Creamy Taco Mac

Source: Delish

I've seen this recipe making the rounds on different blogs, so I finally had to break down and try it. It's a healthier version of Hamburger Helper, and frankly, it's not that much harder to make! This came together quickly. The only change I'd make for the future is adding a little spice, whether through a pinch of crushed red pepper, or using canned tomatoes with jalapenos. Enjoy!

Creamy Taco Mac

1.25 lbs ground turkey
8 oz dry pasta + 1 cup reserved pasta water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 Tbsp mild taco seasoning
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta per directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water.

2. Over medium heat, brown ground turkey until no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Allow to simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta, reserved water, cream cheese and sour cream. Give it a good stir until cheeses are melty and incorporated. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt & pepper, as desired. Top off with cheddar cheese if desired.

My new summer drink!

Adapted from: Bon Appetit

Rarely do I make something and blog it IMMEDIATELY (I am drinking the pictured as I type), but this is such a delicious, refreshing drink I HAD to! When Kevin and I were in Arizona over Memorial Day weekend, I ordered a "berry thyme" drink from one of the restaurants there and LOVED it. If you've never tried herbs in your drink before, give it a shot! They give it such an interesting and fresh flavor, although you'd never think to add thyme. This Bon Appetit version is almost a perfect match - I used less lime juice and added some club soda for carbonation. My changes are as below. Absolutely addictive!

Raspberry Thyme Smash

2 fresh thyme sprigs, divided
7 fresh raspberries, divided
ice cubes
1/4 cup Hendrick's Gin (or vodka)
2 tablespoons Simple Syrup (see below)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Club soda

Preparation

Remove leaves from 1 thyme sprig; place in cocktail shaker. Add 6 berries; mash with muddler or wooden spoon. Fill cocktail shaker with ice; add gin, Simple Syrup, and lime juice. Cover; shake vigorously until cold. Strain into highball glass filled with ice, and add club soda to taste. Thread 1 raspberry onto remaining thyme sprig; place on rim of glass.

For the simple syrup:

Stir 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil; cool. Cover and chill.