Summer is officially here! Woot! 4th of July celebrations are coming up fast! It’s my favorite time of year for inviting over friends and neighbors for some grilling bbq fun.

Here’s a finger-lickin’ barbecue recipe for your next cookout. You don’t have to be a pitmaster to make this easy recipe for Chili-Glazed Beef Ribs courtesy of Tabasco.

The ribs get their kick from the combination of tangy chili sauce, sweet molasses and original Tabasco pepper sauce. Yum! Just the photo is enough to make my mouth water!

CHILI-GLAZED BEEF RIBS

4 pounds beef back ribs*
4 teaspoons original Tabasco® brand pepper sauce, divided
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Brush ribs with 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce. Place in large roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil; bake 1 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine chili sauce, molasses, vinegar, brown sugar, remaining 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce and salt. Heat to a boil, over high heat; reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered about 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Preheat grill to medium-low, over indirect heat. Brush ribs on both sides with sauce. Place ribs on grill; meat-side down. Cover and continue cooking 15 minutes. Turn ribs over; brush with more sauce. Cook 15 minutes longer, or until ribs are tender. Serve ribs with grilled bell peppers, if desired.

Serves 6.

*If you prefer, substitute one 4-pound slab pork spare ribs in place of beef ribs. Prepare as above.

I’ll be back with the recipe for my brother in law’s famous (at least in our family), and delicous bbq ribs!

Toast fathers everywhere with these refreshing summer cocktails courtesy of Tommy Bahama Rum.

Rum a part of our history, that goes back to our founding fathers. When celebrating his inauguration in 1789, founding father George Washington not only demanded that barrels of rum be present to celebrate.

From Tommy Bahama:

Made in Barbados at the legendary R. L. Seale Distillery, Tommy Bahama Rum’s two delightfully distinct flavors, Tommy Bahama White Sand and Tommy Bahama Golden Sun, are both made with the finest blackstrap molasses and the cleanest, clearest water naturally filtered through coral stone. Tommy Bahama Rums are fermented using specially selected yeast imported from the wine-growing regions of South Africa.

Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum is aged a minimum of two years in American white oak barrels. A clear, light-bodied rum, White Sand has a smooth entry and clean finish with hints of tangy, tropical fruit. Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum is a blend of rums aged up to ten years in American white oak barrels. A full-bodied, amber rum, Golden Sun has an elegant, fruity nose and a taste nuanced with hints of coffee, roasted nuts, and sweet pralines. Tommy Bahama Rums have no added sugar or artificial blenders.

Toast our fathers – past and present with these refreshing Tommy Bahama Rum cocktails:

Corn n’ Oil (Authentic Drink of Barbados and favorite of Master Distiller Richard Seale’s Father)

• 2 parts Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum
• 2 parts Velvet Falernum
• Dash of bitters

Shake and pour all ingredients over crushed ice into a rocks glass.

Golden Tea

• 2½ parts Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum
• 1 part St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• Sweet tea

In a tall cocktail glass filled with ice combine rum and elderflower liqueur. Top with sweet tea and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Caselle – Created by Allen Katz

• 2 parts Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part Sweet Vermouth

Shake ingredients over ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass ¾ filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

Flat Bottom Punch – Created by Allen Katz

• 1 part Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum
• 1 part JC Cognac
• ½ part Fresh Orange Juice
• 1 part Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ part Simple Syrup
• 1 Egg White

Shake ingredients over ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange and lime twists.

A good aged bottle of rum can also make a wonderful Father’s Day gift!

Are you a soccer fan? World Cup soccer (or football in the rest of the world)  kicks off this Friday in South Africa! Blue Ice American Vodka sent me a full  menu of colorful cocktails celebrating this years events. The cocktails feature spirits from the countries of this year’s most talked about contenders.

I plan to check out the action even though the odds of the American team pulling out a World Cup victory are 65-1 it’s still fun to get decked out in the red white and blue to cheer them on.

In America’s first match against favored England, toast to an underdog victory with the Blue ‘Under’ Dog Martini from Blue Ice American Vodka.

Blue ‘Under’ Dog Martini

• 1 ½ oz. Blue Ice American Vodka ($20)
• 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• Dash of Falernum
• Kosher salt
• Lime squeeze

Shake ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with kosher salt. Add a squeeze of lime.

The past four World Cups, Mexico has made it through the first round. Whether or not they make it through this year, your first round of margaritas with Mexico’s Oro Azul Blanco Tequila will have you cheering for rounds two and three.

Viva Mexico!

• 2 oz. Oro Azul Blanco Tequila ($25)
• ½ oz. orange liqueur
• ½ oz. agave nectar
• Juice from two squeezed limes
• Salt

Moisten rim of martini glass with lime wedge and dip into salt. Shake ingredients with crushed ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain in a martini glass over ice cubes. Garnish with a lime wedge.

