It;'s Mocktail TIme

 Hot weather deserves a cooling sip. Mocktails fill his need .They can be chocolate-y ,fruit and/or minty. What they have in common is that they're perfect for the steamy days ahead.

One mocktail I'm enjoying now is peaches and cream. This is a yummy mix of peach nectar and vanilla flavored seltzer/It's just taking a tall glass and filling a third of it with a rich, thick peach nectar (Stop and Shop has the best and its; in an easy to our container) and then topping it with two thirds of the seltzer.This has gotten me through quite a few hot June days.I [an on making a non alcoholic Sunrise using it too. This  is mixing the nectar with lemon-lime flavored seltzer.  You can also mix the peach nectar with ginger ale for a kind of Bellini. These are perfect for a brunch with the kids. Keep in mind that apricot nectar can also be used in these drinks as well. Other fruits can be used in mocktails as well. This is blueberry season so think drinks with these bright blue little gems.Muddle or crush the blueberries until they're fully crushed and fragrant. It;s then adding a good splash of lemon seltzer and maybe just a drizzle of honey to sweeten the drinks (some of the berries will be bitter)> Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or two.

Yes, you can make a chocolate mocktail without the alcohol. This is a decadent fix after a summery seafood dinner.This is an easy mix of boiled milk with chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt.  Add vanilla coffee syrup and mix well. The drink is then poured into glasses and chilled (think frozen hot chocolate). Serve in martini  glasses or tumblers that are rimmed with chocolate cookie crumbs.Another fun cocoa flavored mocktail is one that sort of would be in place at an ice cream parlor. Add a good squirt of any chocolate syrup (Bosco is great here) and some milk or cream. To give it fizz and oomph , top off with cherry flavored seltzer(It's basically an egg cream with something extra). You can also do the same with another fruit of the season - strawberries.Puree three or four strawberries and then add milk to them . Mix in equal parts chocolate syrup and plain seltzer.Stir until the drink is thoroughly mixed. Serve in a tall glass with a sliced strawberry on the rim.You can also make a simple strawberry syrup for this by cooking together white granulated sugar and Walter. Strawberries are added and crushed as  they're cooking . Strain out the pulp and seeds. This syrup can also be used in fruity mocktails too.

Happiness is a cold drink on a hot day. Make any of these mocktails to beat the beat. Sit back and sip.

Getting IntoThe School Lunch Groove

 It's been almost a year and a half away from school. There are going to be a lot of catching up and remembering what to do. That also applies to school lunches too. What to do? Take a crash course in mid day meals.

Some kids are pretty steadfast in their culinary likes and dislikes. If they were into peanut butter and jelly sandwiches then. they;ll still be into them now. Maybe change it up a bit by putting the age old combo on a bagel or croissant. Kids may also want the traditional bologna or ham sandwich.This is good save for the cold cuts, Try putting them on healthier whole grain or brown breads. Use vegan mayo or mustard for healthier condiments.Stick in some slice.Add some sliced bell peppers or grape tomatoes instead of potato chips. A few pretzels would also be appreciated too. What about what to drink? Tropicana has Farmstead Tropical Green orange juice that's a refreshing sip. There's also Ocean Spray's No Sugar Added  cranberry juice. The classic brand WElch's has a superberry one, sure to be a fast favorite,

What about those young food snobs? They've got to eat too. Think about a healthy and fun kale salad mixed with shredded rotisserie chicken and extras like almonds and walnuts. If all they want is pizza compromise. TRy a plum tomatoes and mozzarella on Italian bread. Drizzle with olive oil and dust on some oregano.The taste is more or less the same but much easier to carry. If they're super snobs, then think croissants with Brie and some grapes for dessert,.Toss in some baby carrots and broccoli florets. Let them pick out or create their own dressings.If they've gone vegan, then shop with them to pick out soy cold cuts. Don't scoff at their choices. Encourage them.What if they bemoan those babyish juice boxes and want to bring soda ? Again compromise with cans of flavored seltzer and eco friendly straws.

It's easy to get back into the school lunch groove. Pick what you kids like and will eat. Ask them their preferences too. It makes for a meal eaten and a tasty midday break. 

