No Bake Holiday Bourbon Balls

December 12, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

As we progress into the holiday season we start planning our yearly goody baskets that we love to share with friends and family. Each year we incorporate our family favorites and add a few new sweets, as well. This year we have an exceptionally easy treat that you will enjoy making as much as eating.

No Bake Holiday Bourbon Balls are a quick easy treat that requires no fuss ingredients. You can whip these up in a snap and off you go to your holiday cookie swap or gathering. To make these you need crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, finely chopped pecans, cocoa powder, cinnamon, bourbon and pure maple syrup.

Place the ingredients into a bowl and mix together. Form the mixture into small balls. (Don’t forget to spray your hands with cooking spray first for easier formation.) Roll the balls in powdered sugar, chill and serve!

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for No Bake Holiday Bourbon Balls.

The bourbon and maple syrup compliment each other to give these tasty treats a wonderful flavor with very little effort.

What treats are you planning on baking for the holiday season? We have listed some of our favorites from the past below.

Boozy Peanut Butter Blossoms 🐷🐷

Borghetti Brownie Caramel Bites🐷🐷

Golden Mint Crinkles🐷🐷🐷

Love You More Cookies🐷

Menta Truffles

Menty Brownies🐷🐷

Thin Mentas

Twisted Mississippi Mud Brownies🐷

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Bourbon Apple Bread

November 7, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Can you believe that it is already November? We know that sounds trite, but time has been flying for us. We thought after we became empty nesters that things would slow down a bit. We guess in our new-found freedom that we are taking advantage of doing all of those things that were put on the back burner for years?

We wanted to share a homey fall recipe with you this week, and what is more homey and comforting than home baked bread? We have brought you some yummy bread recipes in the past, such as, Angry Orchard Bread, Chocolate Banana Bread and Easy Pumpkin Beer Bread. This week we are adding a touch of fall flavor with some juicy gala apples and a twist of bourbon flavor.

To make this easy bread recipe you will need a yellow cake mix, shredded fresh apples, canola oil, eggs, milk, bourbon, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter.

First mix the cake mix, oil, milk, and spices together in a large mixing bowl. Add the bourbon and hand-stir in the shredded apples. Divide the batter between two loaf pans prepped with cooking spray.

Mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter and 1/4 ounce of bourbon. Sprinkle on top of the bread batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool. Slice. Enjoy!

This easy bread is perfect to bake as a hostess gift for a friend or pre-make for your next brunch. We are going to enjoy ours on the patio this afternoon on this gorgeous autumn day.

What kind of fall adventures have you been on lately? Make some bourbon apple bread and let us know your thoughts!

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Just in “Queso”…Game Day Snacks

October 24, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We have been making the rounds to a few football games and tailgates recently. If you follow us on Facebook, you may have noticed that we were in Oxford, MS a couple of weeks ago to visit blind piglet #3 at Ole Miss #HottyToddy! We have participated in our fair share of tailgates . ( We are Chiefs fans. Remember?) However, we must say that our friends down in Mississippi take tailgating to a whole new level. Not only was the Grove packed with home and visiting fans, alike, but we witnessed a whole different type of tailgating. There were chandeliers hanging from tents. Men and women dressed to the nines, and we even saw one fan designing center floral pieces for the tables under her tent! Southern hospitality was certainly on display in full force, and to make the day even better, the Rebs beat Arkansas in an exciting game that came down to the final seconds!

All of this cheering for our favorite football teams got us thinking about writing another post about game day or tailgating snacks and food. What would any tailgate without some delicious queso to munch on? To make it fit for The Blind Pig Blog, we just had to add a little something something to it ;). Thus our Game Day Beer Queso was born!

Before we get started on the details on how to make this delicious queso. (Torchy’s watch out we are coming for you!) Let’s talk queso. Blind Pig #1 informed us years ago when she went to college at MIZZOU that not everyone knows what queso is. What? Who? How? Queso is defined by wikipedia as a Mexican-inspired appetizer or side dish of thick and creamy melted cheese. Queso should never be called or confused with cheese dip which comes in a jar or can and is served cold. Eeeww! (See below).

Queso is one of the main food groups for anyone living in Texas and is served up warm with chips at nearly every social gathering. To make our delicious queso you need these few easy ingredients: chopped onion, chopped fresh jalapeno, cumin, paprika, chipotle pepper, salt, pepper, olive oil, shredded Mexican blend cheese, Velveeta cheese, 1 bottle of beer, fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and Queso Cotija.

This easy queso can be whipped up in the matter of few minutes and has the flavor to make your guests think you are a master chef. If making for a tailgate, make at home and then transport it in a slow cooker to keep and serve warm. This queso tastes great with your favorite corn chips, but could also make a great dip for soft pretzels or bread.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for Game Day Beer Queso.

What are your favorite game day recipes?

Here are a few of our favorites from The Blind Pig Blog.

