recipe Archives - MomStart

Pup Star World Tour Inspired Recipe

May 15, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

This is a partnered post and by posting I’m entering to win a family trip to Orlando.

Last week before I went on my Star Wars Press Trip, I received a surprise box from the people over at Pup Star World Tour. Miles and I did a box opening video of the Pup Star World Tour contents.

After making the video we realized we could enter to win a vacation for our family to go to Orlando, and noticed that there are a few ways you guys could win as well. But first, let me share this Pup Star World Tour inspired recipe that Zoe made with a tiny bit of unorganized help from her brother Miles.

Chinese Not Almond Cookies Recipe:

So these cookies were supposed to be made with Almond Extract which we do have, but I was busy working so the kids made them with Vanilla instead. Then Zoe made RUM Buttercream icing, with Rum Extract.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, 1 egg white
1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup water
optional 1 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Beat egg white and water in a small bowl and set aside

Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy then beat in egg and almond extract

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a different bowl. Add to creamed mixture and beat until thoroughly combined.
Take a tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Gently flatten with the bottom of a drinking glass. Or roll them out and cut out different shapes

Sprinkle each cookie with almond slices gently pressing almonds into dough (We didn’t do this step Zoe has friends with nut allergies).
Gently brush egg white mixture over cookies
Bake 14-16 minutes or until edges and bottoms are lightly browned. Let sit for 2 minutes before placing on wire racks to cool completely.

Then she made an icing recipe we found of Food Network, but she added a teaspoon of rum extract.

Icing Ingredients:

4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
2 egg whites

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat all of the ingredients in an electric mixture until thick and glossy. Add more powdered sugar if the icing seems to thin.

My kids have seen every Pup Star and Air Bud made movie. They love every one of them, I think they have seen them more than once even. So I know they will be watching Pup Star World Tour during their next sleep over.

How You Can Win:

Now, To share with you how you can win prizes thanks to Pup Star World Tour on Netflix. Pup Star World Tour has partnered with Extended Stay America Hotels to offer an awesome prize. The pet-friendly hotel chain is proud to always roll out the welcome mat for pets, and it is even more proud to roll out the red carpet for this exciting partnership! The spin on pup-ular TV singing competitions invites families on an action-packed adventure alongside the series’ beloved talking (and singing) dogs. ‘Tiny,’ the adorable singing Yorkie pup, packs her bags for an epic trip and Extended Stay America is along for the adventure as the hotel makes its on-screen debut in several scenes throughout the film, which you can see here. Proud pet parents can submit photos of their beloved pooch at www.ESA.com/pups.

The PUP STAR celebrity panel of judges will narrow down the entries to 26 finalists, with the grand prize winner to be decided by consumer vote. The grand prize winner will receive star treatment, including a trip and a walk on role in an upcoming Air Bud Entertainment movie where they will visit the set, meet the cast and enjoy a backstage tour. The contest’s 25 first prize winners will receive free hotel stays at Extended Stay America, and of course, their pups are invited too!

Pawsome Pet Photo Tips

Pet parents know it can be ruff capturing a pawsome photo of their four-legged family member. Extended Stay America has teamed up with Air Bud Entertainment and PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR on tips for capturing the perfect pup photo and avoiding any photo faux-paws:

Focus the eyeline: Can’t get your dog to look where you want? Hold up a treat to guide their focus while you take the shot.
Turn off your flash! The flash may alarm your pet, so try to use natural light. If you’re shooting in the middle of the day, look for a well-shaded area.
Let your pets get comfortable: Move slowly, give commands calmly, and don’t be afraid to get physically down on their level to make them feel safe. And if they’re curious about the camera, it never hurts to let them examine (smell) it for themselves.
Go for the eyes! You know how much emotion your dog can convey with just a glance, so get those expressions – and especially those eyes – front and center.
Auto focus: Set your auto-focus to servo mode if your pet is moving. And they probably are.
Relax: If you’re not relaxed, your dog won’t be either. This should be fun for both of you!
Pay your talent: Don’t be stingy with snacks! Reward your dogs for cooperation, and a photo shoot can be fun for both of you.
Tell a story: Is it a photo of a dog sitting next to a door, or a photo of a dog patiently waiting for their beloved owner to return? A good photo inspires a story in the viewer’s mind. Look for situations, actions, and compositions that accomplish this.

Tres Margarita Recipes From Tres Agaves Tequila!

May 4, 2018 by Beeb 3 Comments

Samples provided.

This weekend marks both Cinco de Mayo and Louise’s birthday, so there’s lots of reasons to celebrate here on MomStart!