Uh Oh Hurricane Season Is Here

 The end of August brings about that last minute summer vacation, school shopping and hurricane season. The last means everything from flooding and no power. It also means getting ready food wise,

Some are lucky to have generators to keep the electricity continuing. Some don't. If that's the case , the first thing is to empty the fridge and freezer, Cook what you can on the stove or the grill. All those veggies can be made and even be turned into a vegan dinner. Surprisingly you can even cook Tater Tots on the grill. Just use a vegetable basket or aluminum foil folded into into a packet to cook them.Frozen pasta can also be cooked on the barbecue if you have metal containers. As for the ice cream. think ice cream sodas which is a nice diversion, along with keeping  the soda cold.You can also make ice cream sandwiches using any kind of wafer cookie and whatever you have. Melting popsicles can be used to flavor seltzer along with chilling it. As for the dairy in the fridge, milk, butter and even yogurt can be whisked with flour and cheese to create yummy sauces for meats , veggies and pasta.

IF you're prepping for a hurricane ,then stock up on canned goods. Tuna and salmon are good and storable sources of protein as are deviled ham and chicken.THese can be used in salads or sandwiches,. They're also good on crackers which is another must buy. Another good source of proteins are beans. Buy a variety so you can make bean salads, always a good  side with grilled foods. Buy fruits and veggies you know will last. They also provide an adequate amount of vitamins and nutrients much needed during a stressful time.What you also need is coolers and ice packs. Cold water can also do the trick. Buy enough bottled water because you may also wind up using it for brushing teeth and washing. Dry cereal is another must >The kinds can eat it dry if you can't get milk. IT also makes for a good snack too. Protein and energy bars are also needed. They can be used for breakfast or be toted around for easy snacking,

Hurricane season is here. Get ready for it. Buy the right foods  to get you through this wet and wild times.

Treat Yourself To A Fun Dinner

By now we're all sick of all those lunches and suppers that feature beans. It's time to liven up meal time with fun and new recipes. That also includes dessert. we need to give ourselves a fun treat now and then.

Since it's getting close to Memorial Day, think hamburgers and hot dogs. Everyone love burgers with all the fixings. Go double and have two patties like your favorite fast food joints. Add sliced onions or better yet caramelized ones. Caramelizing is an easy process.It's just slowly cooking them in olive oil until the pieces turn a golden brown or tan. You could add butter and even balsamic vinegar for more flavor. Avocado slices or homemade guacamole can be layered on too. The bun should be buttered and then toasted on the grill for about three seconds. Hot dogs can also get the special treatment. Slices them and stuff with shredded cheddar. To make sure the dogs don't split either spear them with toothpicks or wrapped slices of bacon around them. You can do something similar with veggie burgers and dogs. There's vegan cheddar and also mozzarella. As for sides there's potato chips for a fun side or you can air fry them. Air fried chips starts with mandolining potatoes and then spritzing them with olive oil cooking spray. You can add some rosemary sprigs for more flavor.

Fruit is good for you but it can also be fun. Think banana  non dairy ice cream. Dr. Oz featured this on his show a few years back and it was a big hit. It's slicing banana slices and putting them in a freezer bag. It;'s then freezing them overnight and then blitzing them in a food chopper. The result is a creamy, low calorie dish that can be jazzed up with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. You can sub in non dairy whipped almond or coconut milk. Add M&M's or nuts if you want. Caramel apples are always fun. For a different take, air fry them with some cinnamon or plain and then dunk the crunchy slices  into caramel. Of course strawberries are big right now, There's nothing as decadent as strawberries dunked in any kind of chocolate, whether in syrup form or melted chips. You can do the same with blueberries and raspberries too. Of course you can also use fruit in tasty mocktails and cocktails.Think screwdrivers either using seltzers or vodka. Try Bellinis and mimosas with the addition of champagne , peach nectar or  fresh squeezed orange juice.

It's time for a fun treat. Liven up lunch, dinner or even dessert. You deserve it.

The Cirrhosis Diet

The liver is one of the most important digestive organs humans have. Yet it can be damaged, thanks to bad eating and that means a special diet. The cirrhosis diet can help and can even prevent liver damage.

I am interested in this because i may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is a the onset of cirrhosis and untreated  can lead to liver cancer or liver disease. It can be stopped or slowed down. The liver won't return to normal but the disease won't progress. How did this happen? Eating way too much sugar and fried foods along with an addictive passion to fast foods.I had been diagnosed seven years ago by a doctor who had a very cavalier attitude towards it. I did try to stave it off for years , taking milk thistle which helps every day.I plan on taking it up again and recommend others with CDL chronic liver disease to do the same. Dandelion also helps. Both can be bought at GNC  chain store around the country. I will also be cutting out fried foods  along with ones heavy in salt and sugar. It's no more cookies and candy - which were my downfalls. Soda and fruit juices are definitely out. In fact they cause more liver damage than alcohol. White grains such as refined flour and white rice are also off the table -literally. Potassium rich foods like bananas and cod should be nixed. Potassium contributes to liver disease so avoid other foods such as peas and sweet potatoes too.

