DANIELLE AT HOME

admin

Mixed Berry Margarita

by Leave a Comment

Happy SUMMER everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your Canada Day and 4th of July festivities last week. I took a much needed break the last two weeks while I moved into my new HOUSE! I’m going to share all about it on Wednesday, but I will say the move took a lot more out of me then I had planned! This recipe was supposed to go up last week in time for Canada Day, but alas that just didn’t happen! That’s life right? We have to roll with the punches.

I knew even though I was a bit late getting this recipe up it still had to be posted to the blog asap! As you know I enjoy a good cocktail! This one combines two of my favourite summer things, berries and margaritas! Now as you already know I am not a frozen margarita fan! I’m all about a fresh lime margarita on the rocks. They are defiantly my favourite. But every once and a while I like to switch things up a bit and add delicious fruit flavours to the mix. Such as pineapple or berries!

Today I am sharing how to make a mixed berry margarita! This margarita is packed full of juicy flavourful berries, a touch of agave and lots of fresh lime juice! This recipe really isn’t any harder than a classic margarita, but what I love about it is that it totally reinvents your favourite drink. And the colour of this drink is gorgeous (thank you blackberries!) I actually made these last weekend when we had friends over for a barbecue and they we’re a huge hit!

Now let’s talk equipment for a minute. Like any other margarita you’ll need a cocktail shaker, but for these margaritas you’ll also need a muddling tool or at least something that can be used as a muddler, like a wooden spoon. You’ll also need a shot glass, or a jigger and some cute little margarita glasses. Oh and lots of ice, is that equipment or an ingredient? Regardless these are all fantastic tools to invest in they will really help you when entertaining.

Now let’s break down this margarita and get to cocktailing! To make this drink you need to muddle up some berries then add agave, tequila and lime juice. Shake that up with some ice. Rim the glass with salt or sugar if you like. Fill it with a few muddled berries and lots of fresh ice. Pour that tasty cocktail into your glass and enjoy! Seriously so tasty, refreshing and satisfying. Now I just need some chips and guacamole to go with it!! Enjoy!

Mixed Berry Margarita

Sweet summery berries, tart lime juice and touch of agave and silver tequila. A fun summer twist on a classic margarita.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup mixed berries (I used blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries)
  • 1.5 ounces silver tequila
  • 2 ounces lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • 3/4 ounce agave
  • salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional)

Method
 

  1. Add berries to cocktail shaker, muddle berries until partially crushed. Remove a third of the berries and place in a margarita glass.
  2. Add ice, lime juice, agave and tequila to the cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until well combined and the outside of the shaker is very cold.
  3. If desired rime your glass with salt or sugar. Run a cut lime around the edge of the glass, then dip into salt or sugar.
  4. Add reserved berries to the bottom of the glass, fill the glass with ice. Pour cocktail over ice. Serve with additional limes or berries as garnish. Enjoy!

Notes

Notes: If using frozen berries defrost first.

Lemon Bars

by Leave a Comment

The first time I made lemon bars was from a Barefoot Contessa mix. My dad brought me the mix home from a business trip in Texas. I was a teenager and they were delicious and so fun to make. My family, especially my dad loves citrus. Lemon is just so fresh, tangy and delicious!

As tasty as the mix was we all know homemade is defiantly better! So when creating this recipe I turned to my cooking Queen and the Queen of lemon bars Ina Garten. I’ve made her recipe before and it’s delicious but I like a thicker shortbread base and a less floury filling. This lemon bar recipe is my dream lemon bar. A thick sweet shortbread base that’s buttery and soft but sturdy to support the filling. The filling is sweet but tangy and super smooth and thick.

Lemon bars are an incredibly easy dessert to pull together but you do need to remember a few key things to make these lemon bars the best you’ve ever tasted. Firstly press the dough into to pan. Make sure it’s pressed together well this will prevent a crumbly mess when you go to eat them. Chill these bars overnight! I know that’s hard but if you want the best results possible chill them overnight! and make sure you store them in your fridge! There is nothing worse then a runny lemon bar! And lastly don’t dust with powdered sugar until you’re ready to serve. If you refrigerate powdered sugar you’ll end up with the sugar melting into the bars and they wont look very nice!

Overall these lemon bars are really easy and so delicious! They are perfect for summer entertaining. I love my sweets but my preference is a bar or a cookie, just a small bite to satisfy my sweet tooth. These do just that! I hope you make them this summer! Enjoy!