Corralejo Lime Guac🐷🐷

Octoberfest Chili🐷🐷🐷

Twisted Mississippi Mud Brownies🐷

Corralejo Skinny Agave Margarita🐷🐷🐷

Carpano Antica Sangria🐷🐷🐷

Punt e Mes Sangria🐷🐷

Bloody Mary

Fernet and Coke🐷🐷🐷

3 Hot Chocolates with a Twist

Fernet Hot Chocolate🐷🐷🐷

Blind Pig Mojito

Salted Whiskey Caramel Corn🐷🐷🐷

Enjoy your week. As far as your favorite team goes, may the odds ever be in your favor!

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Good Bye Summer…

September 20, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We have put this post off as long as we possibly can. We can’t ignore the date on the calendar any longer. It is September 19, friends, and you know what that means? It means that summer is racing to an end and fall is quickly approaching. Fall is a great season, but summer means more sunshine, frolicking at the beach, sunning by the pool and all of the great fresh fruits, berries and ingredients that are in season! This week we are giving you one more chance to make any of these great summer recipes. Here is a look back at some of our best!

Raspberry No-Churn Ice Cream

S’more Ice Cream Cake

Cake Batter Rum Ice Cream Bars

Strawberry Raspberry Pie

Blind Pig Mojitos

Borghetti Mudslide

Hatch Chile Paloma

Strawberry Mint Spritz

Which one is still on your list to try? Try it out and let us know how it goes.

Thank you summer! We will see you next year. 🙂

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Strawberry Mint Spritz

September 11, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Craig is out of town this week at the Aspen Food and Wine Festival, so I am taking up the slack and posting on The Blind Pig Blog while he is having a great time in a beautiful Colorado town.

Since it is 9/11 I am feeling a little patriotic and reflecting on how 20 years can slip by so quickly. We all have our own connections and memories from that horrible day. Tattooed on my brain is the residual eeriness of no airplanes in the sky for several days. I also remember how proud I was to be an American. Individuals from all walks of life were uniting, flying flags, and saying, “God Bless America!” was heartfelt instead of a saying imprinted on the front of a cheap plaque made in China. Twenty years fly by, but sadly I wish Americans could return to some of the sentiments from two decades ago.

Now that summer is closing out, we have a few more light cocktails to share with you and this one is a perfect light sipper. Strawberry Mint Spritz is made with vodka, prosecco, lime sparkling water, a little simple syrup, fresh berries and mint.

First place strawberries in the bottom of your cocktail glass, add a few mint leaves and drizzle in the simple syrup. Muddle these ingredients in the bottom of the glass. Add vodka, prosecco and top off with lime sparkling water. It’s delicious, light and perfect for sipping on a late summer or early fall evening.

If you are viewing this post via email, join us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for Strawberry Mint Spritz.

This simple cocktail would taste great with any fresh berries or fruit added. Peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, or oranges could be substituted for the strawberries. The possibilities are endless!

Today is Craig’s birthday! If you get a chance wish him a happy one. 🙂

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Spiked Summer Lemonade

September 6, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Happy Labor Day Weekend! We know we are posting a little late. We have been soaking up the last rays of summer and enjoying some free time. We’ve been a little lax on our posting recently. We know. Hopefully we will do much better in September than we did in August?

This week we wanted to share with you a great large batch recipe for weekends like this. We did not create this recipe. It was one that we ripped from the pages of a magazine years ago and unfortunately we are not sure which one. We liked the recipe for Spiked Summer Lemonade because most of the ingredients are probably in your kitchen or refrigerator right now. It is easy, tasty and fresh, and allows you time to concentrate on entertaining guests on your dock or patio instead of behind the bar serving everyone.

We made this recipe for a large gathering we had at our house a couple of weeks ago. The guests were arriving early so Rhonda was able to only get a few quick photos before she had to go into full hostess mode. The Spiked Lemonade was a hit, and many guests were surprised to find out that beer was one of the main ingredients.

Spiked Summer Lemonade is made from frozen berries, chilled light beer, lemonade concentrate, vodka and lemon and lime slices for garnish. First stir together the lemonade concentrate and vodka and chill for a day. The following day stir in fresh berries and beer. Then you are ready to serve! Yep, it’s that easy!

If you are viewing this post via email visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for Spiked Summer Lemonade.

This is a great beverage for sipping on the dock or next to the pool with friends. Tryout it out the next time you need a quick large batch recipe. We know you will be pleased.

Disclaimer: All beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Blind Pig Mojitos

August 15, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Every summer we love to make a pitcher of yummy mojitos. We first shared our rum mojito recipe with you in our Zaya Rum Mojito post and last summer we introduced you to an Italian Mojito . We were looking through our stack of recipes and Rhonda realized that we have never shared our favorite mojito recipe on the blog.

We like Blind Pig Mojitos because a pitcher can be whipped up easily. Because the recipe calls for tequila over rum, these mojitos are a little lighter than the typical mojito recipes . Try out this refreshing twist on a summer classic and let us know what you think.

To make the Blind Pig Mojito you will need to make a cup of mint infused simple syrup. For the simple syrup boil a cup of water with 3/4 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add in 1 cup of fresh mint sprigs to steep for 2 hours. Strain the simple syrup and it is ready to use.

