Vegan Macaroons with dark chocolate drizzle!

When my sweet tooth has a craving there aren't many vegan options readily available. So if I really want a treat and have some down time I love to bake delicious vegan goodies. These chocolate covered macaroons are one my favorites, super simple and absolutely decadent!  

For this recipe you'll need:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup non-dairy milk

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

3/4 cup flour

Pre-heat the oven to 350F (177C)

In a large bowl combine sugar,salt,vanilla extract,non-dairy milk,maple syrup, coconut and flour. The mixture is pretty thick at this point so your hands are the best mixing tools.

Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon form the mix into about 1 inch balls. Place them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.Bake for about 10 mins or till edges start to turn golden brown,keep a close eye on them because the bottoms can burn easy. 

The chocolate drizzle is optional, but it does take these bad boys to the next level!

To make the syrup:

Add about a hand full of chocolate chips into a coffee mug and pop it into microwave for about 1 minute stopping it half way through to mix it.Using a spoon drizzle the chocolate goodness over the cooled macaroons. Let set and Enjoy

XO,Ashley

Cachaca Cocktail

Cachaca is not a liquor I have had before, but have been wanting to try. It is made from fermented sugar-cane juice,the taste is very similar to rum. When trying to find a cocktail recipe I came across one that was super simple so I decided to try it out!

This recipe is for a cocktail known as Caipirinha 

you'll need:

2 Lime(one for juice and one for garnish)or I used about 4 key limes I had on hand.

About a tsp of simple syrup

1.5 ounces Cachaca

Juice the limes and reserve some sliced pieces to put into the glass. Add the simple syrup along with the liquor into a shaker, mix it all up and pour over ice. I also like to add a little tonic water to give it a little bubble.Stir and serve.

So simple and delicious!

XO,Ashley

DIY Decals

I really enjoy finding ways that I can renew, reuse and recycle, so everytime I finish a jar of pickles I keep it in hopes that I can re-purpose it. My collection started to grow and finally I decided it was time to get creative! While wandering around Michaels I came across paint it yourself decals, it was perfect!

They're Martha Stewart paint-able clings and come with 27 decals to a pack for about $9.99. 

As far as supplies, it all depends on what you want to spruce up, it can be a jar, mirror , frame the list is endless. I used one of my many pickle jars which I ran through the dish washer,the steam takes the label right off! Just make sure whatever surface you're using is clean.

Painting the decals was the most time consuming step of this project, but could be the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. I used regular enamel paint for this which worked fine, but I would recommend using Martha Stewart Glass Liquid Fill Transparent. The enamel came out a little streaking, but none the less I'm happy with the results!

XO, Ashley

Pico de gallo recipe

Chips&salsa are one of my favorite summer time snacks, I'm a happy lady with a big bowl of the two and an ice cold margarita. I usually go for the store bought salsas, but one afternoon I decided to venture out and make my own. Not only was it delicious and fresh, but it was super easy!

So here's what I used: 

2-3 Tomatoes remove seeds and chop

1/2 Purple onion chopped

1 Jalapeno minced. I used about half since it was mild.

1 Large Juicy lime

1/2 cup Cilantro chopped I used frozen, but fresh is best.

Garlic powder and salt to taste.

Combine and refrigerate for at least 30 mins to let all of the flavors marinate together. I found the longer it sat the better it got!

Enjoy! XO Ashley 

Happy Birthday America!

I can not believe how fast this year is flying by! Once again its time to celebrate the American holiday known as 4th of July! I had a great time with my hubby and family, lots of food,cocktails and of course fireworks!

                              XO, Ashley