Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Posted by Naomi Gabay

We focus a LOT on alcoholic cocktails on "Living Today." But why should drinkers have all the fun? Kids, pregnant women, designated drivers and those who choose to not drink should have tasty beverage options too! Today, Natalie Bovis-Nelsen shared some of her favorite non-alcoholic cocktails, or as she calls them, Preggatinis. Enjoy some with your family and friends this Fourth of July weekend!

All recipes all excerpted from "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be."
Photo credit for all images: Claire Barrett

Watermelon Cooler
Ingredients:
4 ounces freshly juiced watermelon juice
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1 heaping teaspoon powdered sugar
6 leaves mint
2 ounces lemon lime soda
Lemonade ice cubes
Watermelon wedge

Directions:
1. Muddle mint, sugar and lemon juice in the bottom of a tall glass. Fill with lemonade ice cubes, add watermelon juice and top with soda water. Garnish with the watermelon wedge.

SEE MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES

Simple and Light Summer Desserts

Posted by Mario Bosquez

Every Thursday is "Baking Day" on Living Today -- last week, Revital Melech, a pastry chef from Bar Artisanal, joined us in the studio.

Chef Melech did a wonderful job of teaching us some pastry tips and techniques. The chef says when entertaining, smaller portions are best instead of larger baked goods.

For example, bite-sized cookies and  tartlets go a long way in satisfying summer appetites. Some of Chef Melech's suggestions are creme brulees topped with in-season summer fruit such as raspberries and blackberries.

The chef also suggests hosting a lunch or dinner that features heavier courses with a lighter dessert.

Chef Melech treated us to a wonderful recipe for beignets served in paper cones. The beignets are surprisingly light. What a way to end a summer dinner!

What's your favorite summer indulgence?

GET THE BEIGNETS RECIPES AFTER THE JUMP

Fruit & Veggies for 4th of July Weekend

Posted by Lisa Mantineo

It's a holiday weekend, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy our fruits and veggies. This week Betsy has picked out some dishes and a drink you can have fun with, while celebrating the Fourth of July. Cool off with a refreshing Blackberry Crush or toss together a Spicy Corn and Peppers side. You can even make a unique Mexican treat: Burritos with Squash and Goat Cheese.

For new listeners: If you're interested in making your meals a little healthier by using more fruits and vegetables, then you might want to sign up for our Fruit and Vegetable Challenge. The goal of the program is to incorporate more produce into your busy schedule. If you want more info on the challenge, read our first post about it.

Don't forget: Keep track of the amount of servings you are eating throughout the week. Simply email us -- everydayfoodradio@yahoo.com on Thursday night with the fruits and vegetables you've consumed and the number of servings per day.

Blackberry Crush
Spicy Corn and Peppers
Burritos with Squash and Goat Cheese

SEE MORE RECIPES FROM PREVIOUS FRUIT AND VEGGIE CHALLENGES:

What we discovered at the Fancy Food Show.

Posted by Jennifer Sendrow

The Summer Fancy Food Show presents the opportunity to check out more than 250,000 products from around the world. Here’s a small taste of what was on display.

Exhibitors came from all over the US and over a dozen other countries to show off their products.

This blue juice is made from blue corn, and it's apparently quite popular in Peru.

Morroccan olives came in many shapes, sizes, and flavors.

The founder of Bacon Salt thinks everything should taste - and look like bacon.

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Everyday Food's Sandwich Day Party

Posted by Lisa Mantineo

In honor of the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, we decided to start our celebration early with a special Independence "Sandwich" Day Soiree.

Sandy stopped by her local butcher, the East Village Meat Market, to pick up veal knockwurst -- the main ingredient for our sandwiches.

I was in charge of bringing the rolls and the condiments. Along with the traditional ketchup and mustard, I also snuck in a jar of peanut butter (one of my favorite things to put on hot dogs)!

Sandy also made some of the traditional side dishes and fixings her family enjoys on the Fourth of July. She made a delicious potato salad and to-die-for baked beans. She also whipped up a special onion mixture for our engineer Shavon to enjoy on her sandwich.

GET THE RECIPES AFTER THE JUMP