Beverages

Cucumber Mint Water

August 17, 2015

Cucumber Mint Water is a refreshing way to spruce up your water intake.

Use my helpful tips to increase your water consumption throughout the day.

Cucumber Mint Water from LoveandConfections.com

The temperature here in Florida is still scorching. If it isn’t blistering hot, it is sticky and humid from all the torrential thunderstorms. When the weather heats up, I know that my water intake needs to be upped as well. While I do enjoy Iced Tea and Lemonade, having water is an important part of every day.

I try to drink around 8 glasses of water per day. Some days are better than others. I often find myself near the end of the night, and realizing I had not had all the water I should have.

Here are a few simple tricks to help make sure you get enough water during the day:
– Label and place water bottles on the counter where they can visibly be seen throughout the day.
– Set reminder alarms – i.e. drink 2 cups by breakfast, drink 2 more cups by lunch, etc.
– Have an app on your phone (I use Fitbit and MyFitnessPal) to help keep track of how much water you drink during the day.
– Carry water bottles with you – in a purse, backpack, gym bag or diaper bag.
– Keep a glass or bottle of water close by if you are sitting and doing a lot of computer or desk work. It helps to have that constant reminder and get a small sip if you aren’t able to get up to grab a glass.
– If using a glass, don’t set down an empty one. Instead, refill it and take a few more sips.
– Try different types of water: Sparkling, Spring, Mineral, etc., but be careful of water that has added calories.
– Infuse water with fruits, vegetables and herbs!

I hope these tips help you with your water consumption. Remember to take care of yourself if you are out in the heat.

Cucumber Mint Water

A Love and Confections original recipe

Cucumber Mint Water ingredients:

– 20 Mint Leaves

– 2 small or 1 medium Cucumber, thinly sliced

– Crushed Ice

– Filtered Water

– Mint and Cucumber for garnish, optional

Cucumber Mint Water Directions:

1. Place Mint Leaves in the bottom of a large container with lid (I prefer mason jars). With the back of a wooden spoon or muddler, lightly bruise the leaves. Add in the Cucumber. Top with some Crushed Ice, then fill with Filtered Water, leaving 1/2 inch at the top. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This blog is not intended for medical advice. I am in no way a doctor or registered nutritionist. Please consult your doctor with any questions regarding a change in your health.

Walking Down Memory Lane with an Iced Tea in Hand #MeAndMyTea

June 17, 2015

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MeAndMyTea #CollectiveBias

Bigelow Iced Tea & Lemonade from LoveandConfections.com #MeAndMyTea

There’s a Floridian joke that you have to travel North to get to the South. I was born in South Florida, but I am truly a ‘Southern Girl’ at heart and prove it with my love of Iced Sweet Tea. I usually have a pitcher of tea in the refrigerator. Bigelow‘s fresh-brewed tea from tea bags is delicious – no ready-made or powdered stuff for me! I added some fresh lemon slices to my Bigelow Iced Tea & Lemonade, which is naturally sweetened so I didn’t have to add any sweeteners. A fun idea would be adding some Mint Simple Syrup for a nice lemon-mint kick to your tea too.

I developed a love for sweet tea from my best friend’s grandmother. My best friend and I met each other when we were 6 & 5 years old (I’m older by 6 months) and starting Girl Scouts. MC’s mom was our troop leader. It became a running joke that our troop could not do a camp-out without it raining on us. We were in MC’s Gran’s backyard on the one camp-out it didn’t rain – but the sprinklers got our tents instead.

We have been friends for almost 26 years. The four of us girls have shared so many memories, both happy and sad – proms, graduations, weddings, grandparents passing, and new life. Their family has been a part of our family since we met. Her little sister was my little sister’s best friend, her Mom was always there for us, and her Gran treated us like one of her own grandchildren.

Gran is a great woman, who always has a big smile and open arms. She was the one who really introduced me to iced sweet tea. We would spend time with her at her house, or at the beach, and she always had iced sweet tea and her famous chicken wings on hand.

