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? 

Iced Vanilla Chai Latte

We’ve been without air conditioning for a week, which has meant no cooking for me.  Hence, my late post.  Fortunately, it cooled down enough today, that I was able to stand in front of the stove long enough to brew some tea for this lovely iced chai latte.  It’s no wonder they’re so popular right now.  They’re definitely good for the soul.  Like my friend Melissa said, “Bad day?  Try one of these.” 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups water
• ¾ cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon mace
• ⅛ teaspoon cardamom
• ¼ cup tea leaves or 10-12 teabags
• 2 cups milk
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla 

Now, if you’re a chai tea expert, you’ll know that my list of ingredients is far from traditional.  More commonly you’ll see things like star anise, black pepper, and ginger, but I don’t really care for those in my tea, thank you.  Use a combination of whatever your favorite spices are, and place them all together in a small dish. 

The tea is sort of the same thing.  I’m using a black tea from Teavana that comes in little balls, but you can use green tea, white tea, loose tea, teabags… whatever you prefer. 

Bring your water to a boil, then turn off the heat and add the sugar.  I used vanilla sugar and accidentally got a piece of a vanilla bean in with it, but not to worry, this will all be strained out. 

Add the spices. 

Stir them in and add the tea.  Just remember, if you’re using green or white tea, you’ll need to allow the water to cool to the proper temperature first. 

Allow it to steep for 3-4 minutes, and then pour it through a strainer. 

I thought it would be a good idea to line the strainer with a coffee filter, but it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t.  I guess the cinnamon was clogging the filter or something, because the tea simply wouldn’t drain.  So take it from me, just use a fine sieve.   

Add the vanilla

And the milk. 

Give it a quick stir, and you have a perfect iced vanilla chai latte.  (and it didn’t cost 5 bucks) Not to mention, there’s plenty to share or keep in the fridge for later. 

Pour it over plenty of ice, and enjoy. 

Ahhh, sweet, spicy, cool, refreshing, deliciousness.  Like I said, good for the soul. 

What do you indulge in when you’ve had a bad day?