A COOL summer idea

Hello my friends,

Are you thinking about the 80 degree weather that is suppose to hit here in a few days...me too!!

Everyone has been talking alot about our weather..it is spoken everywhere...you hear it. I'm ready to move...I need a vacation to Hawaii...I need a month in a tanning bed...the most common is...I am depressed over the weather.  

So today I thought I would get you ready for the warm weather with these fun tasty summer drinks. I have so many recipes that I just had to pick a few for you. Hopefully this will in inspire you to smile and know summer is about to hit.

                                     picture via Martha Stewart

                                                                     

1. Peach Ginger Ice Tea

 Mash 6 canned peach halves with 1 1/2 cups of the juice,1/3 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon grated ginger in a pitcher. Add ice and 6 cups cold English breakfast tea.     

2. Strawberry Limeade
 Make simple syrup. Dissolve 1 cup sugar in I cup water in a saucepan over low hear; let cool. Combine with 1 cup water, some frozen chopped strawberries and ice.

3. Concord Cow
 Scoop some vanilla ice cream into a glass. Mix equal parts concord grape juice and lemon-lime soda, then slowly pour over the ice cream.

4.  White-Grape Spritzer
Mix equal parts white grape juice and lemon-lime soda, serve over ice with sliced fruit.

5.   Berry-Guava Lemonade
Mash 4 diced strawberries with 2 Tablespoons sugar and 4 tablespoons guava juice in a glass. Fill with ice, then add 6 tablespoons lemon juice and lemon slices.

6 Strawberry delight
Put 1 cup of orange juice and 4 large ice cubes with 1 cup of frozen strawberries in blender. Garnish with whip topping and blueberries, or strawberries.

7. Watermelon Limeade 
8 cups of seedless watermelon chopped, 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar or more if needed. Blend together . Add1/2 cup vodka (optional) and garnish with a sprig of mint.

I think I just go on and on but these are just a few for you to try.  If you have a great ideas for a SUMMER cool down drink please tell  us.

Mason Jars just another fun summer approach..you can shop here to find these   http://www.potterybarn.com

Thanks for visiting Cook Happy..Susan

 

The (BEST) dad in the world

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD

                                              photo by http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/
This blog is dedicated to KEN who was the best dad a girl could want.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing dad to grow up with. My DAD represents...love..kindness...patience...laughter.....and a VERY tender heart.


My fondest memory in a very difficult time in my life was when I was about 10 years old.. I came home with the worst report card you can imagine. I was so ashamed!!  My dad arrived home from work to find me in tears... he did the one thing I needed the most, offered comfort and encouraging words...the hugs were just a bonus. Sitting on the curb outside we talked...and then the words came from his mouth...lets go SHOPPING. I am sure you need a new pair of shoes for school. GOOD dad..no GREAT dad he was.


I can remember to this day exactly what those shoes looked like:)  They were the best gift ever!!!


I am so thankful for the tenderness and compassion my dad has instilled in my heart.  I am so blessed that he shows his love for his family in so many ways.  He is the BEST grandpa in the world to my kids. They love him so much. God new just what I needed in a FATHER.


I love these days when we can publicly honor our FATHERS and say THANK YOU for all they do.  I encourage you to express to the men in your life your gratitude for there life.


I love you DAD!!!!!!!!!


Happy Fathers...from your daughter Susan

               Me and my dad at the Father Daughter Dance in High School

Calling it HOME

Hello all my blogger friends

I know it's been awhile since my last posting. I thought I would take a moment and  let you know we are getting settled in to our new home. I still have a few boxes resting in the corners waiting for me to unpack, but the hardest part is over.

Life is full of changes you know
I never thought I would be where I am at..becoming Innkeeper at the Lions Gate Inn Bed & Breakfast. It has been an easy transition for us...the animals are doing great and adjusting well.  We feel very blessed to be here and love our cozy space.

I am learning all over again to be more organized and manage my time wisely here at the B&B. Blogging has not been in my new schedule yet, but soon.