One of my favorite childhood memories was when MC’s and my family took a trip to Gran’s farm in Georgia. We had SO much fun. Us girls had a slumber party every night in the living room. We could look out the window at the fog covered pecan orchard and dream about what we would do the following day. We rode around on a golf cart, had a traditional ‘Fish Fry’ and made lasting memories.

As we grow older and all live in different cities, we keep in touch as much as possible (thank you cell phones and internet). #ToddlerLnC loves face-timing with her Aunties! One day, when we all have families of our own, we will take them on vacations together like we did as children, so they can make their own memories.

Until then, I am loving the memories my little family is making. #ToddlerLnC is 18-months old and so smart. She loves climbing on everything, has the cutest smile when a camera is pointed in her direction, and loves playing with bubbles – one of her newest words. I enjoy watching her “help Mommy water plants” while sipping on some Bigelow Iced Tea & Lemonade in our little patio. These are the moments I will forever cherish.

Fun facts: Bigelow Tea is All American – 100% American made by an American Family; an American Company for the American consumer and available at an American Retailer – Walmart. Bigelow Tea’s Charleston Tea Plantation is America’s largest working tea garden. I have always wanted to visit Charleston and Bigelow Tea is definitely a spot I don’t want to miss. Guests are invited to the Charleston Tea Plantation for weddings, tours and music festivals – a “tea-riffic” way to experience historic Southern culture and a living piece of American History! Also, almost 4 million bags of tea have been sent to troops overseas with Bigelow’s Tea for Troops Program.

Head to Walmart and grab a few boxes of Bigelow Tea and experiment with flavors, so you can see what you like. I always head to the produce department, because I love fresh fruit mixed in with my iced teas. Be sure to check out more Bigelow Tea flavors and brand history at bigelowtea.com. I’d love to hear your favorite flavor or memories with iced tea! Also, follow Bigelow Tea on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

Iced Tea & Lemonade

Recipe on the back of Bigelow Tea

For a large pitcher:

– Use 3 Bigelow Iced Tea & Lemonade tea bags and submerge in 3 cups of boiling water. Steep for 8 minutes. Squeeze the bags to make sure all the liquid is out, once done steeping.

– Pour the tea into a large pitcher, followed by 9 cups of cold water.

– Place ice cubes and lemon slices in individual glasses and serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh mint.

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Floats #SunsOutSpoonsOut

June 10, 2015

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SunsOutSpoonsOut #CollectiveBias

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Floats from LoveandConfections.com #SunsOutSpoonsOut

Summer is here! We have had some hot weather recently, along with lots of afternoon and evening storms. My family and I like to cool off with a sweet treat – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Floats!

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Floats from LoveandConfections.com

Ice cream and I had a love-hate relationship for a while. During middle school I became lactose-intolerant. I loved ice cream, and dairy in general, but couldn’t eat it. I knew it would make me sick, but ate it anyway. When I became pregnant with #ToddlerLnC, I craved ice cream and frozen yogurt through all nine months. I gave in to my cravings, didn’t get sick, and was able to actually enjoy ice cream after so many years. After #ToddlerLnC was born, I was worried that I would need to give it up again, but somehow my body changed and I can eat it all again. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that I can have a Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Float and not worry about the consequences after.

Root Beer and Cola are the most common float choices out there, but every person in my family likes a different types of soda. Mr. L&C prefers Cream Soda, I like Strawberry, and my Dad likes Orange Soda. We usually have all of our favorites on hand at home, as well as ice cream in the freezer. It’s so easy to make a float for an afternoon snack or fun dessert, especially when we have friends over for barbecue on the weekends. While you’re there, pick up some Blue Bunny Ice Cream at Walmart along with your favorite soda and create a delicious ice cream float for yourself.

Blue Bunny also has some really cute novelty ice creams too. Since #ToddlerLnC isn’t allowed soda, I am able to let her try some of the other Blue Bunny products. #ToddlerLnC is just now learning what ice cream is, and it’s adorable. She has had bites here and there since she turned one, but hadn’t really had any interest in it. We were able to sample some of the Ice Cream Sandwiches the other day at a store demo.

