Mojito or "Nojito"

Living in a place where the temperature stays below freezing for months at a time can really do a number on body and soul. When the opportunity came to throw a party for a friend a tropical theme came to mind and naturally so did Mojitos. Since the Mojito is a popular Cuban drink, I figured what better way to forget my life in Arctic like temps, if but for an hour or two, by sipping a drink that would remind me of some place warmer. With traditional ingredients including rum, sugar, lime, and mint, I knew I would have to find a replacement for the rum. My choice: lemon-lime soda. Since it has the sweet citrus flavors needed for the job, it worked well.

Here is my version of a Mojito, or No-jito (the non-alcoholic version).
Serves 10-12
5 limes, sliced
1/4 C granulated sugar, or more to taste
30-40 mint leaves, or more if desired
1 bottle Club Soda
2 liter bottle lemon-lime soda
ex-large pitcher or drink dispenser
ice, amount desired

Start with a shallow stock pot, or vessel with a flat bottom which will allow you to mash, or as bartenders would say - muddle, the lime slices and sugar together with a potato masher. This will allow the juice and essential oils to be released from the skin of the lime adding a more intense flavor. The sugar will also start to desolve nicely. Add the mint leaves and mash lightly to again release the essential oils, but be gentle. The goal is to bruise the leaves, not tear to pieces; they should remain whole. Pour all the ingredients into serving container and add the sodas, adjusting sugar for desired sweetness. Add ice once you have it how you want it, but remember that the ice will dilute the mixture as it melts. I prefer this drink less sweet, as I do most drinks, since it feels more refreshing that way and less syrupy-sweet.

I'm happy to report the Nojito received glowing reviews! Yay!

*Note* If you prefer an individual serving size use one lime, 2 T sugar, 5-10 mint leaves, 1/2 c of each soda, adjusting to desired taste.

True Story #1

Several years ago I took my three small children, one of whom was a newborn, to lunch at an Italian restaurant. My oldest son really likes Margarita pizza (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves), so when the waitress took our order I pointed to the Margarita pizza on the menu and said "we'll take the Margarita, and some spaghetti". While waiting we colored with crayons on the paper covered table and snacked from the basket of complimentary bread. Moments later our server brought me a Margarita, the kind you drink from a glass. I looked at the server and kindly stated that we wanted the Margarita pizza, please. She was a little embarrassed and stated that she did think it was a little bold of me to be drinking early in the day with three little ones in tow...ya' think? It still makes me laugh to think about.

Since then we have tried many different types of recipes for crust, attempting to find just the right balance of crispy and chewy, while maintaining a good flavor, not to mention how easy the dough is to work with. I think we have finally found just the right crust. Every once in a while I catch an episode of Mad Hungry, hosted by Lucinda Scala Quinn. I love the show's format since she makes real food (meaning something a busy person can pull off), full of flavor, and always from scratch. She also involves her family which resonates with me. I would like to be able to send my kids to the kitchen someday, by themselves, and know they will produce something healthy and tasty.

So back to my point. Her recipe for Margarita Pizza is excellent. I also really like the simplicity of her tomato sauce. It is the perfect pairing with the crust and fresh ingredients.

Click on the item below for a link to the recipe:
Dough - if you don't own a peel or pizza stone it would be wise to invest in these items. It really does make a difference. I promise.
Sauce- I didn't add the butter just to keep down the calories.

Look what I found...

While internet searching I found a website full of recipes to kick start my reporitoire of drink choices. I've never been an alcohol drinker so I must admit that I'm not going to be the best at finding replacemenets for specific alcohol based ingredients. However, I have been studying the basic drinks served by most bartenders so that I would have a better understanding of what goes into a good cocktail.

Here's this weeks winner: www.drinkalternatives.com 

Inspiration

Our family made a trip to Disney World during the Christmas holidays. While there my husband and I had the pleasure of eating at an amazing Italian restaurant. The pizza was incredible. So good, in fact, I have yet to find an equal. The only bad thing I can say is that when I asked the waiter for a non-alcoholic version of a drink on their menu he looked at me like I was trying to pull a prank on him. He was so puzzled by my request that he wasn't sure what to do. Really? With a restaurant of this caliber had he never received a request like this before?

This started my quest. Instead of asking the servers to come up with something I knew I needed to have an arsenal of options at my disposal. I've spent several months researching drinks, website, bartenders guides, etc. to find options that are refreshing and memorable, yet free of alcohol for anyone who needs (or wants) to keep that out of their body.

As far as munchies are concerned, I love food. Who doesn't? However, in my case I'm picky about the quality of the ingredients and how my food is prepared. Part of my preference stems from food sensitivities and the other comes from plan old palatability. I have become a little snobby about preservatives and I prefer food made from the freshest ingredients. More on that later...

So I dedicate this blog to anyone who shares a love for good quality food and has a taste for drinks from the bar that are alcohol free. Welcome!