France’s 2006 loss in the World Cup Final to Italy has not yet been forgotten, nor has the controversy of star player, Zidane’s infamous headbutt, which earned him an ejection in the last remaining minutes of that final match. With this year’s French squad burning to avenge last year’s defeat, join in on the French fury with a firey, orange-hued saffron gin and tonic from famed French distiller, Gabriel Boudier.

French Revenge

• 1 ½ oz. Gabriel Boudier Saffron Infused Gin ($30)
• 4 oz. Tonic water
• Orange wedge

Build the gin and tonic water over ice in a Collins glass. Stir well. Garnish with an orange wedge.
Although he has proved himself an outstanding athlete in the soccer sphere, former World Player of the Year and Portugal’s star player, Cristiano Ronaldo has been making more news lately for his Hollywood good looks off the field than his abilities on the field. For Portugal’s June 15th first round match against the Ivory Coast, pair up this Portuguese eye candy with an equally sweet Dow’s Port cocktail. It’s a win-win situation.

Sweet Victory

• 3 oz. Dow’s Trademark Reserve Port ($21)
• 1 oz. Germain-Robin Fine Brandy
• 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 slice lemon

Shake all ingredients (except Port) with ice and strain into a Collins glass over ice cubes. Top with port, add the slice of lemon, and serve.

Do you have a World Cup favorite this year? Will you be cheering on your favorite team?

I have a yummy summer grilling recipe today that would be the perfect addition to the menu for your Father’s Day cookout. This delicious recipe is courtesy of Tabasco.

This is truly a no-fuss recipe combining classic barbecue flavors with a touch of heat with the Tabasco sauce. The results are a tasty tribute to dad. I don’t know about your house, but at our house we always have at least one bottle of Tabasco hanging out in the fridge for just such an occasion.

Spicy Barbecued Pork Loin

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon original Tabasco® brand pepper sauce
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (2-pound) boneless pork loin, about 6-inches long

Preheat oven 350° F.

Heat oil in small 2-quart saucepan over medium heat; add onion; cook about 5 minutes or until softened. Add ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Tabasco sauce and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside ½ cup sauce.

Rub outside of pork roast with ½ teaspoon salt. Place in roasting pan; top with sauce mixture to cover completely. Cover pan tightly with foil and cook 1 hour.
Meanwhile, preheat grill to medium. Place pork on grill; cook, covered 30 minutes, turning frequently, and brushing with reserved sauce until meat thermometer reaches 160° F.

Serves 8.

Serving Suggestion: Sautéed green beans and sliced red onion; toss with cooked, crumbled bacon.

Leftover Suggestion: Slice leftover pork; place on rye bread; top with deli sliced ham, sliced Swiss cheese, pickle slices, mustard and rye bread slice. Press in a pannini machine until sandwich is golden and cheese is melted.

Do you celebrate Cinco De Mayo at your house? We don’t have a huge celebration here, but we do usually try to head out to our favorite Mexican restaurant, or make a few Mexican favorites here at home. I have a couple new recipes I think I might try for our Cinco De Mayo celebration this year, including this recipe from Mission Foods.

Baked Chipotle Chicken Flautas

Serving Size: 5

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast meat
• 1 (10) ounce can of reduced-fat & sodium cream of chicken soup
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 (4) ounce can of diced green chile peppers, undrained
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 10 Mission small flour tortillas
• 2 teaspoons canola oil mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of ground chipotle pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Mix all above ingredients (except flour tortillas, canola oil, and ground chipotle pepper) in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium heat until hot. Remove from heat.
3. Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along the edge of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla up more tight than loose. Put a toothpick through the middle of the flauta to hold in place. Place on a sprayed large baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the canola oil and ground chipotle pepper.

Lightly brush the flautas with the oil mixture. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Cool. Remove toothpicks and slice each flauta on the diagonal. Transfer on your favorite fiesta platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with low-fat sour cream and salsa.

I’m a fan of any recipe with cilantro in it. I think I’m a cilantro addict! I can’t wait until I’m snipping it fresh from the garden again in a few weeks.

Here’s a fun spring treat idea you can make with your family! These Rice Krispies Treats® are also perfect for welcoming the warm weather of spring and summer.

Rice Krispies Treats® are so darn easy to make, and who doesn’t like them? I love the commercial when the lady sprinkles flour on her face so it makes her look like she’s spent hours in the kitchen when she brings out her Krispy treats.

Your kids will love helping you make and decorate these delicious spring treats. You can wrap them up for a spring party, or a garden tea. They’d also be fabulous for a Mother’s Day brunch.

Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® Springtime Flowers
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows – or – 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies®
Canned frosting
Assorted candies

How to make it:

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into flower shapes. Decorate with frosting and/or candies. Best if served the same day.

