Happy 1 year Blogging Anniversary and a GIVEAWAY!

One year ago I decided that I would venture into the world of food blogging. I was encouraged by my little brother to try it out, even though he needed to explain to me what a blog exactly was. I have always loved to cook and eat and I though “Hey a Blog would be a good way for me to share all my favorite recipes with my friends!” Never did I expect all the exciting things to happen this year, because of my blog. I first gave birth to my beautiful baby girl Riley. After 4 years of struggling to conceive our third child, we were blessed with a perfect, blond haired, blue eyed daughter, that finally completed our family of 5.

My sweet new baby girl!

I then had to struggle again to try and lose the baby weight that has been on my body for 7 years since I had my first child. I took this picture as a before and honestly it was very hard for me to post it.

Right after I had my third baby...January 2011

But I rejoined weight watchers and started Zumba 2 -3 days a week and was able to shed majority of my weight!

This year I have truly learned to love to cook! I have learned about, tried and given away over 30 different companies products that have not only been healthier choices, but companies with good ethics. I  was chosen to be Chobani’s Blogger of the week. and chosen to make a fun and different rap video about Nature’s Path Granola bars! Although, I have not had as much time to blog as I would like, with all the business of kids, girl scouts, soccer, volunteering at school and life in general, I love sharing my passion with all of you! Thank you for being such an amazing support for me this year! As a special thank you to all of you I am doing 3 fun giveaways this month….Polar Beverages 5 New Seasonal Seltzers, Mrs. Renfros salsas (5 of your choice) and Fearless Chocolates (Raw, organic chocolate bars).

On to the giveaway…..

Have you heard about Polar Beverages?

They are a family-owned and operated company in New England since 1882, Polar Beverages are purveyors of premium
seltzers, dry sodas, fruit-flavored sodas, bottled spring water and mixers, including heritage products Birch
Beer, Golden Ginger Ale and Grape Soda.  They are focused on quality ingredients, product innovation and natural
flavors.

I was lucky enough to receive all 5 of their new Limited Edition Collection of Seasonal Flavor-ites.

The mixologist at Polar Beverages have crafted a daring set of premium seltzers inspired by the season’s most
beloved flavors and aromas – Granny Smith Apple, Cinnamon, Candy Cane, Pumpkin Spice and
yes, Eggnog. They are naturally calorie-free. They contain no added sugar, sodium, preservatives or colors, but all the carbonation fun of soda.. They are designed to celebrate the spirit of the season in a
more health-smart way. For example:a typical 8-ounce serving of eggnog is 343 calories (and
that’s without the jigger of rum) and a Starbucks® Pumpkin Spice latte (NonFat/NoWhip/Grande)
is 288 calories. The Polar Seltzer equivalents are zero calories, but with still the same aromas
and flavor references.

Polar Seltzer asked local Boston bartenders to taste and test the new products. They responded
in kind with some holiday recipe ideas:

FAMILY-FRIENDLY:

Orson’s Polar Ice Cap Soda (non-alcoholic)
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
Polar® Candy Cane Premium Seltzer
1-2 scoops of vanilla Ice Cream, should be very cold
Whipped cream, to taste
Maraschino cherry, garnish

Add chocolate syrup to bottom of a large soda fountain style glass.  Pour in Polar® seltzer,
stopping 2 inches from rim.  Carefully add ice cream, taking care not to overflow glass.  If it doesn’t
touch the seltzer at all, it won’t foam. Top with whipped cream and cherry

Sparkling Apple Cider
Begin with locally produced apple cider (the kind you find at a farmers market).  In a tall glass add
equal parts of chilled cider and Polar Granny Smith Premium seltzer. Stir gently, taking care not to
bruise the bubbles.

Eggnog Egg Cream (non-alcoholic)
Based on the classic ‘New York Egg Cream”, this recipe is updated for the holidays…
4oz whole milk, cold
4oz Polar® Eggnog Premium Seltzer
Chocolate syrup, to taste

Directions: Pour milk into a large, tall glass, stir in chocolate syrup until dissolved. Pour in seltzer. If
it foams over edge of your glass you made it right.

COCKTAILS:

Candy Cane Fizz-tini
1 shot peppermint schnapps
1 shot vanilla vodka
Polar® Candy Cane Premium Seltzer
Crushed candy cane, garnish

Directions: Wet rim of martini glass with peppermint schnapps and dip into crushed candy cane.
Combine schapps and vodka in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain into martini glass.
Top with Polar® Candy Cane Seltzer, taking care not to bruise the bubbles.

Old Fashioned Granny
1 tsp sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Juice from 1/4 lemon
2 oz whiskey, scotch or rye
1.5 oz Polar® Granny Smith Apple Premium Seltzer
2 slices Granny-Smith apple, peeled and diced
Apple peel curl, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sugar, bitters, lemon juice, and apple. Add whiskey. Shake
vigorously with ice. Strain into an old fashion rocks glass containing the largest, purest ice cubes
you can find. Top with seltzer, taking care not to bruise the bubbles. Garnish with a curled strip of
apple peel that has been rubbed with lemon wedge to prevent oxidation.

Sparkling Pumpkin Spice Punch
1.5 oz brandy
1.5 oz spiced rum
5 star anise, whole
5 allspice berries, whole
5 cloves, whole
5 small pieces of candies ginger
3 cinnamon sticks, whole
1 bottle of sauvignon blanc wine, chilled
1 bottle Polar® Pumpkin Spice Seltzer, chilled
1 block of ice (to float in the center of your punch bowl) or decorative ice cubes

Directions: In a punch bowl combine the brandy, rum and the spices. Allow to seep for at least 1
hour. Add chilled wine, then Polar Pumpkin Spice Seltzer. Stir. Gently slide in the ice block or
decorative ice cubes.

Apple Harvest Shandy
Hard apple cider (try to find a local brand)
Polar® Granny Smith Apple

Directions: Make certain that all your liquids are cold. In a pint glass, mix equal parts cider and
seltzer.

Skinny Nog
1 oz high quality bourbon
1 oz spiced rum
1-2 tsp maple syrup or agave syrup
2 oz whole milk or almond milk
4 oz Polar® Eggnog Seltzer
Crushed ice
Fresh grated nutmeg, for garnish

Directions: Combine all ingredients, except the seltzer, in a blender and process until foamy and
aerated (you can always froth by hand in cocktail shaker with vigorous shaking). Add crushed ice,
and swirl to chill. Strain into a large wine goblet, top with Polar® Eggnog Seltzer. Garnish with a
grating of nutmeg.

Cinnamon Kiss
1.5 oz vanilla vodka
1.5 oz cinnamon schnapps
3 oz Polar® Cinnamon Premium Seltzer
Maraschino cherry, for garish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka and schnapps. Shake vigorously. Strain into a
chilled cocktail glass, top with Polar seltzer. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Want to win 1 free bottle of each of the holiday flavors?

Pumpkin Spice, Granny Smith, Egg Nog, Cinnamon and Candy Cane

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