Thursday, May 31, 2012

Lemon Cream Pie Martini

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR RECIPE

Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  I love sweet cocktails in the summer.  My favorites are of course drinks that are inspired by my favorite desserts.  It is no surprise (I am sure) that I love lemon cream pie.  I say it is no surprise because I have a bit of a lemon love affair going on.  I also have a bit of a cake love affair, but that is a story for another day.

This Lemon Cream Pie Martini is truly like the dessert in a cocktail.  It is lemony, smooth, and has the fantastic creaminess that the Whipped vodka provides.  The rim is covered in graham cracker for even more flavor.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Spicy Grilled Corn


Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  We hope you had a great long weekend.  We had a fantastic barbeque with our favorite Southwestern flavors and some of our favorite people.  Grilled corn is a staple at any of our grilling get-togethers.  Served along side Lil Texas Barbeque Sliders this Spicy Grilled Corn was the perfect compliment.  


We love the flavor so much, I often use left overs in Black Bean Corn Salsa and our Simple Mexican Skillet.  The deep caramelized corn flavor is unsurpassed!  My dear friend Eric made this at a barbeque a few years ago and every time we had a barbeque I would ask him to make the corn again.  Well, sadly Eric moved away.  So, I had to put on my big girl pants and learn how to use the gas grill.  This corn really takes too long on a tabletop, and I don't have the patience.

Everything is coming along wonderfully, I have made burgers, London broil, corn and some fantastic chicken that I will be sharing in the coming weeks.  I have to say they do not make grill tools for women though.  I am no tiny girl, I am pretty tall.  Even so, I fumble with these oversized spatulas, tongs and basting brushes.  I end up bringing my kitchen tools outside for convenience, but that is making for a very hot hand.  So, I guess grill shopping is in my future.  

Monday, May 28, 2012

Lil Texas Barbeque Sliders



Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  We are serving up barbeque burgers today with a southwestern flair at the Slow Roasters Grill!  It is Memorial Day, we are so grateful for this day of remembrance, for those we have lost while serving our country.  To all our soldiers and military families we thank you for your service and sacrifice.   Thank you for keeping us safe and defending our constitution and our country!!  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  We would like to share a place at our table with you today.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Fresh Strawberry Pie Trifle


Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  Its a fabulous Friday here and we are ending this week with a spectacular strawberry creation.  This is your very own slice of heaven; a fresh strawberry pie transformed into a striking trifle. 

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Strawberry Lime Margarita


Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  It's Ladies Night and tonight we are fixing the most fantastic cocktail to top off the Knock Your Socks Off Tex-Mex Burger that we wrote about yesterday. 

I know we have had a few Margaritas in the last month, but I can't help myself.  When I discuss cocktails with TSRI's Mixologist and Cocktail Artist, Chad I always have a rather convincing argument when it comes to Margaritas.  This week it was only logical to make a margarita to go with the Tex-Mex burger we were featuring.  Either way, my drink request and his mouthwatering creation...

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Knock Your Boots Off Tex-Mex Burgers


Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling CelebrationWe are enjoying a whole month of grilling and summer dishes.  Today, we are talking serious burgers, seriously!  This burger is a FIESTA of southwestern flavors, some of my favorites wrapped up into one amazing burger.  Believe me when I say, I ate the whole thing!!  I could not stop myself it is so good.

This burger is incredibly moist with a nice little kick. Served with Grilled Sweet Potato Fries, this burger is a member of the clean plate club.  I tell you there was not even a crumb remaining on my plate!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries



Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  Today we are talking about fries.  What goes better together than peas and carrots or peanut butter and jelly?  How about a fabulous burger and fries.  French fries are the most perfect side for a burger, but when we are grilling we usually serve salads or chips for convenience.

I was trying to figure out how you can have the best of both worlds.  How can you have an amazing burger and fries when you are barbequing?  Well, the truth is you grill them!!!  But, putting raw potatoes on a grill, does not a french fry make.  {Is that even English?}  The trick?  Par-boil them before you grill them. Prep them and toss them on the grill when you are ready, any where....  at home, at a friends, at the beach.  Anywhere you can grill you can make these unbelievable Grilled Sweet Potato Fries!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Simple Rosemary Lemon Marinade and Grilled Chicken


Welcome to TSRI's Summer Grilling Celebration!  We are so excited about summer and the thought of charcoal and barbeque grills, caramelized grill marks on meat, fruit and veggies!!!  Our home has had lingering smells of barbeque in the air and an empty menu planner filled with nothing but possibilities!  Until now.  We have been developing and testing the most scrumptious recipes.  We are going to be sharing some of our favorite grilling and summer treats in the coming weeks.  We will be enjoying TSRI's Grilling Summer Celebration until June 18th when we will begin our one year anniversary celebration with another amazing giveaway.  Make sure you keep checking back. 
 