Lemon Bars

Thick, buttery crust topped with a luscious lemon filling. A tart and sweet treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
Lemon Filling
  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×16 baking pan with parchment and set aside.
Shortbread Crust
  1. In a mixing bowl stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Add flour and stir to combine. When a ball begins to form stop mixing.
  2. Press dough into the prepared baking pan. Ensure dough is evenly distributed and pressed well into the pan. I use the bottom of a cup measure to make my crust even and smooth.
  3. Bake crust for 15-20 minutes, the crust should be every lightly browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Leave the oven on.
Lemon Filling
  1. In a large bowl whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice and flour. Ensure filling is completely smooth. Pour over semi cooled crust.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The centre of the bars should be set, but soft. Jiggle the pan if the centre isn't runny they are done. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then place in the fridge for at least another 3 hours, but for best results chill in the fridge overnight.
  3. When ready to serve lift bars out of the pan and slice into squares. Dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction and Barefoot Contessa.
Classic Lemon Bars - YUM!

French Inspired Potato Salad

by Leave a Comment

I am not a potato salad fan, I know people love it but I just can’t get down with that egg filled mayonnaise mess. Sorry if it’s your fav, to each their own! If you’re in the I hate potato salad club then this is the potato salad for you!

Inspired by a french potato salad this salad is filled with delicious flavours and just a touch of mayonnaise. This is the perfect potato salad to serve at all your summer barbecues. It would be particularly perfect served with juicy burgers and caramel brownies on Father’s Day.

This potato salad is extremely simple to put together. Just whisk together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar and shallots together. Pour this delicious dressing over your cooked potatoes and toss. Seriously simple!

I like using red potatoes since they have more flavour then a classic russet potato. They also keep their shape a bit better. I like chunks of potato instead of overly mashed potatoes in my potato salad.

When I made this for the first time I was worried it wouldn’t be flavourful enough, or maybe too dry. I really wasn’t confident, but once I tasted it I was blown away. My husband was raving about it all evening. I hope you give his recipe a try and enjoy it as much as we do!

French Potato Salad

A french twist on the classic potato salad, with chives, shallots and a creamy dijon mustard dressing. Perfect for all your summer barbecues.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs red potatoes, quartered
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp chives, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Add potatoes to a large pot, fill with water, season with salt and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile whisk mayonnaise, dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt pepper and shallot until combined.
  3. Drain potatoes and add to a large bowl. Pour dressing over potatoes, toss to combine. Cool completely in the fridge.
  4. Before serving add chives to the potato salad, stir to incorporate.

Notes

Adapted from Martha Stewart.
French Inspired Potato Salad - Delicious!

Classic Cheeseburger

by Leave a Comment

I’ve been teasing this recipe for a few weeks now and it’s finally time to share! My recipe for the most delicious and juicy cheeseburger you will ever make!

I don’t eat a ton of red meat, but when I do I want it to be a perfectly cooked steak or the juiciest cheeseburger. Every few weeks I will crave a delicious cheeseburger and let’s get real a drive thru burger, or a pre made patty just aren’t going to cut it! One of two things happen; we order burgers from this amazing burger only restaurant we love (Bin4, get half salad half fries and the truffle aioli… thank me later!), or I make these burgers!

Now these burgers are pretty classic, there’s nothing surprising about the ingredients. The secret here is that the mix ins make this burger patty a touch wetter then other recipes. This really helps keep the burgers extra juicy! Another thing that takes these burgers tot he next level, good quality cheese. Sorry guys no kraft singles or American cheese in this house. Delicious high quality old cheddar cheese. My favourite brand for this is Armstrong.

Other then the ingredients in this burger the most important steps to get a juicy burger is in the mixing! Do not over mix your meat, if you do the burger texture will be weird. It gets tough and starts to resemble meatloaf not a meaty juicy burger.

Now for this you have to use your hands… I know I don’t like it either but it really is the only way to combine the ingredients and form the patty’s. Remove your rings, wash your hands and get in there.

My final tip to make abetter burger is to make a well in the middle of the patty. This way the burger won’t puff up into a round ball, it will stay nice and flat.

Ok there you have it my tips on how to make this delicious cheeseburger. If meat’s not your thing try this turkey burger recipe.

Classic Cheeseburger

Juicy delicious beef patty topped with old cheddar cheese. Perfect for your summer BBQ!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 buns (I used pretzel)
  • burger topping of your choice

Method
 

  1. Add beef, egg, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, salt and pepper to a bowl. Using your hands gently combine mixture. Form meat into four burger patties. Place on a sheet pan, press a well into the centre of the patty.
  2. Preheat your barbecue to high heat. While the grill heats prepare your buns (I love pretzel buns!) and toppings. Suggested toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.
  3. Grill burgers over high heat for 7 to 8 minutes per side with the lid closed. Add cheese in the final minute of cooking. Remove from grill and assemble burgers.

Notes

Adapted from myrecipes.
Classic Juicy Cheeseburger - YUM!

