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? 

Cool Peeling Tricks

It's Tuesday, but today, I thought rather than showing you one of my own tips, I'd post a few of my favorites from Youtube.  For some reason, the ones I found most useful, tended to involve peeling something, so I decided to stick to that theme.  

First up, is how to peel a boiled egg.  To be honest, I don't actually eat boiled eggs, so this isn't terribly useful for me.  It won a spot based purely on entertainment value.  Give it a try and let me know how it works, and in the meantime, just enjoy watching it a few times.  

Up next, how to peel potatoes.  Holy crap does this make potato salad easy.  

The next trick is how to peel a whole head of garlic in just a few seconds.  I wish I had known this trick a long time ago.  Way back when, I used to get Hubby to peel garlic for me when I needed lots of it.  These days, he's usually at work when I'm cooking.  

And last, I just had to share this video I came across.  I don't recommend trying it.  For most people I think it would just result in a bloody apple, but it's definitely worth a watch.  

What's your favorite Youtube kitchen tip?