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Cheers!
There's just something about summer that simultaneously stirs my inner bartender, grill master, and frozen treat creator!

In my book, it's perfect timing with temperatures on the rise and a busy (adventurous!) summer ahead (you're going to love what's to come!).

No matter how busy life gets, there's always time for summer fun, and that's just what we're going to have...all while keeping it gluten free!

Throughout June, I'll be sharing some favorites from the grill (meats and vegan yummies), experimenting with various cocktails, and freezing up some of the best dairy free vegan ice creams you've ever tasted!

With the cocktails and the cool treats, expect some new recipes that you'll want to use for years to come. When it comes to the grill, we'll keep it simple with fewer ingredients and limited prep so that you can focus on what's really important...summer fun!

But if you ever have questions about a post, be sure to leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer! 

With today's simple meal, the oven's off limits, and we're celebrating with a RAW cocktail!

Two of my favorites - lemon & basil - pair up in this refresher...

Gigi's RAW Summer Sipper
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Raw agave adds the perfect amount of sweetness to this bright beverage!
For each cocktail you will need:

4 ounces good quality Riesling
1 large basil leaf (or 2 small), torn
1 lemon slice (approx. 1/8" thick)
1 Tablespoon Raw Agave Nectar
5 Ice cubes

In a cocktail shaker, muddle basil and lemon.

[Muddle ~ to combine and press ingredients in the bottom of a glass or shaker before liquids are added - this releases the flavors of the ingredients]

Add Riesling, agave, and ice.

Shake it, shake it, baby!

Strain into a wine glass and garnish with baby basil leaf and lemon slice.

Sit...sip... & enjoy!

Now let's head out to the grill. Before we fire it up, though, we need to combine these ingredients and add cubed chicken breast.

For 1 pound of chicken, I use the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 whole orange, 1 Tablespoon snipped chives, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder.

Grilling can be more art than science, though, so feel free to mix it up and have some fun... and, let us know if you discover anything cool!
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Orange & lemon juice, chopped chives, sea salt, & powdered cayenne pepper!
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Marinating chicken with citrus juices & spices imparts fresh summer flavor!

Cover and chill for at least an hour.

That gives you time for another cocktail!


Once it's done marinating, it's time to light the grill. Skewer the chicken, throw it over the flames, add some corn and... voila! Dinner is done!

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Skewer the chicken and grill it up! Add fresh corn and you've got a meal!

Best of all with such a light meal...there's plenty of room for dessert!

Vegan Coconut Cream Pie Ice Cream combines the flavors of a rich and silky coconut cream pie with the cool creaminess of ice cream...all the flavor, none of the allergens! Grab the recipe and make some tonight!
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Vegan Coconut Cream Pie Ice Cream...you have no idea how good this is!

I hope you enjoyed this summer inspiration.

Check back tomorrow to find out how I've been spending my Sundays helping to increase autism awareness and promoting the gluten free lifestyle with kiddos.

On Friday, I've got another awesome giveaway for you. You'll want to enter to win this fabulous gluten free gift basket!

See you soon...

xo,
Gigi
 


Comments

06/02/2011 16:17

Why don't I live next door to you? You would be THE best neighbor to drop in on! Especially on one of these super hot afternoons. ;-) I'm quite fond of bartenders, grill masters, and frozen treat creators! :-)

xo,
Shirley

Reply
06/02/2011 18:52

I wish you did!!! I absolutely adore drop-ins! :)

And I know you appreciate a good cocktail ;)

xo,
Gigi

Reply
06/03/2011 10:35

I am with Shirley, Gigi! You would be a great neighbor to drop in on! I can just imagine one of those cool cocktails on a hot summer afternoon. Our summers our quite stifling here too, so cocktails always sound way too inviting! Cannot wait to see all of the treats you have in store for us this summer! ;)

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