Friday, May 18, 2012

Lemon Frozen Yogurt


Happy Friday!!  I can't believe it is Friday already, but I am excited for the weekend.  We have had a bit of a crazy week.  Crazy good!  Work is busy and Munchkin is growing so fast.  I can't believe she is 2 1/2 already, I still want to cuddle her like a newborn.

Sometimes when we get caught in the 'thick' of the chaos that is life, you get sent a reminder of how blessed you are.  I got that 'memo' the other day and am so grateful for that moment.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Classic Amaretto Sour


Sometimes the classics are all you need.  After weeks of creating holiday drinks; that entailed everything from infusing jalapenos in tequila to making peanut butter cocktails, we here at The Slow Roasted Italian needed to cleanse our palates and get back to simple.  We decided a delicious classic sippin' drink was just right.

Chad and I love everything amaretto.  He loves amaretto cake, amaretto icing, amaretto ice cream, and especially DiSaronno Amaretto.  So when he found this recipe it was a no brainer.  2 simple ingredients, 1 delicious taste!  It doesn't get better than that!

So, Slow Roasters, go to your kitchen grab your amaretto and your lemon juice and prepare for the splendor that is the Classic Amaretto Sour.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Peanut Butter Fudge Chocolate Cake


Today we have a very special cake for you.  This Peanut Butter Fudge Chocolate Cake is incredible.  4 layers of moist chocolate cake covered in a thick rich peanut butter frosting that tastes just like peanut butter fudge.  Piped on top is a fabulous simple ganache and a sprinkling of peanuts.  I love to make cakes and it makes me happy when they are beautiful, so for this occasion I chilled the ganache and made a beautiful border on the top and bottom.  You can pour the warm ganache over the cake, if you prefer.

The chocolate cake is a fantastic one bowl cake.  I even used a whisk to make it.  It doesn't get much more simple than that.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Honey Dew Melon Fruit Bowl


When I was planning our Mother's Day Brunch a fruit bowl and dip was the perfect fruit option.  The fruit bowl is easy, eye catching and delicious.  When served with a Sweet Lemon Yogurt Dip and a Raspberry Lemon Prosecco Cocktail you have the makings of a perfect brunch.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Broccoli Cheddar Turkey Egg Bowl

Broccoli Cheddar Turkey Egg Bowls are a fabulous power packed breakfast. The recipe is so easy it will become your new make ahead breakfast option. I mean really, who has time in the morning?




Friday, May 11, 2012

Sweet Lemon Yogurt Fruit Dip and a Mother's Day Brunch


Happy Friday Slow Roasters!  I am so excited to be bringing you this simple dip today.  I have been preparing the perfect Mother's Day brunch.  This brunch is what I would serve my own Mommy, if we lived close enough to brunch.  Last night we shared the Raspberry Lemon Prosecco Cocktail to get things started.  

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Raspberry Lemon Prosecco Cocktail



With Mothers Day right around the corner, we have prepared a special cocktail for Ladies Night: a Raspberry Lemon Prosecco Cocktail that is perfect for brunch or ladies night!  I love it on any occasion.  There is just something about Prosecco with fruit and then there is that love of lemon.  What a beautifully light cocktail combination for Mom.  

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!  I hope you are all spending time with your loved ones!

Don't forget to check out our GIVEAWAY!!! Prize#1 is a custom designed header and logo by e3Studios.  e3Studios is also having a blogger special so you can ALL beautify your blogs!!  They will work with you to create a masterful logo AND header. The winner will be presented with up to 3 concepts and up to 3 revisions on the chosen concept!  This will be your own unique branded identity bloggers!  

What a fabulous opportunity to take your blog to the next level. Who isn't looking for the perfect way to brand their blog?

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Happy Thursday It's Ladies Night

Happy Thursday It's Ladies Night.  We are excited to share today's cocktail with you, we have something special for your Mother's Day celebration.

Post will be up soon, check back in the afternoon!

Donna and Chad

Perfectly Frozen Basil Lemonade


Temperatures have been heating up here in the valley of the sun.  After an afternoon working in the garden, all I want is a very refreshing drink.  I was just lucky enough to purchase a case of fabulous lemons from our co-op and they have been calling to me.  I have such a lemon 'thing'.  I am on a kick.  I have been making and enjoying lemon everything, I tell you.  If you have an amazing lemon creation for me to try, Facebook me the link.  I have been joking about having an "I love lemon month".  I love when the intense lemon flavor makes your mouth pucker.  ♥

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Simple Rosemary Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders



Hello and Happy Tuesday TRSI readers!   Today we are sharing these chicken tenders that I dearly love.  I can not seem to get enough of them.  The chicken is delightfully tender and juicy on the inside and the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese form this incredible crunch.  Then the rosemary ties it all up in the perfect flavor package... Oh, my mouth is watering thinking about them.  Munchkin and I thoroughly enjoyed these every time I made them.  I served them with Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce that I had in the freezer.  Perfect compliment!  Chad does enjoy them too, but is stuck on the Healthy Homestyle Baked Chicken Nuggets.