What will I be able to eat? Luckily my favorites - cruciferous veggies are on the list. That means I can have them and Brussels sprouts with a small amount of butter. Other veggies include another favorite Brussels sprouts and avocados. Spinach is another must eat green that can help the liver. Have it in a salad  with olive oil and lemon. No vinegar because it's toxic to the organ.Tomatoes are a must eat and and a must drink. Tomato juice makes a great snack, especially if it's jazzed up with turmeric. If you have CLD please add this amazing spice to your spice rack. It can retard the disease thanks to its' anti-inflammatory properties.Ginger is another spice perfect in helping this disease. It, too has anti-inflammatory properties, namely proteins that help in reducing scar tissue. You can also make a ginger tea by slicing up the fresh root and boiling it. Keep in mind that it's also good for stomach aches and colds too. As for drinks it will be coffee, flavored seltzer and green tea. It will be hard to give up fruit juice and soda but this is something I have to do. To be honest in a few months I'll wonder why I even drank them at all.It'll be the same thing for all those bad foods too. I'll look at them and wonder what i saw in eating them.

I do not look forward to this diagnosis.I do look forward to healing myself with good foods and good beverages. Hopefully I can take myself back to what it was.

The Water Diet

If you're in the US you're probably in the middle of a severe heat wave. You don't want to eat - but you have to .It's too much of a chore. The answer lies in a water rich diet for the next few days.

Of course you should have chilled water at the ready during these horrendous days. That's a given. Remember to place a bottle by your bed along with having fresh bottles in your car. Keep away from large amounts of sodas and coffees during this time. Caffeine acts as a diuretic which causes you to urinate more and lose fluids. Wait until after the heat wave to hit the colas and lattes. If you do want a flavored drink, think fruit juice.Just make it's 100 per cent juice.If there's even a bit of sugar in it , it will inhibit hydration.Keep in mind that milk both regular and skim are excellent at hydrating.  Almond milk is good for hydration so you could drink it instead of the usual cow's milk. Soy milk is better for skin than for lowering internal temperatures. What about the hot drink of the moment - seltzer?You  can drink it for regular hydration. Just don't sub it in for water after work outs or any heavy physical activity.

Another must is eating water rich foods. These are light and tasty - perfect for these fiery days. All veggies are water rich but also high in fiber. Popular veggies that are high in hydration are spinach and Romaine lettuce. These are the perfect bases for salads. Fill them with low calorie proteins such as hard boiled eggs and chicken. You can also add other water rich veggies such as tomatoes and cucumbers to the salads too. Dress with a simple olive oil and apple cider vinegar mix. If you want some crunch then toss in a handful of sunflower seeds or croutons. Tomatoes and cucumbers on their own make for delicious and refreshing salads. Tomatoes mixed with just olive oil and garlic is a great lunch or a good side to anything from burgers to steaks. Make it more substantial by turning it into a Neopolitan bread salad with the addition of chunks of Italian bread.Cucumbers just doused with a plain dill  vinaigrette is a nice light meal or even afternoon snack. Fruits are also water rich  and are perfect for hydrating on a hellish day. Have a bowl of chilled blueberries or strawberries for dessert or  a late night snack. Stay away from starchy cookies and cakes. You have fall and winter to eat those. You can even puree the fruits and turn them into healthy pops and slushies.

It's an inferno out there. Stock up on water and water rich foods to stay cool and hydrated. You'll feel better thanks to eating  better.

