Cocktail Friday: Mocktail Party!

I'm constantly on the hunt for fun drinks that are non-alcoholic right now. I'm constantly drinking water and it gets so. exhausting. So today, in the hopes that some of you out there are looking for something similar, I've put together three of my favorite non-alcoholic beverages along with some of my favorite appetizers so you can host your own Mocktail Party! First up is this beautiful and dramatic Blackberry-Vanilla Mocktail. I posted this over on La Fuji Mama a while back and it is one of my favorite drinks. You can use any fruit you'd like. Peaches would be dreamy!

And to snack on alongside this lovely beverage? I recommend my Homemade Cheese Crackers. They are completely addicting! Plus, they are 100% adult AND kid-friendly.

Next up is a healthy and unique Cardamom Lassi. This recipe comes to us via my art director/graphic designer sister, Rebecca, who contributed some beautiful cocktails to the site for a few weeks. This just might be my favorite. Creamy yogurt, refreshing cardamom, and the knowledge that you are drinking something delicious and good for your body is priceless.

A drink like this deserves an appetizer that is equally healthy and fresh like this Preserved Lemon Relish with a few crackers and perhaps a bit of smoked salmon. Perfection!

And the final combination I have to share with you today is a classic: Homemade Lemonade alongside a cheese plate featuring Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam. Is there really anything else to say? Didn't think so.

Cheers to a much-needed holiday weekend! I hope you enjoy every extra moment of fun and relaxation with your friends and family! Make some simple, delicious recipes and sit around the table (outside, of course) to soak it all in.

Cocktail Friday: Prosecco Sorbet Float

Cheers to Cocktail Friday and this Prosecco Sorbet Float!

Can we talk books for a minute? I've been spending more time reading lately. I feel like only recently my attention span post-baby has reached the point where I can conceivably start and finish a book in less than 6 months. The first book I read cover to cover was written by Molly of Orangette called A Homemade Life. Some of you may know her blog and may have even read her book. I'm behind the times. Her book came out quite a while ago and I just never got around to reading it. It is lovely. Next up is Ruth Reichl's book Comfort Me with Apples. Has anyone else out there read it? I loved Tender at the Bone so I have high hopes for the sequel.

There is something comforting about losing myself in pages filled with descriptions of good food sticks with us as we remember people, places, and events. I think reading about how food has helped shape the experiences of others makes me even more aware of what I serve to my family and friends. I want them to look back on their time at my table feeling loved. Feeling cared for. And especially feeling like they want to 'pay it forward' by spreading the food love.

Prosecco Float with Sorbet

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, you are no doubt looking for ways to make the weekend festive and, well, memorable. This cocktail is a great, easy way to do just that. Raspberry thyme sorbet(I posted this a couple weeks ago- no ice cream maker needed!) or your favorite store-bought sorbet and prosecco create a stunningly beautiful, refreshing drink for the holiday weekend. You can easily transform this into a mocktail by adding ginger ale instead of the prosecco.

Prosecco Float

So, make some memories worth writing about and cheers to the beginning of summer with this elegant, fun, bubbly drink. Perfect for parties or for sipping while reading a good book outside under the shade of a tree.

Happy Memorial Day!

Prosecco Float

• 1 pint raspberry thyme sorbet or your favorite flavor of store-bought sorbet
• 1 bottle Prosecco or Champagne

Place a small scoop of sorbet in coupé glasses.
Pour Prosecco over the sorbet and serve immediately.