OK…we certainly aren’t the hardest partiers, but like most people, we do enjoy a nice evening out with friends, date-night with the hubs, vacations and long weekends away, and really any special occasion or celebratory event. And for better or worse, alcohol is almost always a player in some capacity. That said, we have both always had a very low tolerance for any type of alcohol, and once we hit 40 (within a few months of each other), we found our ability to metabolize drinks plummeted even more. Even two wine spritzers or diluted cocktails would lead to terrible headaches or nausea...
INGREDIENTS:3 Gala or Fuji apples, chopped½ tsp cinnamon2 cinnamon sticks2 c organic unfiltered apple cider2 c seltzer or club soda½ c gluten-free vodka750 ml Bonterra Pinot Grigio (or any organic dry white wine)¼ c apple brandy (optional)¼ c organic frozen cranberries DIRECTIONS: In a large pitcher or clear serving bowl, combine white wine, vodka, apple cider, seltzer and apple brandy (optional). Mix in chopped apples, cinnamon + cinnamon sticks. Cover + refrigerate for 2-24 hours. Serve over ice, and garnish with pre-frozen cranberries.
Before we get into how we like to plan for and manage a “cheat” meal, let me first say we HATE the word cheat. Cheating implies you did something you shouldn’t have. Something dishonest or unfair. It’s often layered with guilt or regret and our unofficial theory is that guilty calories go straight to your hips. Instead of calling it a “cheat”, start thinking of it as a “planned indulgence”- a meal where you have planned to enjoy one or two things that wouldn’t normally be part of your everyday eating. It’s one of life’s most important pleasures and all...