Rhubarb Mojito's and Rhubarb Syrup

Rhubarb Mojitos

The most delicious, refreshing alternative to a usual Mojito. For this recipe I make my standard Mojito recipe but I replace the sugar with the Rhubarb Syrup instead. The Rhubarb Syrup is so easy to make and is so refreshing when paired with the classic Mojito flavours of Mint and Lime. Try it once and you will be begging for Rhubarb to be back in season!

Serves 1 (easily doubled or can be made into a pitcher)

Small handful of fresh mint leaves (approx. 6 large leaves, or 8-10 small ones)
2 tbsp Rhubarb Syrup (recipe below)
1/2 lime, cut into 3 wedges
1 part white rum (Bacardi)
3 parts soda water
Ice

In a tall glass mix the mint, syrup and 2 wedges of lime together using a muddler, small rolling pin, wooden spoon or any other utensil that allows you to crush everything together so you get as much flavour as possible! Add the rum then fill the glass with ice and top with the soda water. Stir and add the final lime wedge then sit back, sip and enjoy!

Hibiscus Cordial {& Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup}

This recipe is taken from the fantastic book Mexican Food Made Easy by Thomasina Miers. It has the most delicious fruity, berry flavour to it that is sweet but has a tang similar to cranberry juice. Topped up with a little sparkling water, this cordial makes the most refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic drink or for a party it would make a great base to a cocktail, especially when served with a hibiscus flower as a garnish.

Hibiscus Cordial

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie

This is the first recipe I tried on my October Cookbook Challenge and it was so good I had to share it with you. As with most smoothie recipes this takes no time at all to make so is perfect for a fast, delicious and nutritious breakfast. It is so creamy I'm also going to try freezing it for ice lollies/ popsicles which I just know everyone in the family will love.

Serves 3-4

225g/ 8oz strawberries, trimmed and cut in half

1 banana, roughly chopped

140g/ 5oz natural yogurt

1 ¼ cups/ 300ml milk

1 tbsp honey or to taste

Simply put all of the ingredients into a blended and blitz until it is smooth, creamy and delicious! Perfect for breakfast or a morning snack and great for when you are in a rush and need something to go.

*This recipe is part of my October Cookbook Challenge and was taken from The Meat Free Monday Cookbook.

Mango & Strawberry Smoothie

You can't beat making up a smoothie in the morning to get you going for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. This Mango & Strawberry Smoothie is so quick and easy to make and super healthy too so you really can't go wrong!

My Favourite Fruit Smoothie

In the warmer months I can never resist making this delicious smoothie for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack. It takes no time at all to make and is a huge hit with everyone in the family and of course is super healthy – I love it! By using frozen berries (which you can buy year round) you get a wonderfully thick almost sorbet like smoothie that is icy cold and really refreshing as well as completely satisfying. You just can't go wrong with this!

Serves 2-3 happily {easily doubled}

2 cups frozen mixed berries* (such as strawberries; raspberries; blackberries & blueberries)

1 cup frozen or fresh mango, cubes

1 banana

½ cup fruit juice

½ cup plain natural yogurt

Simply put all of the ingredients into a blender and whizz up until smooth and everything is well mixed, then pour into glasses and enjoy. That easy!

*If you have fresh fruit by all means use that, just add some ice to the blender when you add all of the other ingredients.

The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Day 1: Christmas Cocktails

For a while now I have been trying to work out how I would manage to include all of my recipes that I wanted to post in the run-up to Christmas as there are a few (!), so I decided to start my very own 12 Days of Christmas! My version however will run from December 13th and will finish just in time for the big day with the last post on December 24th, Christmas Eve. Each day will feature a new recipe, sometimes a few recipes, but they are all some of my favourite things to have at Christmas time. There is a mix of drinks, starters, desserts and of course a baking recipe or two, one thing you won't find however is a partridge or a pear tree!

So let's get into the Christmas spirit and get the party started with a few ideas to help bring in that festive cheer!