Lemon Honey Tea

This past year has been a sick one. Seriously. So many germs and so many people to spread them. With the ever changing North Carolina weather- I caught my share of cooties and was left with a sore or scratchy throat many a days. My favorite way to ease my vocal chords is to drink myself a great big double cup of this Honey Lemon Tea. The warm lemon and honey help to clean, clear and soothe your aching throat.

Yes I know.. there technically is no tea in this drink- but its so warm and delicious..  and I call it what I want!

I make mine strong so this is something you may have to play around with a bit to get it to your liking. Don't get discouraged if you don't like it at first try. Too bland? Add more honey and lemon. Too sweet? Add more lemon. You'll figure it out and just remember what you altered for the next time you make it. (Because if you are like me, there will surely be a next time.)

1 cup Hot Water

1 Tablespoon Sugar

3 Tablespoons Honey

3 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice

Place a hot water in a mug. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Next, add both the honey and lemon juice and mix well. Then- enjoy!

Frozen Butterbeer: A Tribute to Harry Potter

In our house we are huge Harry Potter fans and are not afraid to admit it. I think the series is very positive for many reasons and enjoy both the books and movies. We were lucky enough to be able to visit Florida this year with my family and on the very first morning we went straight to Universal to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They did a great job with the park and we were all really impressed. Walking down the streets of Hogsmeade looking through all the shops and listening to the familiar tunes straight from the Potter movies really brought it all to life. The Forbidden Journey ride was a good one. I would recommend to everyone even if you do not ride the ride to take the trip through the line so you can experience the inside of Hogwarts. They did an awesome job with the props and effects.

I have to say, one of my favorite things at the park was the Butterbeer. Butterbeer was the beverage of choice throughout the books the students would enjoy while in Hogsmeade and I could not wait to try it. The frozen Butterbeer was hands down my favorite and as the Hogwarts Express conductor pointed out to me: it is not proper to drink Butterbeer out of a straw. Be sure to get the butterscotch cream on top with every sip. 

As a tribute to the series I searched for and tweaked recipes to get what I thought was easy and the closest thing to the Butterbeer I had while at The Wizarding World and will share my recipe here with you. Please enjoy! This will make 2 delicious servings. 

For drink:

1 can/bottle Cream Soda (I used Dr. Brown's)- frozen (pour contents of can into freezer safe container for an hour or so until almost frozen) OR straight from the can

1 cup Ice (crushed if possible) 

6 Tablespoons Smuckers Butterscotch Syrup (or more to taste)

For cream topping:

1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons Smuckers Butterscotch Syrup

In a blender, blend the soda, ice and 6 Tablespoons of syrup until it is the consistency of a soft slushy. 

With an electric mixer, beat the cream and up to 2 Tablespoons of syrup for a few minutes until light and almost whipped. 

Pour drink into serving glasses and top with the butterscotch cream. Serve immediately. 

'Love Potion'

I am a huge fan of punch and this is a great one!

12 oz Frozen Pink Lemonade Concentrate
Raspberry Sherbet
Lemon-Lime Soda
Whipped cream


In pitcher, mix Pink Lemonade according to package directions.

In a separate pitcher, add 2 cups prepared Pink Lemonade and 2 cups Sherbet. Stir. Add 24oz of lemon-lime soda.

To serve, pour into cups and top with whipped cream.