Your PIcnic Hamper Guide

Mother's Day issues in the Spring picnic season.There's nothing like a day out whether at your favorite beach or park. It means fresh air and a change from eating inside. Just make sure you have some of the basics  namely a good hamper.before you hit the great outdoors

One of the most important items to have is some kind of container to haul the food and drinks.Size matters if you like to have a big, meal with sides.then splurge for an English style hamper. These come complete with metal cutlery, wine glasses (!) and pretty cloth  napkins. Salt and pepper shakers and even a bottle opener are included. The price is a good one - forty three dollars on Amazon. The hamper is made from sturdy wicker which will last for years. It's deep enough for a bottle  - or can. of wine along with a whole roast chicken and sides. Family and friends can definitely dine in style with it. A more practical one is from Scuddles which comes in a form of a large backpack. This is weather resistant and can take a few drops and dings.Like other hampers it comes complete with all the accoutrements you need for a successful picnic. It is insulated so you can bring both hot and cold foods and drinks with you. The price is reasonable -only forty-seven dollars on Amazon.One of my favorites is Igloo's Soft Cooler which is no bigger than a lunch box. It is deep and it can hold two sandwiches , two  sandwich full sandwich bags of either fruit or veggies and a sixteen ounce  can of soda. It's perfect for a small picnic and it's easy to tote around.It was around nine dollars from Stop & Shop.

If you're planning on a big picnic that requires a barbecue, then think about what's known as a hard cooler. This is a container made from a sturdy kind of plastic and come in a variety of different sizes. It's perfect for bringing marinated chicken and steaks along with hamburgers and hot dogs.These also keep bowls of refrigerated sides nice and cool too.Keep in mind that the bigger the container the higher the price. Coolers will last  for a long time if you take good care of them.Igloo also makes stainless steel ones that not only guarantee a long life but a completely chill meal. These are used for hauling drinks around and they're usually seen at tailgate parties. You can bring them to the park if you have meats to grill or to the beach , filled with water and seltzer.Another aspect to consider if you want one on wheels or a convenient carry around.If you plan big dos outdoors , then get the one on wheels. If it's  just a few sandwiches and small containers  then think about a carrier  that is half the size and weight.

A picnic doesn't start with food. It starts with the containers that bring the food. There is a wide variety to choose from. Pick one that suits your needs and will last a long time.

Good Foods, Good Teeth

Our teeth usually are the last body part we think of when we eat. Yet they, like our bones, need  healthy foods to thrive . A bad diet can lead to  bad dental problems which could lead to bad heart problems. The best way to avoid these is to give your choppers a diet rich in nutrients . The reward? A bright white smile!

There are reasons why parents freak out over their kids eating too much candy or soda.  These are loaded in sugar which mixes with bacteria. This then turns into an acid which breaks down tooth enamel. Also , a passion for sweets lasts well into adulthood and it;s hard to get out  the habit of wanting them. Start the little ones early with healthier treats such as apple or  pear slices.  Surprisingly bananas and raisins are high in sugar and not good for developing teeth. Kids love colas and other fizzy sweet drinks.Even juices are suspect, Let them drink milk or chilled water. What about flavored seltzer? There' no sugar in it, true, but the carbonation resulting from a hit of carbon dioxide can cause acids to form in the mouth. Even if you make it at home using a SodaStream, there;s a huge risk of cavities forming. A better bet is a chilled decaf herbal tea however make sure it's distilled. It can create problems in children so you may want to stick with fruit infused waters. These are easy to make,It's just taking any kind of fruit like pineapples or berries and infusing them in chilled water for four hours.

It's not too late for any adult to adopt a tooth healthy diet. Unfortunately our sugar habits are very much ingrained in us. One of our worst habits is imbibing too much coffee. Thanks to all these coffee shops, we're a country hooked on it. Caffeine does cause problems as well as creating halitosis or bad breath . It reacts with the mouth's bacteria which forms the corrosive acid that destroys enamel. You can have  your java fix but drink it quickly. Don't spend the day sipping it. That can lead to more harm. Also brush your teeth or at least rinse them after your daily cup. The same advice applies to tea too. Avoid the sugary extras like those chocolate and caramel drizzles or that pound of sugar you put into  your cappuccino. We have a tendency to snack  and unfortunately on the wrong kinds of food. Nix the afternoon Skittles and Oreos. As with kids, apples and pears are the best for your teeth. The fruit's rough flesh scrape the teeth much like a toothbrush. They also stimulate the mouth to produce more saliva which washes away the bacteria.  Raw carrots and celery  are also good for the teeth and also scrape away bacteria. If you do seriously crave sweets then go for dark chocolate. It's rich in flavanoids which help in oral health.

A healthy diet means healthy teeth. Eat right and you can have that bright white smile. It's not good genes that produce good bicuspids and canines. It good food.