Other ingredients that you need for this delightful libation are lemon-lime soft drink, fresh lime juice, blanco tequila, fresh mint sprigs and lime slices for garnish. If you like to lighten the calorie load, use a diet version of your favorite lemon-lime soda. You can also make your simple syrup with Stevia for a lo-cal version.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Blind Pig Mojito.

Like the mojito vibe for desserts and cocktails? Here are some other mojito inspired recipes on The Blind Pig Blog.

The refreshing combo of mint, lime and a little bit of carbonation is the perfect summer potion for chilling on a late summer day or evening.

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Borghetti Mudslide

August 8, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We were first introduced to mudslides on our honeymoon in Ocho Rios, Jamaica at the Sandals Resort. Since the resort was all inclusive, Craig sucked down mudslides for what seemed like all day long. Our palettes have changed a bit since those days of soaking up the Caribbean sun on the beach. We don’t have many mudslides these days. However, we wanted to remind you of this tasteful treat. It is an easy delight for guests or a delicious dessert to end a cookout. The beauty is that you do not need to bake or prep all day long to make this special concoction.

We made our mudslide with our favorite espresso liqueur, Caffe’ Borghetti. Other ingredients are premium vodka, Irish cream, vanilla ice cream, heavy cream and ice. We used whipped cream, Hershey’s chocolate syrup and chocolate sprinkles for garnish.

Place all of the ingredients, except garnishes into a blender. Blend well. Pour into prepared cocktail glass. We used a large schooner glass. However, this would also work great in a martini glass or a tall glass beer mug.

Prior to adding the liquid to the serving glass, we drizzled chocolate syrup around the inside rim of the glass to give the drink the sliding mud effect. You can learn more about garnishing your mudslide in our previous post, “Who Needs Half Price Shakes After 8?”

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Borghetti Mudslide.

Go ahead and give the mudslide a try. Your taste buds will be thankful that you did!

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Hatch Chile Paloma

August 1, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

It’s hatch chile season, people! There are so many fun things about summer and one of those things is taking advantage of the the fresh fruits and vegetables as they come into their true seasons. Early summer is great for fresh berries. Midsummer is a delight for fresh corn, watermelon and peaches! Now we are in that sweet spot of the summer when hatch chiles are in full season. We capitalized on the hatch chiles back in September 2018 with our Hatch Tequila Chicken recipe, which we highly recommend. As a matter of fact, we have some marinating in our refrigerator right now! Yummo!

This summer we are introducing you to our hatch chile paloma. This recipe is based on our usual paloma recipe with just a little spice of fresh hatch chiles. It’s easy, tasty and fresh! The addition of the hatch chiles gives the paloma a little extra fire without overpowering the overall flavor of the cocktail.

The ingredients that you need for this spicy little cocktail are: tequila, grapefruit soda (we prefer Q sparkling grapefruit), fresh lime juice and a fresh hatch chile.

Add the lime juice and a couple of small slices of the hatch chile to a shaker and muddle well. Add tequila and ice and shake for about 20 seconds. Pour into a serving glass over ice. Top off with Q sparkling grapefruit. Add a couple of slices of hatch chile for garnish and enjoy!

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Hatch Chile Paloma.

Looking for some other great cocktail recipes for the HOT days of summer? Here are a few to help you out.

Cucumber Margarita

Jalapeno Popper Margarita

Some Like It Hot- Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita

Seagram’s Spiked Watermelon Lemonade

Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade

Spiked Honey Watermelon Limeade

Salty Dog

Tequila Watermelon Fizz

Disclaimer: Drinks on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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One Piggy, Two Piggy, Three!

July 22, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We are headed off to Colorado for the weekend to visit with family and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Instead of sharing a new recipe with you this week, we wanted to tell you about our new rating system for our recipes on the blog.

Through the four years that we have embarked on this Blind Pig Blog journey, we have collected and developed a large cache of recipes. Sometimes it can be quite overwhelming to scroll through the list and find exactly what may fit your needs at the time. (We get it.) Last year we split the recipes into the various categories of: I Can Fix a Drink, Oh Sweet Stuff, Yes Please, Recipes and I Knead It. We hope that was helpful when you were perusing our site. Now we are going one snout further by adding in our personal rating system.

To help our readers find the best Blind Pig Blog recipes in a crunch, we devised a rating system for our curated recipes. Although we think all of our recipes are pretty great, we acknowledge that some far surpass others. Our system is based on ease of the recipe, taste and crowd pleasing appeal.

No rating is a recipe that we endorse, but does not stand out.

🐷 = noteworthy recipe

🐷🐷 = Blind Pig favorite

🐷🐷🐷 = Pig out on this recipe

We hope that you enjoy using our new system. We would love to have your input, as well. Think we underestimated a recipe? Let us know. A recipe makes it into your entertaining rotation? We’d love to hear about it. Check out our recipe pages and see if you agree with our rating system.