My 4th of July Cocktail

#15 on my list of 28 Before 28 is to invent a delicious new cocktail. Mission Accomplished. May I introduce the Lexington and Concord*.

Here's the recipe:
1 small dollop Raspberry Syrup (see below)
1 shot iced Vodka
1 shot Sparkling Lemonade
Blueberry Garnish

For the Raspberry Syrup:
1/2 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup organic raspberries (frozen or fresh)

Pour sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to boil until sugar dissolves (about five minutes). Add raspberries. Return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into jar and allow to cool. Yields 1/2 cup.

Drip the chilled syrup into the bottom of a martini glass. In a second glass, pre-mix the vodka and lemonade, stirring slowly. Tilt the martini glass to the side and gently pour in the vodka and lemonade, taking care not to stir up the syrup. Garnish with three blueberries, preferably on a sexy toothpick, but floating works too. Enjoy!

It tastes like freedom and it's got a kick, just like the shot heard around the world.

*Naming credit goes to Matthew. Other options:
--Baby You're a Firework
--13 Gunshots
--Stars and Stripes Forever

♥ Shannon

4th of July BBQ Inspiration

Happy 4th of July, friends! (And Happy Independence Day, fellow Americans!) Getting ready to have some BBQ and poolside fun today, so I thought I'd share the recipes we'll be using today!

1. Gluten-Free & Vegan S'mores Bites
2. Chocolate and Vanilla Cake Pops
3. Patriotic Berries
4. Summer Berry Sorbet Popsicle
5. 4th of July Cocktail
6. Mean Green Edamame Soy Burger

Ooohhhh baby yes. I love delicious food!!! Have a happy safe day, wherever you are in the world!

♥ Shannon

I baked a cake!

I'm not sure if it's glorious yet, but it sure is tasty, so I'm going to let it count for my 27-before-27!

I'm also proud to say that it is vegan. I veganized the Trader Joe's cake & baking mix by substituting vanilla soy yogurt for eggs and Earth Balance for butter. So much better this way!

I also learned that not all cake pans are created equal. The top layer came out all crumbly because the pan just wasn't up to par. Oh, and I refrigerated the frosting while the cake was baking...not a great decision. I had to soften it with some hot water, and I over-compensated and then the frosting was a bit too soft.

But I'm learning!

♥ Shannon

Have a lovely 4th of July!

Whether you're an American or not, make today a lovely one! Mute the traditional colors of red, white, & blue--and play with coral, cream, & ice!

Inspiration from:
1. Coral Dress from Modcloth
2. Eyelet Dress from Modcloth
3. Royal Icing Dress from Modcloth
4. Red Wedges from Ruche
5. Oxford Heels from Ruche
6. 3-in-1 Tote from Ruche
7. Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles

Fun!

♥ Shannon