frozen almond joy.

here’s an indulgent chocolatey summer delight!

although - i’m discovering that maybe i am one of the only youngish people who truly loves an almond joy? it has been made clear to me in my peer research that not a lotta people like almond joys at all - in fact, it seems that many people despise almond joys. to that i say - boooo.

ya know what else i like? black licorice. i am a grandma.

so this one goes out to you, 3 other people besides me who love almond joy!!

this recipe started off being a bit on the healthier side, like an almond joy smoothie, but then i decided to trash it up with some fudge and shredded coconut on the rim of the glass. it was a good move.

related: i always loved a mocha coconut frappuccino from the ‘bux. if you’d like to veer in that flavor direction instead, omit the almond butter, add a bigger pinch of espresso powder, and definitely add the coconut extract to the mix.

Frozen-Almond-Joy_QuinnsPlace-6.jpg

chewing the texture of the fudge and the coconut with each gulp of this frozen beverage treat really makes this a full-blown dessert! what fun.

i made this before using dates and i think they really add great body, texture and sweetness to this cold drink. it will turn out fine without dates, but give it a try if you’ve got ‘em! this is a beverage for us old-souled 30-something grannies-at-heart, after all.

Frozen Almond Joy

Makes 2 Beverages

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup almond butter

  • 1 can very cold unsweetened coconut milk or coconut cream

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

  • 2 TB. honey or agave nectar

  • 4 large soft dates, pitted (optional, but recommended)

  • 1/8 tsp. espresso powder (optional, but recommended)

  • 1/8 tsp. coconut extract (optional)

  • 2 TB coconut oil

  • ice

  • 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

  • 1/4 cup hot fudge, softened

Instructions -

Spread the hot fudge on a small plate and twist the rim of each glass into the chocolate, then twist into a plateful of sweetened shredded coconut to coat. Let sit in the fridge while you blend the beverage.

In a blender, add the almond butter, cold canned coconut milk, cocoa powder, sea salt, agave, and dates. Blend very well until the dates are pulverized very well into small bits. Add the espresso powder and coconut extract (if using) and coconut oil. Blend again until very smooth. Lastly, add 1-2 cups of ice and blend until entire mixture tastes smooth and cold. Add additional honey or agave to sweeten, if necessary.

Stick the whole blender in the freezer if you have time - let the mixture chill for 15 minutes and quickly pulse again to reincorporate.

Immediately pour the frozen almond joy into the prepared glasses. Enjoy immediately with a spoon or wide straw!

Frozen-Almond-Joy_QuinnsPlace-1.jpg

qp

grapefruit & guava kombucha margaritas.

very delicious margarita action comin atchaaaaaaa.

i'm a major lover of a paloma (grapefruit + tequila) and a major lover of kombucha.

put 'em together and what've you got?

a super tasty & refreshing adult beverage!

bibbity bobbity boo.

if kombucha isn't your thang, guava juice would be a great substitute. they have guava concentrates in the freezer section usually. the guava & the grapefruit really jive here with the tequila and it's like, calgon, take me awayyyyy to-a-tropical-beach sorta vibe.

"it's paradise."

i freaking love kombucha, though. i used the classic GT's guava goddess kombucha for this recipe. i like all the pulp & body that comes in GT's. some kombuchas are more...liquidy...if that makes any sense. ha. 

i am also supremely stoked on this gawwwwwjuss set of margarita glasses and matching pitcher that my bestie and her boo got me for my birthday. i love em so much, guys!!

the blue is so pretty. i had to pour out the drank and get a photo of how amazing the blue/green part of the glass is. very lagoon-y!

they're from world market, if you're curious!

i'm thirsty.

that blue tho! 

Grapefruit & Guava Kombucha Margaritas

Makes 1 Margarita; Recipe Easily Multiplied

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1  1/2 fl. oz. (one shot glass) tequila blanco (clear!)
  • 1  1/2 (one shot glass) fl. oz. fresh grapefruit juice
  • 6 oz. guava kombucha
  • 1-2 tsp. agave nectar
  • ice
  • grapefruit rounds
  • lime wedge (optional)

Instructions-

In a margarita glass with salted rim, stir the fresh grapefruit juice, tequila, and 1 tsp. agave nectar. Add ice. Pour the guava kombucha over the ice and stir. Add additional agave for sweetness, if desired. Garnish with grapefruit rounds and/or lime wedges. Using a cocktail shaker would be great, too!

 

qp