Be sure to check out this list for the next store demo on June 20th, where you can sample some Blue Bunny ice cream too. At home after the demo, I let her try some of my Blue Bunny Mini Swirls Ice Cream Cone and she loved licking the ice cream. They are the perfect little treats for me to share with her.

Gather your ingredients, scoop the ice cream, pour the soda, and enjoy!

Be sure to check out all the flavors at BlueBunny.com. I’d love to hear your favorite Ice Cream Float combination! Follow Blue Bunny on Twitter, Pinterest

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Floats

A Love and Confections original recipe

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Float Ingredients:

– 2-3 scoops Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

– 8-12 ounces Soda, depending on your glass size

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Float Directions:

1. Make sure your soda is chilled at least a few hours before making the floats. Scoop the Ice Cream into each individual glass. Pour the sodas on top of the ice cream – you might have to wait a few minutes for the bubbles to subside before adding more soda. Add a straw and enjoy!

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron Party #AvengersUnite #CollectiveBias

April 24, 2015

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AvengersUnite #CollectiveBias

MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron Party from LoveandConfections.com #AvengersUnite

MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters in one week and I am SO excited for it. Before Toddler L&C was in the picture, I was definitely one of those waiting in line to see a midnight movie on opening night kind of girls. Now, it’s a bit different and I may not get to see the midnight showing, but you better believe I will be there opening weekend.

I wasn’t a big comic book fan growing up, and it wasn’t until Mr. L&C, my then boyfriend, got me hooked on all things MARVEL. He worked at a comic book store, regularly read comics and we shared our love of the MARVEL movies: Iron Man 1, 2 & 3, Thor & Thor: The Dark World, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: The First Avenger & Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Avengers.

To celebrate the upcoming movie, I hosted a MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron party and was able to purchase my party items at Walmart. My friends and I are kids at heart, so they definitely loved dressing up in the MARVEL masks and accessories.

Don’t forget to check out Super Heroes Assemble which is available in the iTunes and Google Play store! With Super Heroes Assemble, turn your phone into a portal to exclusive Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron content. Keep up to date with the latest movie and behind-the-scenes action. Plus, scan Avengers displays at Walmart and Walmart.com to become your favorite Avenger, explore a Hulkbuster training facility in a cool 360 degree interactive space and to bring Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron characters to life with augmented reality.

Even Baby L&C, who wore the Hulk’s signature colors, got in on the fun and loved playing with Thor’s Hammer. Mr. L&C dressed like Captain America, and I wore Iron Man’s signature red and golden yellow colors.

I wanted to create something original for my party and thought a fun backdrop would be great. Mr. L&C and I created a color-blocked wall featuring the MARVEL heroes. We used their signature colors, logos, emblems and pictures and it turned out awesome!

The squares are 12×12 scrapbook paper that I attached print-outs to with double-sided tape. Those squares were then arranged and taped from behind using packing tape. This backdrop is so awesome, I think we are going to keep it hanging up for a while!

Food is always a huge part of my parties – I’m Italian and love to feed people! I used some Avengers party plates and cups we found at Walmart, which went perfectly with all the decorations. We had subs, pasta salad and veggies with hummus. The real treats were the Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cups, Hero Cupcakes, and Hulk Punch.

The dessert cups are perfect for a MARVEL party and can also be used for a patriotic party for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. The Hero Cupcakes were a mix of chocolate and vanilla, and the frosting was colored like Captain America (red, white and blue), Iron Man (red and yellow) and the Hulk (green and purple).

The Hulk Punch had the perfect green glow for my MARVEL party. It tasted delicious and has Ginger Ale, Pineapple Juice and Lime Drink Mix in it.

Most of our friends had seen the Iron Man and Thor movies, so we opted to watch Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Of course, we had to have snack food, so I purchased some Avengers branded Dr. Pepper Cherry, Cheez-Its, Doritos and Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks.

Everyone enjoyed the food and movie. We all can’t wait to see the new MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron in theaters on May 1st!

