In My Homemade Syrup Era
I tested a maraschino cherry recipes, made lavender syrup for an upcoming muffin glaze, tried hop water, got back into journaling, and tried to get everything done
Last week was such a busy week that truly felt all over the place. I’m happy to be busy but still figuring out how best to balance everything. I’ve found that taking the mornings slow, gratitude journaling, and making a solid breakfast is what sets me up for success. On that note, I would love any and all suggestions for smoothie (bowl) combinations. I feel like I’ve fallen in a rut and I’m not about to buy a powder to get my protein intake (sorry not sorry). LMK!
Season 5 podcast production is in full swing and the line up is SO GOOD 😮💨 More details coming soon but for now, make sure you’re following the show on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple Music
Kk, all the goodies are below, chat soon!
Recipes
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Elderflower Peach Mocktail & Bruschetta Toast
Combine 2 shots of elderflower syrup, one heaping spoonful of peach jam, ice, and ~1/4 cup of water in a shaker. Shake till ice cold. Strain into a glass. Add more ice and top with a lemon lime sparkling water.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette into 1” thick rounds. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until toasted, ~7 minutes. Spread a thick layer of Churn Bruschetta Butter (gifted). Top with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkling of microgreens. [video]
Maraschino Cherries
Pit 1 lb of cherries. Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup water, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp almond extract, 1 star anise, and 1 lemon peel in a small pot. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook until the sugar is fully dissolved. Pour over cherries, in a heat safe bowl, allow to fully cool. Store in the fridge for at least 12 hours before enjoying. [video]
Lavender Syrup
You know the drill. Combine 1 cup of water and a hefty spoonful of honey in a small pot. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook until the honey is fully dissolved. While simmering add in the lavender bunch. Remove pot from the stove and allow to fully cool while the lavender continues to steep. Pour into a jar and store in the fridge. [video]
Pickled Beets & Cukes
Combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp salt in a small pot. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook until the sugar + salt fully dissolve. Allow to cool slightly. In the meantime prepare your beets and cucumbers as desired. Add to separate jars. Place 3-4 garlic cloves, peppercorns, fresh dill sprigs, and lemon peel in each jar. Pour the brine over the veggies and allow to fully cool. Store in the fridge for at least 24 hours before enjoying. [video]
Let me know in the comments if there’s any other recipes you’d like!
Everything I’ve Been Loving
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Clothing
Nike Cortez — I have been wearing these shoes like my life depends on it and I won’t be stopping anytime soon
Erea June Ring — some ad somewhere sucked me in and I’m not complaining
Food & Bev
Churn Bruschetta Butter — so beyond delicious
Matcha Freak — resharing because they gave me a code for 15% off, CITRUS15
EVOO with Lemon — I’ve been eyeing this brand for so long now and I may just have to pull the trigger. Although, this will definitely be a special occasion olive oil.
Fair State Brewing Co-Op Citra & Mosaic Hop Water — I tried this on a limb last week and it was so so delicious
Lifestyle
Yield Design Co 6 oz double walled glasses — they are the perfect size for a mini matcha or a quick mocktail
Onsen Waffle Robe — I’ve never been a robe gal but this one…it’s lifechanging
Consumption Guide
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R.E.P.O.R.T is an acronym for Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, and Treating
R- I haven’t been reading much but I have been listening to a lot of podcast episodes. My top 3 for the week: I Need A Better Bean, The Phony Negroni Movement, Compost For A Better World
E- fruit crisps, pistachios, strawberry whipped cream, matcha shots with lemon, fresh herbs, microgreens, pickled beets
P- brat, duh!
O- chocolate icecream in an orange
R- Headspace x Poketo journal, such a great way to take a step back from the day
T- all of the new Jeni’s icecream flavors
ICYMI
Catch up on S4:
xx,
Lauren (Hodgen)