To help you get the party started, we’re sharing three delicious margaritas featuring Tres Agaves Tequila created by Jakob Hostetter, Beverage Manager at Cantina on Lenox in New York City:

Mandarina Rosa

Ingredients:

2 parts Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila

2 part Fresh Squeezed Tangerine Juice

1 part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Directions:

Rim glass with pink sea salt. Shake all ingredients together; double strain and serve straight-up in a martini or coupe glass. Garnish with tangerine twist.

Habanero Hell Fire

Ingredients:

2 parts Tres Agaves Reposado Tequila

2 parts Pear Puree

2 dashes Habanero Bitters

1 part Tres Agaves Agave Nectar

Seeds of 1 Jalapeno pepper, muddled

Directions:

Rim glass with black pepper and salt. Then muddle seeds of Jalapeno pepper in pre-rimmed margarita glass. Pour remaining ingredients in glass, top off with ice and stir.

La Adelita-Rita

Ingredients:

2 parts Tres Agaves Añejo Tequila

1 part Blood Orange Juice

½ part Campari

½ part Tres Agaves Agave Nectar

Directions:

Rim rocks glass with salt and red pepper flakes. Pour all ingredients over ice in glass and garnish with Blood Orange wheel.

Mint Julep Month: Three Tasty Recipes to Try

May 3, 2018 by Beeb Leave a Comment

Samples provided.

The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, and while Mint Juleps are synonymous with the event, they’ve grown in popularity outside Derby Day to the point where the entire month leading up to the event has been dubbed “Mint Julep Month”. Fun trivia: Did you know that the Mint Julep is the reason why the straw was invented?

To celebrate, 2,018 bars and restaurants across the country are offering custom Mint Julep cocktails and other fun through May 5th – click here to locate one near you! And if you can’t make it to a participating location, then I invite you to join the fun at home by sampling one of these tasty recipes:

Sallie Gardener. Photo Credit – Peter Frank Edwards

The Sallie Gardner

Created by Matt Lofink, Bartender at Cure in New Orleans, Louisiana

Ingredients:

1½ parts Maker’s Mark® bourbon

½ part B. Lo Nardini® Amaro liqueur

1 tsp. orgeat syrup

7 mint leaves

1 dash Regan’s® orange bitters

1 lemon swath

1 fresh mint sprig

Directions:

Put all ingredients except lemon swath into a julep cup, fill halfway with crushed ice, and stir until outside of tin becomes slightly frosted. Express the lemon swath and drop into cup. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

A Study in Pink. Photo Credit – Peter Frank Edwards

A Study in Pink

Created by Kellie Thorn, Beverage Director Empire State South in Atlanta, Georgia

Ingredients:

5 parts Maker’s Mark® bourbon

1 part macerated strawberry, raspberry, and mint syrup (recipe below)

1 part Lustau® “Los Arcos” Amontillado Sherry

1 part filtered water

Ground pink peppercorns

Strawberry and raspberry castor sugar (recipe below)

Bouquet of mint leaves

Directions:

Combine syrup, sherry, water, and Maker’s Mark® bourbon in an 11-oz. collins glass or an 11-oz. julep cup. Fill the vessel up halfway with crushed ice. Stir until the outside of the vessel is frosted. Top with more crushed ice. Top crushed ice with a dusting of strawberry and raspberry castor sugar and ground pink peppercorns. Garnish with a bouquet of mint. *For the strawberry, raspberry, and mint syrup: In a container (a mason jar works), combine 1 cup of chopped strawberries, 1 cup of chopped raspberries, and a handful of mint. Coat with sugar and allow to sit at room temperature until a syrup forms. Strain the syrup to remove any remaining fruit. Do not heat. *For the strawberry and raspberry castor sugar: Castor sugar (also called baker’s sugar) is superfine but not powdered. To make the fruit-flavored castor sugar, place a handful of frozen organic berries into a clean coffee grinder and grind until it is the same consistency as the castor sugar. Mix the two ingredients. Use a small metal spoon to dust the top of the drink.

Nature’s Sweet Restorer. Photo Credit – Peter Frank Edwards

Nature’s Sweet Restorer

Created by Ryan Casey, Beverage Director at The Dewberry hotel in Charleston, South Carolina

Ingredients:

2 parts Maker’s Mark® bourbon

¾ part Strega® liqueur

¼ part Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.® tonic syrup

1/8 part Suze aperitif

1 lemon peel

1 orange peel

7–10 mint leaves

1 tsp. aperitif

Fennel frond

Mint

Dehydrated lemon coin

Fennel pollen

Dried roses

Directions:

Place all ingredients except Maker’s Mark® bourbon and orange peel into a julep cup. Muddle to combine. Top with Maker’s Mark® bourbon. Fill cup with crushed ice. Express orange peel over drink and discard. Garnish with fennel frond, mint, dehydrated lemon coin, dried roses (optional), and fennel pollen.