Buffet Bonanza

In the last twenty years a phenomenon  has happened with American dining - the birth of the all you can eat buffet. These are all over the US right now, competing with fast food and slow food. Are they all that they promised? Yes and even more.

It seems that every town now has some kind of buffet. They used to be few and far between.I remember going to one twenty years ago for a bridal shower. It was amazing to see , with the variety of meats and sides.I had only ever experienced this in Atlantic City , where there was an all you can eat buffet in every hotel/casino. This probably was taken from Las Vegas where the concept is used to keep gamblers in the casino.Now it's one of the top industries for Chinese immigrants.providing employment for many young Asians..The buffets are taking over from the concept if a sit down restaurant where there is a set menu, usually  featuring Cantonese or sometimes Szechuan dishes or a combination of both.The buffets do offer such classic dishes as fried rice, lo mein and shrimp in lobster sauce but they also appeal to trends such as a sushi station along with other ethnic dishes such as ravioli and kielbasa.I know two local ones that also feature a weekend brunch menu that highlight bacon and sausages, along with pancakes and egg foo yung  (oh, well, they do try). Another non-Chinese idea is dessert. The Chinese usually just have fruit, namely oranges yet most buffets have a whole pastry  tray featuring Italian specialties like panna cotta and tiramisu. There are also neat little squares of vanilla, chocolate and carrot cakes as well as ice cream too. Fruit is there , thankfully, as a respite from all those calories..

Are these buffets good for a country known for overeating and obesity? Actually yes. Unlike most restaurants and fast food joints , people have more healthy choices. Any diner can make a plate of lean meats and veggies with melon or strawberries for dessert. It's just staying away from the sauced dishes and fried foods like chicken, cod, French fries and onion rings. Throw in a good portion of  plain white rice to fill up, This will fill you so you don't go back for seconds , thirds or even fourths. Another smart idea is portion control. Yes , you can have those fish sticks, just don;t pile your plate with them as some careless diners are wont to do. The same for those "fun" sides like crab filled mushrooms, and fried plantains. The idea also applies to dessert too. As tasty as your buffet's chocolate cake is, don't go hog wild and get three pieces. Share it table side.All buffets also offer bottomless drinks. Again choose wisely. Buffet foods tends to be salty which brings on massive thirst. Before you know it you;ve finished off your first glass and want more. Soda and sweet tea is loaded with sugar and calories. Stick with lemon water and unsweetened ice tea.Some buffets do offer club soda  and this is a great choice of having a fizzy drink without all the guilt.

Buffets are now a fixture in America. They're not going away any time soon People love them too much . After all, they are fun to visit and to indulge those foodie passions and crushes.

Summer Spritzers And Sparklers

One of the most refreshing summer drinks is anything made with seltzer. The fizz makes any wine or juice festive and it's a nice departure from the usual cocktails and ades. They're perfect for barbecues or even just enjoying movie night by yourself.

The New York Times Food section on Wednesday gave some good advice regarding making the perfect spritzer. Robert Simonsen wrote about going to and looking towards Northern Italy for inspiration. Generations have made the perfect spritzer. All it takes is three factors : bitter , bubbly and low in alcohol.Sadly , us Yanks made a blander version popular in the States during the Seventies and Eighties.It was known as the white wine spritzer in which any white was combined with seltzer. It wasn't a memorable drink , neither in taste or character. The true Italian spritzers should be more wine than seltzer or soda water. What is used is up to the bartender. Seltzer is the best because there's  more of a lightness and fizz. Soda water has a definite mineral taste in it that can detracts from the flavors of the other ingredients One of the best spritzes is the Aperol, composed of the bitter orange liqueur, prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine, and seltzer.Another refreshing combo is a mix of California Chardonnay with Bruto Americano, a liqueur with such diverse ingredients as coffee bark, bitter Seville oranges and balsam fir, Pink grape juice give it a blush color in this spritz called Cali Spritz, created by Jon Santer, owner of the Emeryville California bar Prizefighter.

