Orange Julius... with Banana!

I saw a recipe for Orange Julius and it caught my attention. Then she went and added a banana and I figured I could pass it off as health food for my kids! So I decided I'd whip up a batch one evening after supper. I made Jeremiah a modified version first with coconut milk. Then I made the rest for the boys and I to share.

It was good, but very strong. I had a hard time knowing exact amounts since I did just guess on how much I used for Jeremiah. A few things I will change next time...

- Maybe add a little more milk or ice. The orange juice concentrate was very strong and overpowering, which is obviously delicious. But I wouldn't mind making it stretch a little further so we could have more servings and maybe not quite as strong a taste.

- I will either eliminate or greatly reduce the vanilla. It seemed a little overpowering and unnecessary. **updated 4/20 -- just made them without the vanilla. I liked them WAY better. Only enough leftover to make 3 Popsicles this time!*

The boys and I each got to drink some and I was able to make popsicles (like she suggested) with the rest. I got 6 which was perfect for my little popsicle container. With the strong orange flavor I actually preferred them as popsicles over drinking. This is a recipe I feel is worth tweaking and making great for our tastes this summer! Maybe you will try it too!

Find the recipe by clicking here --> Six Sisters Stuff.

Zeke enjoying a popsicle! 

Yummy! 

The handoff -- look at that concentration from both boys... "Don't drop it!" 

"Hmm, this is pretty good!" 

"But cold!" 

"It hurts! But I want more... "

Yay for popsicles! 

To life... full of fruity summer foods!

Herbal Iced Tea

I picked up the Barefoot Contessa cookbook from the library a week or two ago. There were several recipes that looked good, but this one was chosen to try first. I am not a big tea drinker -- at all! But Jeremiah likes tea and I do like to find beverages that I could have in my arsenal for guests as well. We gave this one a try and for me, it was just ok. But if you like tea, you may really enjoy this one. I will probably make it from time to time when we have guests come over who I know will enjoy it too. But I probably won't make it just for myself.

Herbal Iced Tea 
        from the Barefoot Contessa 

4 Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger tea bags
4 Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger tea bags
4 cups pure apple juice (*She uses Martinelli's pure apple juice; I used the store brand :o) )

Steep the 8 tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Discard the tea bags. Combine the tea with the apple juice and refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice. Serves 6-8.

P.S. It is also caffeine free!

To life... full of fun, summery drinks!