I have showed you how we are preparing for MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron release with my party plan! What are you planning to do with your friends and family?

Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cups
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe
Yield: 25-30 mini dessert cups

Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cup Ingredients:
– 1-3 ounce box Berry Blue Gelatin Dessert
– 6-8 ounces Whipped Topping
– 1-3 ounce box Cherry Gelatin Dessert
– Plastic Dessert cups

Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cup Directions:
1. Prepare the Berry Blue Gelatin Dessert according to the package directions. Divide it evenly among 25-30 small dessert cups using a small ladle. Let it set in the refrigerator a minimum of 3 hours.
2. Place whipped Topping into a piping bag and pipe a thin layer on top of the solid blue gelatin in the dessert cups. Using a spoon or small offset spatula, smooth the layer so it completely covers the bottom blue layer and there are not holes. Freeze the dessert cups for 1 hour, or until the Whipped Topping is firm.
3. Prepare the Cherry Gelatin Dessert according to the package directions. Carefully divide it evenly among the dessert cups using a small ladle. Let it set in the refrigerator a minimum of 3 hours before serving. Enjoy!

Hulk Punch
Adapted from Betty Crocker
Click here for a printable recipe
recipe can be doubled for larger parties

Hulk Punch Ingredients:
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1 package Lime-Flavored Unsweetened Drink Mix (.13 oz)
– 4 cups warm Water
– 23 ounces Pineapple Juice
– 2 cups chilled Ginger Ale

Hulk Punch Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, stir together the Sugar and Lime Drink Mix. Add in the warm water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add in the Pineapple Juice and Ginger Ale and stir to combine. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving. If necessary, stir again right before serving.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Thank you David, Jessica, Doug, Theresa, Josh, Tyler, Jordan and Laura for joining in on the fun – hope you had a blast celebrating The Avengers with me!

Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate #VanillaWeek

February 6, 2015

Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate is simple to make with minimal ingredients. It is an excellent choice for when it’s cold outside and you need something hot to warm you up.

Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com #VanillaWeek

I can’t believe it’s already day 5 of #VanillaWeek!! I hope you enjoyed my Vanilla Bean Doughnuts, Vanilla Bean Tiramisu, Vanilla Bean Ladyfingers and Vanilla Bean Macarons so far. Today I made everyone’s favorite treat – doughnuts! Don’t forget to head on over to my blog post with all the details for the #VanillaWeek Giveaway! The #VanillaWeek Bloggers and I have some great recipes today, so please head on over to their blogs as well. We hope you join us throughout the rest of the week as we share vanilla recipes that include breakfasts, drinks, desserts and even savory dishes!

Snow is blanketing most of the north, while here in Florida it is in the 60s. While I do love cool weather, I have never lived in an area where it snows, so I don’t know the first thing about it – aside from playing in it on some childhood vacations. I imagine that a lot of people are tired of shoveling, de-icing, commuting to work, etc. That might get my mood down and make me want to just stay inside with a warm fire and hot cup of something delicious.

White Hot Chocolate is definitely one of those go-to treats when the weather gets chilly here. I used to go get my hot chocolate fix from a barista in some shall-not-be-named coffee shop, until I started making my own at home. It is so simple, costs less, and I almost always have all the ingredients on hand.

I decided to amp up the flavor by adding one of my absolute favorite ingredients – Vanilla Bean Paste. I seriously cannot get enough of this stuff! I love seeing all the tiny vanilla seeds spread throughout all the goodies I create. From Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to Pink Vanilla Bean Cupcakes and everything in between, vanilla seeds are amazing. I hope you make yourself a nice hot mug of this delicious hot chocolate, especially if you are snowed in. Sending warm thoughts and don’t forget to enter for our big #VanillaWeek giveaway!

Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe
Yield: 2 mugs

Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate Ingredients:
– 1 & 1/2 cups Half and Half
– 1 cup Whole Milk
– 2 ounces good quality White Chocolate, chopped
– 2 teaspoons Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
– 1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste
– Whipped Cream and Sprinkles, optional

Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the Half and Half and Milk until warm.
2. Add in the White Chocolate, Granulated Sugar and Vanilla Bean Paste. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated.
3. Divide between 2 mugs and top with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Here are more #VanillaWeek Blogger recipes:

Vanilla Pineapple Margaritas from Pineapple and Coconut
Tomato-Basil Soup with Vanilla from Take A Bite Out of Boca
Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate from Love and Confections
Snickerdoodle Waffles from It’s Yummi

Disclosure: Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Bob’s Red Mill, Silpat, Quirk Books and Dixie Crystals/Imperial Sugar are providing the prizes free of charge. These companies are also providing the bloggers with samples and product to use for #VanillaWeek. All opinions stated are my own.

{Spiked} Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea

September 3, 2014

Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea is the perfect drink to cool off in the afternoon. Add some vodka to make this a great happy hour drink!

I am a Southern Girl at heart and sweet tea always hits the spot. If I had a wrap-around porch, you might find me out there in a chair with a tall glass of ice cold sweet tea – especially with the weather we have been having. Pumpkin recipes are popping up all over the internet and the northerners are wishing for more Summer, while here in the South we can’t wait for sweater and boot weather. Just to clarify, in Florida, we break out the sweaters and boots when it gets below 70.

I love plain sweet tea, which is my usual, but sometimes it is fun to try new flavors. I saw this recipe online and thought it would be perfect for #SanibelBeachWeek. Blueberries and Lemon are a great combination and it was perfect with the tea. You can make it as is for the kiddies or make an adult only beverage by adding in some vodka, chilled and straight from the freezer, of course. I hope you get a chance to experiment with some flavored tea as you soak up the last few days of Summer. Enjoy!

{Spiked} Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea
adapted from Southern Living
Click here for a printable recipe

{Spiked} Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea Ingredients:

– 16 ounces frozen Blueberries

– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Lemon Juice

– 4 cups Water

– 2 family-size Tea Bags

– 1 cup extra-fine granulated Sugar

– 4 cups of Ice

– Vodka (optional)

{Spiked} Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the Blueberries and Lemon Juice to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blueberries have softened, broken down, and released their juice.

2. Strain the blueberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer, or sieve, into a pitcher. Discard the solid leftover blueberry skins. Clean the pot and use it to make the tea.

3. In a medium saucepan, boil the 4 cups of Water. Remove from heat and let the Tea Bags steep for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags and then stir in the 1 cup Sugar until it is dissolved. Add the tea into the pitcher and stir the liquids together.

4. Add in 4 cups of Ice and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge.

(If you want to make this an adult beverage, place the amount of vodka you desire into serving glasses with ice and pour the iced tea over it.) Please drink responsibly.

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Don’t forget to check out my other #SanibelBeachWeek recipes and round-ups

Mint Simple Syrup

September 1, 2014

Mint Simple Syrup is a great sweetener for cocktail or cocktails. With little time and effort you can create a great tasting simple syrup too.

I absolutely love mojitos. I am definitely a rum kinda girl. Growing up in Miami, I was highly influenced by all the different cultures around me. I absolutely LOVE Cuban food and there were usually mojitos at all the parties I went to.

I am, however, not a fan of the muddled mojitos with mint leaves. I just don’t like drinking or sipping through a straw and ending up eating mint. I would rather have the flavor than the actual leaves. I love a good classic mojito, but adding different tropical flavors make them even better. Pineapple and Strawberry are my go-to add-ins, and I love creating new mojito recipes

Tomorrow I have a fabulous Guava Mojito on the blog that uses this Mint Simple Syrup, so don’t forget to come back for the recipe. It is definitely going to be a regular in the mojito rotation. Soak up those last Summer rays and enjoy some Mint Simple Syrup in your next cocktail!

