January 26, 2016

VALENTINE COCKTAIL: "MAKING OUT IN A FIELD OF STRAWBERRIES"

January 26, 2016/ Laurén

I think it's pretty clear that we over here at Twink and Sis are big fans of Valentine's Day. So, to keep the party going, I have created this flirty and refreshing cocktail that I like to call "Making Out in a Field of Strawberries." It's two of my favorite flavors - strawberries and mint - with a nice, clean vodka. I think it would taste great with gin too, if you are so inclined.

*A Quick Note Before We Start:
I believe this drink should not be strained and should contain pieces of the smashed fruit and mint. So using a shaker with a strainer is not necessary at all. This drink also works great for parties and large groups and can easily be made in a pitcher or punch bowl, by just multiplying the recipe below by however many servings you would like to make.

For One Serving You Will Need:
4 Medium-Large Strawberries (with tops removed)
Two Sprigs Fresh Mint (leaves removed from stem)
1/2 oz. of Simple Syrup
1 oz. Vodka
About 3 oz. Sparkling Water or Prosecco
Ice

In a cocktail shaker (or bowl or pitcher) muddle the strawberries and mint well.

Add simple syrup and vodka.

If using a shaker, add a few ice cubes and shake vigorously. If using a bowl, skip the ice for now. Stir and smash all of the ingredients until they are well combined.

Glasses: Crate & Barrel, Heart Stir Sticks: Shop Sweet Lulu

Pour over a glass of ice. Top it off with sparkling water or prosecco, if you are a lush like me.

If you'd like to go the non-alcoholic route, skip the booze all together and make a yummy strawberry-mint soda with the rest of the ingredients.

Cheers to you and your Valentine!

xoxo!

July 16, 2015

IT'S ICE CREAM SEASON: THE EASIEST RAW VEGAN ICE CREAM

July 16, 2015/ Laurén

National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday and if you want to celebrate the greatest holiday ever, without a sugar hangover, we've got the perfect (and simplest) recipe for you! I make this healthy dessert for my family a lot and it's always a surefire hit.

Ingredients (per serving):

1 Large FROZEN Banana (I freeze several ripe bananas ahead of time so I have them ready. They must be frozen, minimally, overnight to work)

8-10 Frozen Strawberries

2 Soft Dates

Approx. 1/8 Cup of Water

You will need either a VitaMix or blender.

Put all of the fruit and 1/2 of the water in a VitaMix. Turn on low and use the tamper to push the ingredients down and blend. If it is very dry, slowly add more water. Be careful not to add too much water, or your ice cream will become a smoothie. A blender will work too but will take more effort. The tamper in the VitaMix makes this extremely easy. If you use a regular blender, you will have to start and stop and use a rubber spatula with the blender turned off to mix it. I have done it, but it takes more time!

Scoop out and serve immediately. You can top with fresh fruit, nuts or coconut shreds if you like a little added texture! Happy (and Healthy) National Ice Cream Day! xx

June 18, 2015

SANTA MONICA FARMERS' MARKET

June 18, 2015/ MARLAN

We have a very special correspondent today... our mom! And what does Mom love? Organic fruit and veggies! So she's taking us to the Santa Monica Farmers' Market. It's the largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California and a favorite for local chefs.

Lets start with the berries. We're certainly lucky to have these fresh, vibrant, local berries.

Papayas grown in California! Have you ever heard of such a thing? Amazing!

Thank God for artichoke season!

You say 'tomato,' I say 'tomato.'

Lots of good greens for dinner.

The Santa Monica Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday from 8.30am - 1.30pm, and is located on Arizona Avenue at 2nd Street.

April 16, 2015

THE STRAWBERRY GUIDE

April 16, 2015/ MARLAN

Inspired by yesterday's post on our strawberry picking adventure, we've put together The Strawberry Guide. Here's our round up of some of our favorite strawberry items. Let's start with everybody's favorite, dessert!