks Aggie’s Kitchen’s 5 year anniversary! Yep, it’s true, I’ve been posting recipes to this little space on the internet since June 3, 2008. It all started with hitting “Create Blog” on blogspot, then writing Snoop Bloggy Blog, proclaiming my favorite cookbook, then sharing my first and second recipe posts – all in the same day. Yes, I guess you could say I was a little bit excited about this whole blogging thing. 🙂

Blogging has changed SO much in 5 years. It’s hard to keep up with at times, but it’s even harder to imagine my life without it. It’s fun to go back and read old posts, see how much my kids have grown up (crazy – my daughter was just barely over the age of 1 when I started, and my son was 3! They were total babies!!), and see all the food that I’ve cooked up in the meantime. Every time I go back and read older posts, I get hit with the feeling of exactly why I started this blog and what has kept me writing it – the food. I love food, the healthier the better! And I love even more the connection with others that love good food just as much. 🙂

(Hard to imagine these two ever this little … photo taken in Sanibel Island, Summer 2008 – Gina had just learned how to walk that summer!)

In celebration of the blog turning 5, and to thank everyone that has been reading over the years – as well as new readers – I wanted to have fun and host some special giveaways throughout the month. I’ll be giving away some items that I love and use frequently in my kitchen – starting with my beloved Blendtec blender.

I first got my Blendtec back in August, 2011 and have used the heck out of it since then.

My Blendtec sits on my counter and gets used almost every day. We make mostly smoothies and whole juices in it, as well as pesto, hummus (using the Twister jar) and lots of salsa.

The other night, my friend Liz mentioned she was craving and about to make herself a Chocolate Malt. As soon as she mentioned it, I started craving the same and thinking about a “faux” Frosty I used to make back in the day when I was on the South Beach diet. It had been so long since I’ve made it, and after hearing about Liz’s version with Ovaltine Chocolate Malt powder, I knew I had to try it – immediately.

This fake out Chocolate Malted Frosty did not disappoint. It hit the spot, and will be making an appearance many a night this summer when I’m craving something sweet, I can guarantee you that.

Skinny Malted Frosty Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese
• 2 heaping tablespoons Chocolate Malt Ovaltine
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for extra chocolatey flavor)
• 2 handful of ice (or a cup of crushed ice)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth.

Notes

Using My Fitness Pal I calculated this to be 175 calories, 2.8 g fat, 14 g protein

A high protein, somewhat low calorie dessert you can feel good about. Inspired by The Lemon Bowl's Chocolate Malt and adapted from this South Beach Style Frosty Recipe

Now for the giveaway!

Giveaway Details:

Blendtec Total Wildside Blender (value $454.95) plus an additional Twister jar (Black, White or Red – your choice!)

(Blender is factory reconditioned, as the one I received is)

Starts today, Wednesday June 4 and ends Wednesday, June 12 at 12 noon (EST)

Sorry, giveaway open to US readers only. Winner will be chosen randomly using Pick Giveaway Winner plugin application. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.

To enter into the giveaway:

Leave a comment on this post saying hello and telling me how long you’ve been reading Aggie’s Kitchen!

Additional Entries can be earned by:

(leave a separate comment after you complete each item, each individual comment will count as an entry)

1. “Like” Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook. (if you already a fan, let me know, that counts as an entry!)

2.  “Like”  Blendtec on Facebook.

3. Follow @AggiesKitchen on Twitter (if you already follow, let me know, that counts as an entry!)

4. Follow @Blendtec on Twitter

5.  Share about giveaway on Twitter: “I want to win a Blendtec from @aggieskitchen and #Blendtec! http://su.pr/1hmU0M ”

6. Share about giveaway on Facebook with link to this post.

7. Subscribe to Aggie’s Kitchen posts to come to your inbox or in your reader.

8. Follow Aggie’s Kitchen on Pinterest

(note: if you are commenting on Aggie’s Kitchen for the first time, it may take some time to see your comment appear. Thanks for your patience!)

Disclosure: Blendtec is providing the blender for this giveaway.

The post Celebrating 5 Years of Blogging! Skinny Malted Frosty Recipe appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.

There’s a new butter in town folks, and it’s made with one of my most favorite things in the world – coconut. Coconut butter may not be all that new to some of you, but it’s new to me. I’ve seen it popping up around here and there and I finally broke down and bought some today. At first, I didn’t see much of a difference flavor wise or texture wise as coconut oil, and I felt confused. But as I dug my spoon in a little deeper into the jar I saw a slight change of color and I knew then that I had found gold. Holy cow, this stuff is good (if you love coconut that is).

What is coconut butter? Well, it’s basically just the flesh of the coconut ground up and processed until creamy – similar to nut butter. You get all the nutrition of eating pure raw coconut into a small amount that can be used as a spread or as a supplement to meals such as smoothies, granola bars or even oatmeal. Coconut is full of good stuff – lots of fiber, vitamins & minerals, along with a little protein and good for you fat.

When I got home with my jar of gold I immediately knew I wanted to add it to a smoothie. I love simple banana smoothies, especially right after a morning workout. This smoothie isn’t your typical thick smoothie – it’s light and refreshing and makes a perfect snack for those in between meal times. Enjoy!

So tell me, am I the last person on Earth to try coconut butter? If you’ve had it, tell me how you like it!

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It’s always fun to celebrate a new mom and their soon-to-be bundle of joy isn’t it? Today a group of bloggers are coming together to shower Lisa from With Style and Grace (surprise!!) with lots of love and well wishes. And of course lots of goodies too.

I met Lisa through Maria 2 summers ago at Evo in Park City and was happy to get to know her better on a hike we all took together one morning. If you’ve met Lisa in person, then you know that her smile can brighten up any room and you just can’t help but feel good when you are around her. I love people like that. And I just know her baby boy will be so blessed to have her as his happy mama.

This past month, I’ve been completely obsessed with this cinnamon apple spice herbal tea from Celestial Seasonings. I drink a hot cup almost every night before bed for “dessert”. I decided to dress it up a bit and serve it iced with some fresh apple slices, a cinnamon stick and a kiss of honey to bring to our little virtual baby shower today. In addition to this lightly sweetened refresher, I wanted to also share with you my favorite baby shower gift that I give to all my new mommy friends – a baby library. I can not walk through a book store or library without spending a good amount of time in the children’s book section so you have no idea how much joy gifting books to a baby and his mommy brings me!

My favorite books for a new mom and baby

All of these books were given to me when my babies were little and we have enjoyed them so much over the years – I can’t even begin to tell you how many times we’ve read each of them.

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If you know me, then you know I love a good cocktail. I don’t always like to make them though. Mostly out of laziness, I’ll admit. When I am in the mood for a drink, I like to keep things simple (like my favorite real lime margaritas or this tropical favorite – Cocomotion). Most of the time though, I tend to stick with a good glass of wine. Hard to go wrong with that.

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{Giveaway Now Closed}

I’ve mentioned a few times that we are a smoothie family. Smoothie making definitely got a little easier after the addition of our Blendtec blender, but I’ll be honest, we were making smoothies regularly way before that happened. My blender has always been my friend.

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