Now that summer is on us (around here it's on us like a wet blanket drying in the sun) I'm switching over to lighter libations for cocktail hour. My go-to summer drink is something Charlotte and I discovered in Italy: Aperol Spritz.
Aperol is an Italian aperitif that's made by the same company that produces Campari (yeah, you've seen their café umbrellas in about every foreign movie since Audrey Hepburn starred with Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday).
It's an aromatic dry liquor with a taste of orange (think peel - not juice) that's made from bitter orange, rhubarb and cinchona (quinine). Sound awful? Nahhhhh, but it's not something you'd want to drink straight-up and the Italians don't. The Italians mix a Spritz.
An Italian Aperol Spritz is a dry, orange mixed drink made with Prosecco (extra dry Italian sparkling wine,) Aperol and a dash of Club Soda. The result is a cocktail that's light on the alcohol (only 11%) and full of flavor. The locals savor it in a tall glass of ice.
If you like your cocktails light, dry and not so strong they take you from "Fun" to "F*** Dinner" in one drink, then try an Aperol Spritz. You may not speak Italian, but you can sure drink that way.
Only 3 ingredients for the Perfect Aperol Spritz: Prosecco, Aperol and Club Soda. Hint: buy the inexpensive Prosecco, like "Hi" Prosecco, or Lemarca - you're looking for bubbles here - the Aperol is what gives this drink its flavor.
The Perfect Aperol Spritz
3 parts Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 part Club Soda
Pour over cracked ice and enjoy!
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Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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