Mint Simple Syrup

a Love and Confection original

Click here for a printable recipe

Mint Simple Syrup Ingredients:
– 16 ounces Water
– 16 ounces Granulated Sugar
– 10-15 sprigs Mint, washed and dried

Mint Simple Syrup Directions:

1. Heat Water and Sugar in a medium sauce pan until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
2. Take the pan off the heat and add in the Mint and with a spoon, submerge it into the syrup. Cover with a lid and let it steep until the syrup comes to room temperature.
3. Discard Mint and store the Mint Simple Syrup in mason jar(s) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Don’t forget to check out my other #SanibelBeachWeek recipes and round-ups

Cocktail Round-Up 1

Cocktail Round-Up 2

Strawberry, Pineapple and Banana Smoothie

April 17, 2014

A few of my Food Blogging Friends have posted some great looking smoothies recently and it totally got me in the smoothie mood. I hadn’t made any since Baby L&C was born because I didn’t know how she would react to a blender – turns out that kid can sleep through anything: vacuum, blender, people upstairs who sound like a herd of elephants…

The Lemon Bowl’s Chocolate Espresso Protein Smoothie and Aggie’s Kitchen’s Fruity Kefir Smoothie had me wanting to whip up and slurp down a cold, refreshing smoothie. I hadn’t planned ahead for smoothie-making, so I was lucky that I had a few ingredients on hand. Next time I make a trip to the store I am definitely going to get some great produce for smoothies!

Strawberry, Pineapple and Banana Smoothie
a Love and Confections original

Strawberry, Pineapple and Banana Smoothie Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup Pear Juice (any juice will work)
– 100 grams fresh Pineapple
– 100 grams Strawberries (if using frozen let them thaw)
– 1 very ripe Banana
– Ice (optional)

Strawberry, Pineapple and Banana Smoothie Directions:
– Place ingredients in blender, and blend until smooth. I did not use ice because I didn’t want to chance waking up the baby. My blender is pretty loud with ice and doesn’t crush it all the way.
– Pour into a glass with a fun straw and enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Simple Syrup

July 29, 2011

A staple in every kitchen should be Simple Syrup, also known as liquid sugar simple syrup or bar syrup. It is made by stirring granulated sugar and water in a sauce pan until the sugar dissolves. The liquid is then cooled and can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The ratio of sugar to water is 1:1, and sometimes up to 2:1 – I personally use the 1:1 ratio when I make it.

Simple syrup can be used to sweeten drinks – like sweet tea, juices, and alcoholic beverages -, moisten cakes, candying fruits, and many more culinary applications. Simple syrup can also be flavored with ingredients such as vanilla beans, mint, basil, coffee, etc. The flavor possibilities are endless.

Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup Ingredients:
– 16 ounces Sugar
– 16 ounces Water

Simple Syrup Directions:
1. Combine Sugar and Water in sauce pan. Stir and place over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally while the sugar dissolves in the water.
3. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat and let it come to room temperature before using
4. If not using immediately, place in airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake before use.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Watermelon Scented Water

July 28, 2011

Watermelon and water combine for a refreshing and delicious way to get your daily water requirement!

Watermelon Scented Water from LoveandConfections.com

Summer is here and watermelons are abundant. I can’t recall a backyard barbecue where we didn’t have fresh slices of watermelon. Nowadays, I try to get more than the recommended 8 glasses of water a day, but sometimes I am craving a sweet drink. This Watermelon Scented Water definitely curbs my cravings.

The watermelon infuses the water and gives it a slightly sweet, and glorious Summer taste. It’s so easy to create delicious combinations of flavored water, like my Cucumber Mint Water and Blueberry Lemon Water.

Try and make your own fruit flavored water – it is refreshing and invigoration, especially if you are used to sodas or other types of beverages. I love brightening water up with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. There are hundreds of combinations to try, and they all make drinking water more fun and delicious.

Watermelon Scented Water
from Love & Confections

Watermelon Scented Water Ingredients:
– 2 cups Seedless Watermelon, cubed
– 4 cups Water

Watermelon Scented Water Directions:
1. Place Watermelon in pitcher and cover with Water.
2. Let it sit a few hours in the refrigerator before drinking – so the water gets all the nice watermelon flavor.

Until next time
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!