Icy Lemon Ginger Cocktails

This is one of the tastiest frozen drinks I've had in a long time. It takes a little planning ahead and a little extra effort, but it is really worth it.


Originally, a recipe from Tyler Florence, but I found it here: http://mytastytreasures.blogspot.com/

ICY LEMON-GINGER COCKTAILS

4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
finely grated zest of one lemon
1 cup fresh lemon juice
8 cups crushed ice
2 cups vodka


In a small saucepan, combine the ginger with the water and sugar and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let the ginger syrup cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and puree. Strain the syrup into a shallow glass dish (about 9 x 9 square). Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Cover and freeze the lemon-ginger syrup until firm, about 4 hours.

Let the frozen lemon-ginger mixture stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Chop the mixture into large pieces. Put half the pieces in a blender. Add 4 cups crushed ice and 1 cup vodka. Blend until slushy. Serve. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Yield: Makes about 6 drinks if you use tall glasses.

Note: The lemon-ginger mixture can be frozen for up to 1 week.

Frosty Key Lime Pie

I made this for our cookout last night. It always goes over well and I get lots of requests for the recipe. It's a great dessert for hot weather!

FROSTY KEY LIME PIE

2 (3 ounce) packages of lime Jello

2 cups hot water
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

Dissolve Jello in hot water. Cool in refrigerator until it is about room temperature. Don't let it set.

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar together and press into a 9 x 13 inch pan.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add Jello slowly until blended. Blend in Cool Whip with the lime mixture. Pour into crust and freeze overnight. Serve frozen or thaw slightly to make cutting easier.

Yield: 12 to 18 servings

Variations: Use any flavor of Jello that you like. Lemon is also good. Try pineapple Jello and add flaked coconut to make it “pina colada” flavored.

Note: They no longer make a 12 ounce container of Cool Whip, you'll have to get the 16 ounce and just use 3/4 of the container. I bet you can find another fun use for the leftover Cool Whip.