Nothing Beats a Holiday Vacation

Happy New Year!  I apologize for my absence over the holidays, I was busy.  Perhaps not in the ways you might imagine, but with this.

That is the sun coming up over the Atlantic.  (No, the earth hasn’t shifted and the sun now rises in the north.  We were in Atlantic Beach, NC which faces south.) 

Hubby and I don’t have a whole lot of requirements for our Christmas vacation, except that we have to stay in a hotel that overlooks the ocean.  This was the second half of our vacation, in Virginia Beach.

I mean really, is there anything better than the ocean? 

We also crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which was awesome.  When we stopped at the little gift shop on the bridge, they had one of those signs you’re supposed to have your kids put their faces through for pictures.  I thought it was so ridiculous to be putting a face in the middle of a crab, so of course, I couldn’t resist humiliating Otto just a bit. 

He didn’t seem too upset, though.  In fact, when we stopped at Fort Monroe on our way home, he even volunteered to participate in an internet meme. 

Soon.

I’ll be back in a few days with a proper post for the new year, but before I go, I must mention this seriously fabulous dessert I had in Virginia Beach.  Eggnog Crème Brûlée.  I will definitely be adding this to my list of eggnog deliciousness to make in the future. 

How did you spend the holidays? 

Lime Rickey with Icy Eye Balls

With Halloween almost here, I thought it would be a good time for a spooky punch recipe.  It’s the perfect refreshment for any costume party, or just to enjoy while you hand out candy to the kids. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• 6 cups grape juice
• 3 cups lemon lime soda
• ½ cup fresh squeezed lime juice 

It’s best if you allow the juice and soda to be in the fridge overnight before you start.  You want everything to be nice and cold.  When you’re ready, go ahead and juice your limes and set the juice aside.  It’ll probably take 3 – 5 limes to get ½ cup.  Then, into a pitcher, pour the grape juice.  I like Welch's because it's 100% grape juice, which gives it a great color and flavor.  

Add the lime juice. 

Stir those together and then add the soda.  As you know, I'm not a fan of high fructose corn syrup, so I used Sierra Mist because they use sugar and natural flavors.  You’ll want to do this part shortly before you’re going to serve it. 

Wait… that’s it?  Now, see if you can get a picture of the punch without a reflection of some weirdo with a camera in it. 

Now for the icy eyeballs.  You’ll need grapes.  I used big, red globe grapes.  I figure they’re a good size and shape for eyeballs.  They do have seeds in them, though, so if you prefer, get a seedless variety. 

Carefully remove the grapes from the stems.  Drop them into a zip top bag and put them in the freezer.  It’s best to do this the day before so they can hang out in there overnight.

*public service announcement*

Do not share grapes with your furry friend.  They are extremely toxic to dogs, and even just a few grapes or raisins can cause acute renal failure and death.  So even if they give you “the face”, be sure to give them something more doggy friendly.  Otto especially loves the biscuits I make for him.   

When your grapes are nice and solid, briefly run each one under warm water and the skins should easily peel off. 

Once the skin is completely removed, you are left with something eyeball like. 

Drop a few into each glass. 

Then just pour over the punch. 

And there you have it.  Delicious, blood colored, lime rickey punch, with icy eyeballs. 

What are you going to be for Halloween?