Microwave Rice Krispy Treat Directions:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

Special Notes

• For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
• 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.
• Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
• Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container.
• To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Kellogg’s has reduced the sodium content of Rice Krispies to meet current consumer flavor- and nutrition-preferences. Rice Krispies Treats made with the lower sodium cereal taste great without any added salt, but, if you desire, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the butter before melting. Continue with recipe as directed.

Make them for treats for grandmas, aunts, mother in laws, and good friends for a special homemade Mother’s Day treat.

Image and recipe courtesy of Kellogg’s

Today I have some spring inspired bouquets and centerpieces for you to check out. When you think of flowers for spring, you immediately think pastels.

This spring, I want to challenge you to think outside the box, and take a look at these beautiful springtime bouquets and centerpieces from Minoo Hersini, Creative Director at Au Ciel Design Studio.

For me nothing says spring like green. These arrangements feature lively yellows, greens, whites and cream colors. Don’t be afraid to switch it up and be unique when you’re planning your spring bouquets!

One thing I love to include in my centerpieces is the unexpected, like fruits and vegetables, or herbs. Don’t forget you can add some of these elements into your spring or Easter arrangements.

Bringing in a little sunshine in a vase can definitely brighten a rainy spring day.

I could see several of these as fabulous Easter table centerpieces, for an Easter brunch.

Hopefully these lovely centerpieces will inspire you with ideas to create your own spring arrangements. You can check out more of Minoo Hersini’s spring decorating ideas at Au Ciel Design Studio.

I absolutely love the Lenox Peeps Easter Collection! My favorite piece is this Lenox PEEPS Easter Basket. Aren’t those Bunny Peeps peeking over the edge sooo cute?
The basket would be fabulous as an Easter table centerpiece, along with this Lenox PEEPS Bunny and Chick Salt & Pepper Set.

Both the Lenox Peeps Basket and the Lenox Peeps Salt and Pepper set are hand painted, and constructed from Lenox fine china. Both also feature 24-carat gold rimming for an extra special touch.

Give your Easter party a whole Peeps theme. Use some Peeps for cupcake toppers, dip a few in chocolate, or make some Peep s’mores for your guests.

It’s fall party season, so today I thought I’d share a fun recipe from Diamond Nuts, and Pop Secret that would be great for fall parties. I think these popcorn buckets are really a cute idea! You can change the container, and the color of the tissue paper and you can use this for any party theme.

This recipe is from Chef Tina Salter, a cookbook author and creator of exclusive recipes for Diamond Foods. You can find more recipes for easy entertaining at the Feed Your Fingers website.

Spicy Maple Bacon, Pop Secret Homestyle Popcorn with Diamond Almonds
Makes about 7 c.

• 6 c. Pop Secret Homestyle Popcorn, popped
• 12/3 c. (6 oz.) Diamond Sliced Almonds
• 1 t. chipotle chile powder
• 1/4 c. maple syrup
• 3/4 c. bacon bits
• 1/4 c. chopped Italian parsley
• 1/2 t. sea salt crystals

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread Diamond Sliced Almonds on a large baking sheet. Toast, stirring occasionally, about 8 mins.
3. In a large bowl, combine the toasted almonds, Pop Secret Homestyle Popcorn and chipotle chile powder; toss well.
4. Add the maple syrup; toss again. Transfer the mixture to baking sheet; bake, stirring occasionally, until dry and toasty, about 20 mins.
5. In a large serving bowl, combine nut and popcorn mixture, bacon bits, parsley and salt; toss well. Serve immediately.

Image and recipe fromDiamond Foods

Just because the days are getting shorter, it doesn’t mean you have to move the party indoors. Fall is a great time to have an outdoor party. Kids love hay rides, bonfires, scavenger hunts, wiener roasts, and haunted houses.

I thought I’d put together a few outdoor lighting ideas for your fall party.

Autumn Leaves Paper String Lights are a great festive and decorative item for adding color and light to a fall or autumn party. Each string light has 10 lanterns, each made from molded paper to recreate autumn leaves.

This Set of 3 Paper Jack-O-Lanterns make for great Halloween lighting decorations, hang them indoors or outdoors. Each set of 3 includes a large (19.75″diam), medium (17.75″diam) and small (15.75″diam) lantern. Each lantern is made of paper with wire frame construction.

Decorate and light your garden or deck with these Bamboo String Lights. The natural tones will add a touch of uniqueness and understated elegance to any space. It comes with ten dyed bamboo lanterns and a white cord with end-to-end plugs.

This beautiful Set of 10 Multicolor Accordion Paper Lantern String Lights will go great with fall color, and add a splash of color of their own. These paper lantern string lights come in a boxed set including ten accordion shaped paper lanterns in a variety of colors. Each accordion paper lantern features a floral print bottom with a hanging tassel.