Carrot-Pineapple Smoothie

I don't own a juicer, so this smoothie recipe seemed like a great way to get close to making a version of fresh juice at home without one.  It also resolves the issue I have with juicers, since they end up extracting the fiber from your fruits/veggies.  This way, it all stays together!  I love the concept (and taste) of mixing vegetables and fruit in one healthy and delicious mix.  You could choose to add protein powder to this to make it a bit more filling, but I kept it light and simple as an intra-day snack.

The ingredients are simple, and while you can follow the recipe, feel free to add more/less of your favorite ingredients.  You will need carrots, pineapple, orange juice, bananas & ice.

Blend, and enjoy!

Manhattan c. 1874

1874 was an eventful year:

- New York City annexes The Bronx.

- Levi Strauss & Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.
  The price is $13.50 per dozen

- Mathew Evans & Henry Woodward patent the first incandescent lamp with an electric light bulb
- The Manhattan is born at the Manhattan Club in New York!
  (it was also the first drink to use vermouth as a mixer)

Not only is this one of my favorite drinks, I also feel that whiskey is especially festive this time of year.  There are many variations of a Manhattan; here are the three basic types: a classic sweet Manhattan (with sweet vermouth), the dry Manhattan (with dry vermouth), and the perfect Manhattan (equal parts dry and sweet vermouth). 

(Read up here for some fancier interpretations on making this drink)

The basic recipe (serves 2) is as follows:

        4 1/2 ounces rye or bourbon whiskey
        1 1/2 ounces vermouth
              2 dashes Angostura bitters
              2 Maraschino cherries

Stir ingredients over ice (or break the rules and shake them) then pour over cherries.
For a festive flair, I coated the rim with agave nectar and dipped it in organic sugar.

Enjoy discovering your own "perfect" Manhattan... Cheers!