Seltzer can also liven up the non alcoholic as well. These are called sparklers and can be made with a variety of juices. You can use store bought  fruit juices or crushed fruit. For the first try to get the purest and the most natural. The Simply Juice company sells juices as if they've just come from the juicer itself. Try their lemon or limeade for a truly refreshing thirst quencher. The two can be combine and mixed with seltzer for a tart drink, perfect for those holiday barbecues.Their orange juice is another one that can be mixed with any fizzy seltzer for a drink that can be sipped all day long. In fact it make for a perfect virgin or clean mimosa for any brunch.Cranberry fans could make a clean Cape Codder spiking up the juice with seltzer. As for fresh juices you can use a juicer. The drinks will have a different, more fresher taste. Home mixologists can also use fruit simple syrups, a variation of the classic bar staple. Basically it's a cup of sugar and water mixed with one and a half cups of fruit.They're boiled together and then strained through a fine mesh strainer. Any fruit can be used. Think tart for some flavor contrast. Take advantage of the blackberry and raspberry season right now. They not only make for flavor packed drinks but also for pretty ones too. The cooked berries tint the seltzer  lovely shades of pink.

It's summer, the perfect time for both spritzers and sparklers. Open a few bottles of seltzer and create a cool and bubbly thirst quencher,excellent for a hot summer's night. Sit back, look at the stars and sip.

Your Healthiest Party Ever

new Year's Eve parties are rarely known for their healthy and low calorie foods and drinks.Yet you can be a concerned host and actually serve nibbles and shots that are good for your guests.These are not only beneficial for the waistline but also for the psyche too.None will wake unfeeling either bloated or even hung over. As I've always stated a party is defined by its' foods.Party foods should be fun and full of flavor.They don't have to have empty calories and fat.One of the easiest dips to make is salsa.It's also chockfull of vitamins and minerals.Start with tomatoes and onions.You can add corn or scallions for some thing different.Some add mangoes too.Serve with whole wheat tortilla chips.Dips can also be healthier by subbing in plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.Kabobs ,always a party fave can be made with grilled chicken or shrimp. Add peppers and eggplant for variety. Asian style appetizers are always a good choice.Start with shredded chicken and fill with carrots,Ginger and carrots. Use regular lettuce for the exteriors .This can be served hot because it just takes five minutes to cook and create.A variation of lettuce cups which is just putting scoops of the chicken mix into whole lettuce leaves.Mini pizzas are also good.Try whole wheat pita as a base and fresh tomatoes instead of sauce. Drinking and toasting are a New Year's tradition.Yet too much can cause tremendous damage.What you can do is sub in the non alcoholic ciders and champagnes(yes they do exist). if not think about spritzers.This is taking any wine and combining it with seltzer. Red wine on it's own is chock full of antioxidants. You can make it less alcoholic by loading it with ice and letting the ice melt.Another idea is drink liquor.It's low in calories.Surprisingly most martinis are also low in calories as are gin and tonics.For safety ,add just a hint of gin and go heavy on the tonic.For beer drinkers have lite beers handy.However the healthiest and sanest drink for the New Year's is a flute of flavored seltzer with a twist of lemon. Also have black coffee ready for those driving home in the early hours. A New Year's party should have special food and special drink.Start it off right with healthy food and drink.It'll be a great way of starting the new year right.

Seltzer A Sparkling Summer Classic

Want a drink that refreshing and can go with everything from wine to chocolate syrup? Then think seltzer.It's a summer must have because of its' versatility. It can go from fizzing up a punch to adding zip to lemonade.You can even drink it plain, nicely chilled, with ice and a lemon wedge.

Seltzer water is over two hundred years old, first made by Joseph Priestly in 1767 by accident when he infused water with carbon dioxide  . This was done by placing a bowl of water over a beer vat and letting the fumes permeate the liquid. The actual name, seltzer comes from the German town of Selter.which has been bottling spring water since the 18th Century. It's  is different than club soda because it has no salt in it, therefore a slightly different , almost acidy type of taste. You can make seltzer at home using just plain tap water  and a charger (and now there's the new soda streams that make a fair equivalent to it).

Seltzer is the perfect summer time refresher. Add ice and a lemon or even lime wedge and it makes the great non alcoholic drink at any summertime soiree. It's also perfect for backyard relaxing along with a good book. However seltzer shines when it's mixed. Try  it with Campari for the classic holiday in Capri drink or with a flavored vodka for an adult version of soda pop, For something not quite as heady, whip up a few sparklers seltzer mixed with either fruit juices or lemonade. The classic treat is the egg cream. This is chocolate syrup mixed in with a little milk and then Seltzer is added to give it a foamy head. Stir gently and knock back one of the best drinks ever!

Seltzer is a true summertime classic. Have it on while sitting under y our favorite tree reading a book or blend in any of your favorite fruit juices. Better yet, try that classic the egg cream  and enjoy it under a starry sky.