Strawberry Lime Soda Slushy...

 

I'm a Fall kinda-girl, but after living in the PacNorWest for almost a year now, I am soooo ready for Spring, and Summer, for that matter!

The birds are starting to chirp, I'm seeing baby lambs and calves around and about, and THE SUN IS SHINNING!

Hallelujah!

Whatever season, I love incorporating those ingredients into my recipes, and because I'm so excited for warmer weather, I decided to incorporate strawberries and lime into a recipe.

When I think of warmer weather, I think of slushy-like drinks and refreshing drinks. This drink is just that!

There is a sweetness from the strawberries and the lime will certainly quench your thirst. Another great tidbit about this slushy is that it only has 4 ingredients!

What foods or drinks do you like to make/eat/drink in warmer weather?

Please ponder, while sipping on one of these slushies...


Strawberry Lime Soda Slushy

• 16 oz Frozen Container of Sliced Sweetened Strawberries, Thawed
• 1 Lime, Zested and Juiced, Plus Lime Wedges
• 1 Cup Lime Soda
• 2 Cups of Ice Cubes

In a small heavy duty saucepan, combine the strawberries, lime zest and juice. Cook on medium low heat and bring to a boil, lower the heat as needed. Once the mixture has reduced down to about half of what you started with, and has thickened a bit, remove from the heat and cool. Makes about a cup of syrup.

To make the soda slushies, add the strawberry lime syrup, the lime soda, and ice cubes to a blender. Blend on high until well combined. Pour into cups, and using one lime wedge per cup, squeeze the lime juice into the slushy and stir. Makes about 4 cups.

*If you want it even slushier, add more ice to the blender. 

Enjoy!

I'm sharing this post on I'm Lovin' It!

Lime Cupcakes with Maraschino Cherry Frosting...

 

We're down to wire over here. With our upcoming move, of course.

First Communion... check.
Shipped vehicle... check.
Done planning birthday parties... well, almost.
Clean out house and donate/sell/throw-out items we no longer need... kind of.

To procrastinate I thought I'd make some cupcakes. I like procrastinating....... especially when I am over whelmed.

P.S. I heart planning parties and keeping an uncluttered home, but I'm definitely feeling the rush to get things done.... like... NOW!

So, to help wind down and think things out, I bake. Call me the crazy that I am. Truly, I will not be offended.

After this wonderful therapeutic baking session, I'm back to finishing what I've started!

Lime Cupcakes with Maraschino Cherry Frosting

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 Box (1lb 5 Oz.) Classic White Cake Mix, Plus Ingredients Listed On Back
• 1/3 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice (About 3 Limes)
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Zest (About 1 Lime)

For the Lime Glaze:

• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, Sifted
• Juice Of 1 Lime
• 2 Tablespoons Half & Half

For the Maraschino Frosting:

• 2 Sticks Of Salted Butter, Softened
• 4-5 Tablespoons Of Maraschino Cherry Juice (From The Jar), Room Temperature
• 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 Pound Powdered Sugar, Sifted
• 24-26 Maraschino Cherries, For Garnish and/or Lime Slices (Optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).

Line 2 cupcake/muffin pans with cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, mix the boxed cake mix and listed ingredients together. Add the lime juice and lime zest. Mix to combine, while scrapping down the sides to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated. Divide the batter evenly between the lined cupcake pans. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until done. Cool completely.

Using a small bowl, whisk the lime juice and half & half into the powdered sugar. Dollop about half a teaspoon onto the top of each cupcake, spreading evenly in a circular motion, using the back of a spoon. Let the glaze set, about an hour before frosting.

In a medium/large bowl cream the butter, maraschino cherry juice, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar in small amounts until incorporated. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a decorative tip and pipe onto the glazed cupcakes. Place a maraschino cherry and/or lime on top for garnish. Makes 24-26 cupcakes.

Enjoy!

I'm linking this post up to I'm Lovin' It.