Mango Margaritas ;)

Erin,

When S and I were in Puerto Rico last week, my days consisted on lying on the beach, reading and drinking mango margaritas. When we arrived back in DC, I wasn't ready to let go of the margaritas. After searching the internet for recipe, I came across a recipe that was super easy and super yummy. These margaritas are so so good even mom will like them :) Yields 8

Ingredients:

2 whole Limes
2 jars (20 Ounce) Mango Chunks, Drained. (You can find these in the produce aisle, right there with chopped fresh fruit)
1-1/2 cup Tequila
1-1/2 cup Triple Sec
1/4 cup Sugar

Directions:

1. Throw the mango chunks into a blender. Pour in the tequila, triple sec, and sugar. Squeeze in the juice of the limes, then top off the whole thing with ice. Blend it until it's totally smooth. Give it a taste, then add more of what you think it needs (alcohol, sugar, lime, etc.) Enjoy!

The Pioneer Woman's Spinach Salad

Erin,

This spinach salad rocks. It has bacon, eggs, onions, and mushrooms. I know you are not a huge fan of mushrooms or onions but it really makes the salad. Just give it a try, you will thank me later.



Ingredients:
3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
7 slices Thick Cut Bacon
1 whole Red Onion, Small
1 package Mushrooms, White Button
8 ounces (1 package) Baby Spinach, Washed Dried And Stems Removed
3 Tablespoons Reserved Bacon Grease
3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
2 teaspoons Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 dash Salt

Directions:
1. Fry bacon until crispy/chewy. Remove to a paper towel. Remove 3 tablespoons grease and set aside.
2. Add 2 additional tablespoons of bacon grease to a separate skillet over medium heat.
3. Slice red onions very thinly, then add to skillet. Cook slowly until onions are caramelized and reduced(About 15 minutes). Remove to a plate and set aside.
4. Slice mushrooms and add them to the same skillet. Cook slowly until caramelized and brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.

To make the dressing:
1. Add 3 tablespoons bacon grease, vinegar, sugar, and Dijon to a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk mixture together and heat thoroughly.

Add spinach to a large bowl. Arrange onions, mushrooms, and crumbled bacon on top. Pour hot dressing over the top; toss to combine.Arrange eggs over the top and serve.

Cinnamon-Sugar Muffins

Erin,

You have probably seen this recipe for cinnamon-sugar muffins floating around Pinterest lately. I decided to try them out this afternoon for a mid-afternoon snack and they were awesome. You probably have all the ingredients on hand already so if you are looking for a quick and easy snack to make, this is it. (Sorry for the poor quality picture!)



Ingredients:

5 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Melted butter and cinnamon-sugar (I used 1 stick of butter and a combination of 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Beat in milk. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture just until moistened.
2. Fill greased miniature muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Dip muffins in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar. Serve warm.

Spinach Quiche

Erin,

I love quiche. I am obsessed with quiche. And until recently, I never realized how easy it is to make. I made this spinach quiche for a brunch party we had for S's birthday and it was fantastic. So good. Like,  I could eat it everyday for the rest of my life.  Quiche is such a versatile meal, it's great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try this recipe and I promise you won't regret it ;)

  

Ingredients:

 3 cups fresh spinach

1 small white onion
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups  milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 package veggie dip
9 inch pie crust (I used pre-made)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven  to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium skillet, heat oil on medium heat and saute onion until transluscent. Then add spinach and saute until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs together and then stir in milk, veggie dip, cheese, and add spinach mixture. Mix until evenly distributed. Then pour into prepared pie crust.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes clean. Remove from oven and let set for 20 minutes before serving :)