FROZEN FRUIT SMOOTHIE

We usually have this for work mornings, our on-the-go breakfast. It's fast and refreshing. If you have fruit going a bit on the soft side, zip lock or vacuum seal a portion and throw it in the freezer, I tend to make it convenient with individual cup size portions of mixed fruit, maybe some ginger... whatever you like. Oh and if you have fresh fruit only, just throw in some ice.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup frozen fruit: peaches, strawberries, blackberries
• 1/4 lemon, rind removed
• 1'' piece fresh ginger, chopped roughly
• 1 ice cube frozen passion fruit pulp (i use the silicone trays)
• 1/2 cup water
• splash cranberry juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Throw it in a bullet or blender, blitz until it starts forming a smooth vortex in the middle and continue for 30 seconds, then drink. 

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HONEY SAUTÉED FIGS WITH LABNE

I have two words for this dessert: holy shit, cuz this is insanely good. Don’t like figs? Well you better start.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 5 ripe figs, stem removed, sliced in half...and I used white Kadota figs
• 3 tablespoons slice almonds, toasted, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons runny honey
• 1/2 cup Labne (strained Greek yogurt)
• pinch Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In med/large skillet melt butter and honey on medium heat
2. Place figs face down in skillet, coat in syrup, cook 2 minutes, flip cook 2 minutes
3. Serve: labne, figs, drizzle over honey/butter syrup, top with toasted almonds and sprinkle Kosher salt

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Cannoli

I used to HATE cannoli's, until I made these. Light and delicious, they’re nothing like the overly-sweet versions you find elsewhere. And did I mention the raspberries? 

Serves 3

INGREDIENTS

• 12 store bought cannoli shells
• 1  1/2 cup ricotta
• 2 tablespoons fine grain sugar
• 1 cup organic raspberries
• zest 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting
• Piping bag or ziplock bag

DIRECTIONS

1. In large bowl beat the ricotta and sugar, add zest, break raspberries up, mix well, chill mixture in fridge for 30 mins
2. Pipe the mixture into shells (use a piping bag or a ziplock bag and cut corner off
3. Serve, dusted with powdered sugar 

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Raspberry Napoleon

Serves 2

Traditionally, a Napoleon pastry is three layers of layers of cream pâtissière, whatever that is. The top is usually glazed with icing or fondant in alternating white and brown strips. This is nothing like that...but then you already figured that right?

Ingredients

• One 10 ounce bag frozen raspberries, defrosted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• One small basket fresh raspberries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipping cream
• 1 sheet frozen pie dough, defrosted

Directions

1. Put defrosted raspberries in a blender with sugar and lemon juice, blend until smooth then set aside
2. Cut pie dough into six 2.5 x 4" pieces
3. Put dough slices in a medium hot non-stick pan and cook until light brown on each side, then remove from heat and let cool
4. To make Napoleon, put a piece of dough on a plate, and top with a thin layer of whipping cream, then a layer of raspberries then another light layer of cream
5. Repeat another layer on top - dough, cream, raspberries, cream and a final dough piece
6. Drizzle raspberry sauce over the top and dust with powdered sugar – serve.

Pomegranate Champagne

Serves 6

I'm not a huge Champagne guy and even less huge when it comes to the classic Mimosa (Champagne & OJ). I find it a bit sweet. But pomegranate juice is tart and makes a very different, yet still special drink. There's really no need to buy expensive champagne when you're mixing it like this--that would just be unnecessary.

Ingredients

• Ice
• One 26-ounce bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine (by the way, sparkling wine is just Champagne that comes from somewhere other than the Champagne region of France)
• 12 ounces pomegranate juice
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

1. Fill tall glasses with ice and add the Champagne and juice
2. Squeeze, then drop in the lemon wedge and serve

Cranberry Marg

Makes one

I really like my regular margarita, so this is pretty much like that - but with cranberry juice added. Hey, why mess with a good thing?

Ingredients

• 2 parts tequila
• 1 part Sweet & Sour
• 1 part cranberry juice
• 1 splash Grand Marnier
• 1 lime wedge
• Handful of fresh cranberries, optional

Directions

1. Fill a glass with ice and add tequila, sweet & sour, cranberry juice and Grand Marnier
2. Add slice of lime and some cranberries
3. Stir well and drink