Gone Nuts...for Peanuts!

One of the biggest food trends this year has been non-dairy milk alternatives, mostly plant based nut milks. Replacing dairy is a great way to enhance your healthy lifestyle! This week's blog includes several fantastic and delicious recipes using peanut milk, both plain and chocolate, from protein packed breakfast muffins, to light and healthy pasta, warm soothing fish curry and decadent desserts, like these gorgeous Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes!

In addition to being high in protein, other incredible health benefits associated with peanuts include biotin, an enzyme healthy B vitamin, heart healthy monounsaturated fats which lower stroke and heart attack risk, antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce cancer risk and consuming peanuts may even protect you from gallstones!

You've seen them all, almond milk, cashew, walnut, even hazelnut milk, but this is the first Peanut Milk, introduced by Elmhurst 1925. (@elmhurst1925) Peanut milk is dairy-free, non-GMO, vegan, lactose free and Kosher. With today's trends in food, turning to a more plant based protein diet, as a replacement for dairy products, nut milks have become a viable and popular alternative. In addition to their already produced almond, hazelnut, cashew, walnut and grain milks (oatmeal & brown rice), Elmhurst (@elmhurst1925) has developed the first peanut milk (regular and chocolate!) and it is delicious! 

They use a patented process called cold milking, producing a nut milk that is super creamy, flavorful and maintains the nutritional integrity of whole, raw Georgia peanuts (@gapeanuts) free of stabilizers, emulsifiers, gums or other chemicals typically used in nut milking and 6 grams of protein in every 8 ounces! (8 grams in the Chocolate variety)

I was honored to be asked, in conjunction with @Foodiechats and the Georgia Peanut Commission (@gapeanuts) to test the product in my kitchen where I had so much fun creating new dishes and improvising with some of my old ones. Check out these amazing recipes using peanut milk! From smoothies and protein packed muffins to start your day, to light and delicious pasta, warm and soothing fish curry and decadent peanut milk desserts! Simple to prepare and oh so tasty! (Simply click on the photos for the recipes!)

With all of these beautiful and delicious options, you can see why I went Nuts for Peanuts and had so much fun cooking with Elmhurst 1925 Milked Peanuts! Not to mention the many health benefits of peanuts!  Can't wait for you to try the recipes and please, send me your photos after you've prepared one of mine, or created one of your own! Hope you are enjoying the start of your summer...

Spring Entertaining - Heritage Style!

It's beginning to look a lot like Heritage! Heritage Week 2018 Harbour Town Golf Links, Sea Pines Resort.

It's time for the RBC Heritage Classic Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island, the perfect occasion for spring entertaining! Whether you are fortunate enough to be on the island for the festivities or  just watching and toasting from home, you won't want to miss the tournament in this most beautiful setting, one of the favorite stops on the PGA Tour. And while you are watching, why not try my modern Bloody Caesar, with Clamato, lemon and nutmeg. A perfect spring entertaining cocktail with a Heritage Plaid theme! Get your Plaid On...and drink it too!

My 50th Anniversary Cocktail Entry. Unfortunately, not selected as the Official 50th Anniversary Drink, but I wanted to share with my #plaidnation since it is Heritage Week! A perfect Heritage Brunch libation, in celebration of #plaidweek!  Happy Heritage!

Since its inception in 1969, the Heritage Classic Golf Tournament has been the highlight of the year in the beautiful Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where I have called home for 35 years. The first tournament was played Thanksgiving weekend 1969 and its champion, a 40-year old Arnold Palmer claimed his first win in over a year. Jack Nicklaus, who designed the course alongside Pete Dye, also won the tournament in 1975. RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) has been the title sponsor of The Heritage since 2012 and this year offers a terrific field of exciting players competing for the Heritage Plaid Jacket and $6.7 million purse. Who will take this year's prize?

Traditional Opening Ceremony at The Heritage.  A bagpipe parade and canon blast with the first shot into the Calibogue Sound

Of course, spring entertaining on Hilton Head must include fresh South Carolina Shrimp, which are bountiful in the local waters, like this simple, elegant and flavorful shrimp cocktail.

Rosemary Shrimp Cocktail. With fresh local South Carolina Shrimp and a citrusy spicy sauce.

Whether you are entertaining guests for an event, or just a fun gathering of friends and family, my Rosemary Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect dish. Spicy shrimp grilled on rosemary skewers with a tangy citrusy cocktail sauce, perfect with an RBC Bloody Caesar Cocktail! 

Wherever you are this weekend, I hope you will tune into The RBC Heritage Classic. Whether or not you are a golf fan, I am sure you will enjoy Hilton Head's majestic scenery. Stay tuned for more spring entertaining ideas.  In the meantime...

To see more of the exquisite Sea Pines Resort, click on the play button! Enjoy!