Father’s Day Gift Guide – 2019

by Leave a Comment

2019 Father's Day Gift Guide!

Father’s Day is coming up quick… it’s next Sunday if you haven’t checked your calendar! Today I’m sharing my picks for the best Father’s Day gifts for any type of Dad. Or maybe just my Dad? I know he would enjoy all the gifts on this list.

2019 – Father’s Day Gifts

Yeti Cooler – I am a huge fan of Yeti products. I’m sure you can tell the’ve made it into my gift guides before. Now this cooler is expensive theres no way to sugar coat it, but if you have a dad that goes camping, fishing or is super into the outdoors this is the perfect cooler for him. It’s a great size for day trips and it’s such high quality! It’s on my wish list and I’m defiantly not a Dad!

Sonos Speaker – My Dad is a huge music fan, he’s always going to concerts and cranking up his radio. I love portable speakers and have a few around my house, but my parts dont have any. I think this Sonos one would be perfect for my Dad to play music all over the house. Oh and it has an Alexa built in!

Spiceology Gift Set – Ok my Dad loves spices, you should see my parents spice cabinet it’s actually ridiculous! I think my Mom would kill me it I bought this set for my Dad, but I know he would love it. Fun spice mixes perfectly made for the BBQ isn’t that every Dad’s thing?!

Drill Set – Dad’s and all men love power tools, heck lots of woman too! And upgrading Dad’s drill is a great idea. My Dad is constantly using power tools, building something, fixing something and his drill could probably use an upgrade.

Game of Thrones Monopoly – Ok I fall into the small category of people who have never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones. I know! I’m that awkward person at work standing around the cubicle listening to everyone discuss the series finales, but having no idea what they are talking about. My Dad on the other hand loves Game of Thrones and would love this game. Perfect for our family game nights!

Webber’s Ultimate Grilling – This is a cookbook I think most men could get behind. Who better to teach you how to grill then Webber? My Dad loves to grill and use all his spices (see above). This book would take his grilling skills to the next level!

Nest Video Doorbell – Ok this gift is for the tech Dad, do you have one of those? I don’t… but I think everyone would enjoy this gadget. This doorbell lets you see who is at your door and you can talk to them through your phone. I think this is a great security feature! No more stolen packages! One thing I’ve learned about Dad’s is that they love peace of mind, and this will give them just that.

Whiskey Wedge – This is such a fun gift. My Dad enjoys a good cocktail and rye whiskey has been his go to drink for a very long time. I think this whiskey ice wedge would be a fun addition to his bar cart.

There you have it my gift guide for Father’s Day 2019. I hope this helps you pick something extra special out for Dad! Check back this Friday for a great Father’s Day recipe that’s sure to make his mouth water!

Springtime Strawberry Mint Mimosa

by Leave a Comment

Happy Friday friends!! Today I’m sharing a fun twist on a classic mimosa, perfect for your weekend brunch! I love mimosas I think they are such a fun addition to any brunch. A Caesar or a Bloody Mary is delicious and great for brunch but they are a bit of work. Sure you can batch them but you need all kinds of crazy toppings and not everyone loves savoury drinks. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t enjoy a mimosa. Also you can make them virgins so everyone can enjoy!

I’m planning to make these for Sunday brunch. Recently our lives have been so busy that my husband and I haven’t had a ton of time together. Spring is his busy season for work, so it’s been a lot of late nights and extra hours on the weekends, but this too shall pass right? Of course it will. We decided that during this busy time Sunday mornings are reserved for us. Just the two of us sharing a meal and connecting. I’m really cherishing our mornings and I want to continue this new tradition even when our lives slow down a bit.

Since starting our new Sunday tradition I’ve been trying out lots of new recipe for breakfast. Of course we love waffles, banana pancakes and lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes. Now of course coffee works to wash any of those tasty meals down but a mimosa just makes things extra special!

These mimosas are so simple, just smash up some strawberries and mint. Add orange juice and top each glass with bubbly! And if you want to make these none alcoholic swap the champagne for sparkling water.

These are a must try for any weekend brunch! Make a big ol pitcher and relax this weekend!

Strawberry Mint Mimosa

Sweet strawberries, fresh mint and orange juice topped with champagne!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle Champagne (or sparkling water)
  • 3 cups Orange Juice (I prefer pulp free)
  • 1 1/2 cup Strawberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Mint Leaves

Method
 

  1. Add strawberries and mint to a pitcher. Using the back of a spoon muddle mint and strawberries together until strawberries are broken and mint is bruised. Add orange juice, stir and place in the fridge until ready to use.
  2. Fill glasses with juice mixture about 1/3 full. Top with champagne and enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from Half Baked Harvest.
Springtime Strawberry Mint Mimosa! So yummy!