Art of Natural Living

This Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie is creamy, fruity, and refreshingly sweet/tart.  And as close as you’ll get to a fruit crisp without heating up the kitchen!

Is there any food more symbolic of long winter’s passing than rhubarb?  That’s because, weeks before other edible plants, its graceful stalks conspire to push their way up toward the sun. Almost like they’re saying Here I Come, Spring!

And happily, rhubarb then sticks around for a month or two (or more) to make sure you’ve had every opportunity to partake in its bounty!  What a generous plant!  (See my Rhubarb Growing Tips if you’d like to add some to your garden!)

Now while this Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie isn’t as glamorous as my Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie  or as folksy as my Strawberry Rhubarb Shrub, it makes up with it’s simple preparation, lovely tart sweet flavor and healthful ingredients. 

How can you argue with a combo like that!  Read more

Frosty, citrusy, sweet, and boozy, a Bourbon Slush is a frozen drink that’s easy to make in advance.  Rock your summer cocktail hour.

I don’t know why, after so many years, I recently started thinking about my mother’s Brandy Slush again.  I even texted my siblings to see if either of them had the recipe.

A favorite party beverage back in the 70s, Mom would make up a giant tray then scoop out glassfuls as party guests conversed on the patio.  Similar to today’s Bourbon Slush, the refreshing frozen drink was always the hit of a summer party!

So it must have been fate when my daughter and I went to Mackinac Island over Memorial Day, popped into Mary’s Bistro Draught House and found they were serving up Bourbon Slushies. 

Even better, the bartender confided that they were made simply of Orange Juice, Lemonade, Sweet Tea and Bourbon.  Yup, can’t argue when life gives you a Bourbon Slush, complete with ingredient list!  Read more