I usually buy a huge pack of chicken (5 pounds) and make these tenders and freeze them.  I portion them in 1 batch increments and they reheat perfectly in about 10-15 minutes at 400°, flipping them half way through reheating.  (Remember to prep your baking sheet with aluminum foil and non-stick olive oil spray when you reheat).  If you don't have time to reheat it may take longer.  Watch your time.

Enjoy these, they are so simple and so delicious.  If you want to get creative you can put them in an oven safe dish and cover in layers of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.  Fabulous!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Candied Lemon Slices


Happy Friday Slow Roasters!!!  I am so excited for today's post and FABULOUS GIVEAWAY!!!  Today I have these AMAZING Candied Lemon Slices for you.  Many of you asked about them when we shared the Lemon Curd Meringue Nests.  They taste like a "lemon drop", but better.  Incredibly easy and so delicious.  Recipe follows giveaway details.

Now, on to the reason you are all here. Today Chad and I are celebrating you, our readers. 1,000 Facebook fans! We are so grateful for you all! To say thank you, we are giving away 3 fabulous prizes, worth over $500!!!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Cinco de Mayo Cocktails


Its time for our Cinco de Mayo cocktail round up!  We have had some real fun putting these drinks together for you. It has been an amazing month of tequila cocktails.  We got a great deal on Jose Cuervo Gold a while back and had bought a bottle, it was sitting at the back of the liquor cabinet when we started planning this months cocktails.  I wasn't a big tequila fan (I really do remember the saying "One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR").  Not one to take chances as an adult I can say I haven't had it in many years (probably since college).  Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to find I reallllllly like this tequila.  We have since purchased another bottle and now have 4 FABULOUS tequila cocktails to add to the Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Round Up!

Puckered Jalapeno Frozen Margarita


Happy Ladies Night!  I am so excited about this last cocktail creation for Cinco de Mayo.  We have had a fantastic month of Cinco de Mayo cocktails and will be sharing an amazing Cinco de Mayo cocktail roundup this afternoon.  If you missed our Cinco de Mayo party food round up you can check it out here.

Over the last year Chad has been infusing alcohol with various different things.  Some have been a major stroke of genius and others just a major pain to clean up after (hint:  marshmallows and vodka=bad infusion mess).  So I suggested getting into the produce and infusing a jalapeno into something (I am really inventive like that when it comes to drinks).  Chad the "Master of Cocktail Artistry" managed my favorite all time cocktail.  I know I have said that a few drinks along the way were a favorite or made the top 5, but this one beat them ALL out!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

7 Layer Sausage Mexican Bean Dip and Cinco de Mayo Round Up


It's almost Cinco de Mayo and we know you are searching high and low for the perfect party foods.  So, we have gathered our favorites here!  We have dips, salsas, sauces, fajitas, guacamole and a TACO BAR!!!  Also, a new recipe for the old favorite 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip.

Deconstructed Fajitas


With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, I say its time to FIESTA!!!  Tired of tortilla wraps?  Looking for a different way to enjoy your fajitas?  How about over a bed of Spicy Baked Brown Rice?  If this Deconstructed Fajita doesn't satisfy you, this Cinco de Mayo round up of our top picks for every Cinco de Mayo party certainly will!

Stay tuned for a fabulous Ladies Night cocktail tomorrow and  a drink round up perfect for your Cinco de Mayo party!!!

Don't forget our 1,000 Facebook Fan celebration starting this Friday!  We are having a fabulous giveaway and I am so psyched to tell you there will be something for everything.  Something special for our blogger family and a special addition that EVERYONE will love!!!  I am busting to tell you....  Like us on Facebook to get more clues and keep up with our day to day events, photos and meals.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Individual Sun-dried Tomato and Sausage Ricotta Frittatas


Frittata's are the easiest breakfast dish to prepare.  Using ingredients that you have in your pantry/fridge you can come up with the most fantastic combinations.  Its no secret that I have a deep love for sun-dried tomatoes.  I buy tomatoes by the case, not the pound and keep my fridge and freezer stocked with these fantastic gems.  When making this frittata I looked to ingredients that could bring the most flavor to this ricotta frittata.  Made with hot Italian chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and ricotta cheese it is absolutely delightful.