Mango Mojito with Agave In The Raw

May 3, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored blog post.

Can you believe it’s just a few days until Cinco De Mayo? I can’t, but I’m super excited because it’s the day before my birthday. So I’m going to be having a treat with Agave in The Raw. Agave In The Raw is an organic low glycemic sweetener you can use in baking or making beverages sweeter. I like to use Agave in the Raw in my coffee and in my cocktails. Because we have partnered with Agave in the Raw for the week, we decided to share a recipe a day for Cinco De Mayo. Today’s cocktail treat is a Mango Mojito with Agave In The Raw.

Mango Mojito with Agave In The Raw Recipe

Ingredients:

6 – 8 mint leaves (plus an additional sprig for garnish)

1 ½ ounces light rum
2 teaspoons Agave In The Raw®
2 tablespoons mango nectar
1/8 of a lime
Ice
4 ounces club soda

Directions:

Place the mint leaves and rum in an old-fashioned glass and set aside for 5 minutes. Using a muddler or the back of a tablespoon, bruise the mint leaves with the rum.

Add the Agave In The Raw® and mango nectar to the rum. Squeeze the lime into the glass, then add the squeezed wedge. Add 4 ice cubes. Pour in the soda and stir just enough to blend. Garnish with the mint sprig and serve.

If you want to learn more about Agave In The Raw®, follow them on all their social channels.

In The Raw® website
In The Raw® Facebook
In The Raw® Instagram
In The Raw® Pinterest

Blackberry Mojito with Agave In The Raw Recipe

May 2, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored blog post.

Agave In The Raw is an organic low glycemic sweetener you can use in baking or making beverages sweeter. I like to use Agave in the Raw in my coffee and in my cocktails. Because we have partnered with Agave in the Raw for the week, we decided to share a recipe a day for Cinco De Mayo. Today’s cocktail treat is a Blackberry Mojito.

Blackberry Mojito With Agave In The Raw Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lime, quartered, plus lime wheel for garnish
8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
6-8 fresh blackberries, plus more for garnish

½ ounce Agave In the Raw®
1 ½ ounces white rum
4 ounces chilled soda water

Directions:

Juice 2 lime quarters into a rocks glass or tumbler. Add remaining lime quarters, mint, berries, Agave In The Raw®, and rum and muddle until fruit is crushed. Add 1 cup ice and soda water to fill. Stir. Garnish with lime wheel, additional berries, and fresh mint.

Spicy Tequila Sunrise With Agave In The Raw

May 1, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

This is a sponsored post.

Agave In The Raw® is versatile, it’s not just for sweetening liquids. It is perfect for all of your sweetening needs, from baking to adding sweetness to beverages. Agave In The Raw® is naturally gluten-free and has a low glycemic index which makes it great for me and for this recipe.

Here is the Spicy Tequila Sunrise with Agave In The Raw®

Ingredients:

½-inch slice jalapeño pepper, with seeds
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce (1 tbsp) Agave In The Raw®
1 ½ ounces silver tequila (100 percent blue agave)
4 ounces fresh orange juice
1/2 ounce Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice
1/2 orange slice, for garnish
¼-inch jalapeno slice, for garnish

Ice

Club soda, optional

Directions:

In cocktail shaker or glass, muddle the jalapeno and lime. Add the agave, tequila, and orange juice. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake just to chill.

Pour the pomegranate juice into a tall glass. Fill glass 3/4 with ice cubes. Gently strain the Spice Sunrise into the glass. Garnish with the orange and jalapeño slice.

If you want to learn more about Agave In The Raw®, follow them on all their social channels.

In The Raw® website
In The Raw® Facebook
In The Raw® Instagram
In The Raw® Pinterest

Cinco De Mayo Agave In The Raw Recipes

April 30, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

This is a sponsored Blog Post, we received a gift card and product samples in exchange for our honest opinions about Agave In The Raw®.

I love Cinco De Mayo, it’s one of my favorite holidays for a few reasons. One, it’s the day before my birthday. Two, it’s in May which is like my favorite month. Three, it’s like a free for all for Mexican food and fun cocktails. We partnered with Agave In The Raw® to bring you three fun cocktail recipes:

Each of these will be featured over the next few days leading up to Cinco De Mayo. For now, I want to talk to you about Agave In The Raw® and a classic Cinco De Mayo recipe, the Margarita.

Simple Margarita Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup ice cubes
1/3 cup tequila
1/3 cup Agave In The Raw®
1/2 cup lime juice

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with all the ingredients, cover and shake vigorously. Then pour into a glass. If you like a salted rim, salt the rim before adding the cocktail.

