@Torani in My Cup

SheSpeaks has once again partnered with Torani syrups to spread the word about it's flavored syrups. Selected bloggers, including myself, were sent two bottles of Torani and challenged to create recipes. Last year I was thrilled to be a part of the program and was excited this year when selected again.

This time I time around I received Salted Caramel and Peppermint. I was really eager to try the Salted Caramel. The bloggers who had previously tried it raved about the flavor. Peppermint had me a little nervous. While I knew using the syrup in coffee was an obvious go-to, I am not really a fan of peppermint in my coffee. It's not bad but it's not really my thing. I had tried the peppermint in my tea and loved sipping the concoction while winding down from the day but wanted to be a little more exotic.

Peppermint Torani was like a mystery. I really struggled to think of ways to enjoy it and just when I thought I was going to gift the bottle to a friend, someone suggested adding it to a mixed drink. After asking friends for ideas I hit the web and library for recipe inspiration. The results were nothing that spoke to me but a clerk at a store suggested a flavored vodka mixed with the peppermint. I added my favorite soft drink and the Peppermint Vanilla Pepsi vodka was born!

For this recipe I used
one half can of Pepsi Max
A tablespoon of Peppermint Torani
A shot of Vanilla vodka
ice

The drink was smooth and tasty, not too heavy with alcohol and made for a nice cocktail at the end of a crazy day.

Added a shot and Yum!

 

 My festive cup!

 

 

As for the Salted Caramel...I have to be honest.  I have not tried it in anything other than my coffee; it is so delicious! I have been using salted cramel daily in my coffee along with soy milk. Because the Salted Caramel is sweeter than a tad sweet I have not used any additional sugar in my coffee and have found that flavored creamers make the drink too sweet for my tastes. However I am totally enjoying the coffeehouse expereince in my own kitchen!

 

I have been using a French Roast and add 2 teaspoons of salted caramel and soy milk.

My daughter has been enjoying my coffee and I have been sharing decaf blends with her.

 

Today I splurged and added whipped cream and wow!

My mornings are a little lazier with a cuppa that I can make in my own kitchen!



 

 

 

About Torani:
Since 1925, 3rd generation family-owned Torani has been crafting great tasting flavored syrups that coffeehouses use to make their flavored drinks taste so delicious. With over 120 flavors in Regular and Sugar Free varieties, Torani flavored syrups are perfect for flavored lattes, mochas, coffees, cocoas, Italian sodas, teas, lemonades, cocktails and smoothies. Coffeehouse professionals choose Torani flavors because they are expertly crafted and made with the highest quality ingredients, like natural flavors and pure cane sugar. The Sugar Free flavors have no calories and are sweetened with Splenda. Now, Torani flavored syrups are widely available at retail so you can easily create authentic coffeehouse quality drinks at home.

Want to try it yourself?
SheSpeaks and Torani are offering a 10% off coupon! Click here to get one.



Did you try Torani?
Share your blog posts here!





r's note: I was sent two 750ml bottles of Torani Syrups plus a recipe booklet, 5 coupons for $1 off your next Torani purchase but all opinions are my own.

Wine Down and @EnjoyArborMist

One of my 101 in 1001 days is to learn more about wine and to explore other drink options. I'm not a drinker; when I go out with friends I am often ordering a soft drink. While there is nothing wrong with a cola I am interested in learning the differences between Merlot and Chardonnay and how to pair a fine wine with a fine meal. SheSpeaks sent me Arbor Mist frozen wine to to try and I must say that I've found a great way to ease out of soft drinks and into a more mature beverage.

I was sent three flavors to try: Pinot Grigio White Pear, White Zinfandel Strawberry and Merlot Blackberry.

To best enjoy, the pouches should be frozen for at least five hours. I found that if I took one out it was best if I let it sit for a few minutes and thaw a bit before pouring. Each pouch contains ten ounces which roughly filled one glass (I don't have wine glasses).


My favorite flavor is the Pinot Grigio White Pear. The flavor satisfies the sweet I seek from soft drinks and the flavor is light and not overly filling. The alcohol content is about 6 % so I did not have a sluggish feeling the next day or that dragging feeling that usually plagues me when I have had alcohol in the past.

When I shared the Arbor Mist with my mom, she revealed that she has been sipping these all summer and I can see why she enjoys them so. These light drinks are refreshing on a warm summer evening and also makes for a perfect dessert option.

To learn more about Arbor Mist and find out where you can purchase your own frozen cocktails, visit them online at Arbor Mist or check out their Facebook Page.

Drink responsibly and enjoy!,
-r





r's note: This post is intended for mature audiences. Please drink responsibly. Also, in the spirit of disclosure, I was sent free sample of Arbor Mist from SheSpeaks. All Aopinions are my own.

A Taste of Chocolate

As a member of the SheSpeaks blogging society I was invited to try out Ghiradella Chocolates Milk and Truffle chocolates. I consider myself a chocolate snob; I love all things chocolate and expect whatever I am buying to taste good.

The Milk and Truffle variety is the newest flavor offered by Ghiradelli. On the company web site, this product is described as the perfect combination of creamy milk chocolate and decadent truffle filling and this is no exaggeration. One square provided a rich serving of premium chocolate and a light filling.

I tried the chocolate at room temperature and frozen and they both were a wonderful treat. This chocolate is to be savored and slowly enjoyed, a treat for your mouth.

I (reluctantly) shared with my niece and my bloke. My niece said she enjoyed the chocolate but felt it was a bit more expensive than what she normally ate. She said she would buy it and was happy to have the offer of a coupon. My bloke really enjoyed the chocolate and declared that he may ONLY buy Ghiradelli from now on.

My thoughts...this is some delicious chocolate and if one is to treat herself, why not have the best? Along with my sample I was given two coupons to share and will pass on this mouth watering experience to a few chocolate loving friends.

Ghirdelli is available online or at local stores like Target or Wal-mart. I spied some today at a Rite-Aid and am looking forward to the next time I am able to treat myself.

After the first taste...YUM!

My niece trying it out.
She liked it!

But you don't have to take my word! Check out Ghiradelli at local stores or check out their site online.
Savoring my treat,
-r



r's note: Disclaimer: I received a sample bag of the new Ghirardelli flavor courtesy of shespeaks.com and Ghirardelli in exchange for an honest review on this blog. The opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and have not been influenced by any third party or shespeaks.com. Any additional compensation I may receive has not and will not influence my opinion reflected in the blog entries.

Tide, a Laundry Story

Or: Brrr! It cold in the washer!


Convincing my mom to wash clothes in cold water took some doing. She is from the school that white clothes are not clean unless they are washed in hot water. This may or may not include delicates and special care items. My mom volunteered to try a load of clothes using Tide Coldwater despite her misgiving about the use of cold water. We loaded up the laundry and below are her thoughts.

If my mom is all about the switch, consider it for yourself. Click on the link below to learn more information about Tide Coldwater and learn more about going cold.








r's note: I was given a sample of Tide Coldwater and a gift card from SheSpeaks/Tide but all opinions are my own.