Oh,Yum! Mint Julep Recipe

Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby. My husband and I love watching it on TV. All of the excitement leading up the race is fun too. The history is so interesting, the horses are beautiful, and so are the people! And those hats and fascinators! We joined in the festive vibe by making ourselves a Mint Julep! Yum! They are easy to make, too.

Mint Julep, You will need:

• Bourbon
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Crushed Ice
• Simple Syrup

1. Muddle 4-5 mint leaves with 1/2-1oz simple syrup in a Julep Cup
2. Add 2.5 oz Bourbon
3. Fill with crushed ice
4. Garnish with a mint sprig

And here is my favorite Simple Syrup Recipe using honey instead of sugar. I rarely eat sugar, so honey or maple syrup is usually my sweetener of choice. If you choose sugar or maple syrup, the proportions are the same.

Simple Syrup, you will need equal parts:

• Honey (Local is the best!)
• Water 

Add equal parts honey and water to a small sauce pan. Heat on med/low heat, until combined. Let cool before using. Store for up to a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

No-Bake, Chocolate, Almond Clusters With Coconut and Sea Salt! And they are Gluten Free and Vegan too!

I have an auto-immune disease that has made me allergic and or sensitive to a pretty long list of foods. I'm allergic to egg whites.Yep, just the whites, but I avoid eggs altogether. I'm sensitive to processed cane sugar, and I was also diagnosed through a blood test, with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. I get as sick from consuming gluten as a person with Celiac disease. Ugh! So, for years, I have avoided almost all deserts. I now know there are many options that are allergy-free, so it sure is fun to occasionally indulge in something sweet again!

These no-bake yummies are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy free (I also avoid soy), and vegan. (no dairy or eggs) They taste much like an Almond Joy bar! Yum! They are also delicious with other nuts and even with roasted sunflower seeds! 

With only three ingredients and a microwave, these are the easiest candies to make ever! My microwave has since died and so now I melt my chocolate chips in a double boiler - still easy!

Ingredients

• 1 Bag chocolate chips, For guaranteed gluten and dairy free, use allergy-free chips (see my favorite brand at the bottom of this post)
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
• Optional - sea salt

Directions

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. If using stove-top method, melt in a double boiler or a glass bowl on top of a pot of boiling water.


Stir in almonds and coconut.

Spoon approximately tablespoon-size drops onto a parchment paper-lined sheet pan. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cool in fridge until hard and set.

This is my favorite allergy-friendly brand of chocolate chips. 

So Yummy and Healthy too!

Enjoy!!!