Agave In The Raw® is great to use, it is an organic sweetener from the core of Mexico’s blue agave plant. It lasts longer because Agave In The Raw® is about 25% sweeter than sugar, a little can go a long way. I sometimes forget when I’m making my coffee with Agave In The Raw®, but it’s true, a little goes a long way.

Agave In The Raw® is versatile, it’s not just for sweetening liquids. It is perfect for all of your sweetening needs, from baking to adding sweetness to beverages. My daughter loves to bake so I’m looking forward to her mixing something up. Agave In The Raw® is naturally gluten-free and has a low glycemic index which makes it great for me. My diet is where I’m going very low in sugar and it’s better if I use sweeteners that are low in the glycemic index. So I’m a really big fan of Agave In The Raw®.

If you want to learn more about Agave In The Raw®, follow them on all their social channels.

In The Raw® website
In The Raw® Facebook
In The Raw® Instagram
In The Raw® Pinterest

An Incredibles 2 Inspired Fruit Plate

April 12, 2018 by Momstart 2 Comments

Last week I spent a few days at Pixar learning all about The Incredibles 2. I learned so much about how the movie Incredibles 2 came together, I learned about how the technology has improved from Incredibles 1 to Incredibles 2. And I also learned about the fashion of Incredibles 2, but it’s all still embargoed and I can’t share it with you. So for now, our Incredibles 2 post for this week is food.

Kid’s Incredibles 2 Fruit Breakfast Plate

Ingredients:

1 Orange

1 Ring of Pineapple

2 3-Inch Slices of Pineapple

2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Peel your orange as usual and get as much of the extra white skin off as possible, you really want that orange to come through.

2. Take four larger slices of orange and two smaller slices. Arrange two of the large starting from the bottom of the right side then one orange, lined up to make a circle. Repeat this on the other side but reverse it, larger on top, smaller on bottom.

3. I used a cookie cutter to cut my pineapple ring down so it was smaller. I used a round 2-inch cookie cutter.

4. Cut your two slices of pineapple at the very tip so they’re slanted. Put these in the middle of the oranges with a small space in between them.

5. Place the ring above them and connect the oranges to the outside middle of it.

6. Place your whipped cream in the middle of the ring.

7. It would be awesome if this was done on a black plate for the background to be like the movie, however, black plates aren’t easy to come by where I live, apparently.

Incredibles 2 will be in theaters June 15th.

Be The Star Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

March 10, 2018 by Momstart 2 Comments

We have a fun way to make Gingerbread cookies. Gingerbread cookies don’t have to be a wintertime thing, they are great for anytime you are craving gingerbread cookies. So, maybe you want to have Gingerbread cookies for Easter? If that’s the case, make some star Gingerbread cookies.

See, these are adorable Star Gingerbread Cookies.

We actually made these in honor of The Star coming to DVD and Blu-ray last month, because sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good movie and a special treat.

Ingredients:

1 Package Gingerbread Cookie Mix
½ Cup Butter
½ Cup Flour
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon Water

Directions:

Begin by taking your store-bought gingerbread cookie mix and placing it in a bowl. Ignore directions on the back of the package.
In the bowl, combine all other ingredients except the flour. Mix well.
Cover bowl and place in fridge for about 15 minutes minimum.
Once cooled down, remove from fridge and knead dough together like you would bread dough.
Sprinkle a flat surface with flour (I used whole wheat flour which worked great but you can use any flour you choose). Place the ball of cookie dough in the flour and flatten it with your hand. Sprinkle ball of dough with flour.
Using a rolling pin, easily roll out the cookie dough to be about ½ inch thick.
Using a star cookie cutter, cut out as many cookies as you can then repeat steps 5-7 until there’s not enough dough left for anymore more cookies.
Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees.

Celebrate The Oscars: “Shape of Water” Cocktail

February 20, 2018 by Momstart 2 Comments

Celebrate the Oscars with a fantastic cocktail. For the film “Shape of Water” we have collaborated with Cocktail Chameleon Author and Entertaining Expert Mark Addison who created this signature Oscar worthy cocktail, Swamp Fizz.

Fizz cocktails were at their height of popularity in the 50’s and 60’s during which the “Shape of Water” is set. The Swamp Fizz combines green Crème De Menthe (also immensely popular in the era), citrus, sugar and club soda in classic Fizz proportions with egg whites for added fizz and accentuates the Creatures’ favorite food, eggs!

Swamp Fizz Recipe

Ingredients:

2 oz. Gin

1 Tsp. Green Crème De Menthe

1 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 egg white

1 Tsp. Superfine Sugar

Club Soda

Garnish: lime zest

Glassware: 16 oz. Tiffany & Co. Vintage Highball Glass

Directions:

Add gin, crème de menthe, lemon juice, sugar and egg white to your shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into Collins glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with lime zest.