The season has begun and guest are arriving from all over. I find so much joy in meeting each and everyone who walks through our doors. Cooking of course is the funniest part. I have come up with so many great breakfast recipes that I can't wait to share. I find that I love this time of the year...visiting a new Farmers Market and picking up some fresh fruit & vegetables is so...let just say (FUN)

I am still in the thought process of organizing a Farmers Market in Carlton Oregon with my good friend Darci; I will keep you posted.

Thank you for your patients. I will be back to blogging soon:)

P.S. I am still working on my Cook Happy Cookbook. I can't wait for it all to come together. Stay Tune!!   
         

Cheers!! Susan

Healthy snack

APPLES GRANOLA PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATES

AN APPLE A DAY CAN KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY


Here are my 5 good  reason's to eat an APPLE A DAY.
1. APPLES ARE FULL OF VITAMIN C  (which is good for you immune system)


2. APPLES ARE GOOD FOR PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY


3.APPLES PREVENT HEART DISEASE


4.APPLES PREVENT BREAST/COLON CANCER


5 APPLES PREVENT BRAIN DISEASES AS WELL. (such as Alzheimer's & Parkinson's disease) 


If you wanting to add some longevity to your life..then pick up some apples...there are so many tasty APPLES out there. 


Here is a fun APPLE RECIPE for you to try. Kids will love these!!


CHEERS!!   Susan


What is your favorite APPLE AND WHY??

SUMMER SWEETS

Organic Watermelon Dippers

Watermelons are a classic summer favorite. Sweet and refreshing, they perk up picnics and bring the cool to any cookout.

While some people like to thump a watermelon and listen for a certain sound, here’s the best way to choose the perfect fruit:

• Look for a round, oval or oblong-shaped watermelon that feels heavy for its size; this indicates it’s juicy and fresh.
• Inspect the watermelon’s exterior. Look for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that’s free of bruises, cuts or dents.
• Turn it over. The underside of a watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.

Don’t forget to wash all fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, in fresh running water. Dry with a clean paper towel before slicing and serving.

Organic Watermelon Dippers

8 ounces low-fat sour cream
Your favorite natural sweetener (equivalent to 4 tablespoons sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh watermelon, cut into sticks or small wedges

1. Blend together the sour cream, sweetener and vanilla in a small serving bowl.
2. Serve as a dip for the watermelon.

Enjoy Susan

Watermelon Raspberry Lemon Splash

Summer Inspirations

Good Morning Girls...I found this recipe the other day and I thought I would share it with you. http://www.hoffmanmedia.com/celebrate.aspx

SUMMER has to be around the corner..if not I think I will go crazy!!

I want to see the sun-shining...to feel the warmth on my face..to hear an Ice cream truck or lawnmower..to have a backyard BBQ..all those things that summer brings.

Watermelon is just one of those favorite summer time foods that gets me excited for summer

RECIPE:
Eight cups of watermelon cubes pureed, a half gallon of raspberry lemonade, and a cup of club soda. 

I can't wait to try it!



Heres to Summer, Sun, Sunscreen:)    Susan

A Spring Side

Oh today has been so nice....all of us in Oregon are officially done with winter including the rain, storms, frost, grey clouds, mood swings.

Spring must be in the air, it must start today with warmer temperatures, blue skies, and LOTS of sun.

I want to ware sandels, shorts, sunglasses...and drive with my windows down.  

I was raised in SUNNY California...there are someday's I would love to hop in my car on a long road trip.

I LOVE SUMMER!!!!

What is your favorite part of SUMMER??

Today I wanted to share a very easy recipe.  It's Spring inspired:)

I thought I would cut up some vegetables and saute them.  The twist to this recipe is adding some fresh 

lemon & lime zest and the juices also adding some of my fresh dill.

Start with Zuccini, yellow squash, carrots, snow peas, broccoli...fresh dill. 

I decided to cut them julienne style.

Add some fresh lemon zest and lime zest along with 1t of juice from the lemon and lime. Salt and pepper to taste.

Add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil to your skillet...add your veggies, juices, and fresh dill. Let them saute for about 15 minutes or until tender.  

I think Grilled Chicken or Fish goes really well this dish.    

If your looking for something simple but full of spring flavor...then gives this a try.

Happy Spring to you all!!  

Cheers  Susan