Category: Sip ‘n Trip

BOO! Who’s up for a little Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre?!?!

The Perfect Halloween Family Kick Off Game!

So you already know that we absolutely love to host and have a great time with friends and family. We are constantly thinking of new dishes to serve, and games to play in order to entertain with flair. Well I must say that Colin has topped himself this time and blasted holiday Rising off into the stratosphere with his latest hosting feat.

While hosting family during the beginning of fall, he told all of us who had broken off into little groups during the day while getting the full Denver tourism on to all convene at the house promptly at 5pm where and when the festivities would begin…

Leaving everyone, including me, in a tizzy over what he was planning, cooking etc.. It created a wonderful day of anticipation and suspense. I must say he certainly did not disappoint as we gathered in the dining area, greeted upon a new host (Colin in Character) advising us all of the thrill we were about to partake in for the rest of the evening. He passed around a satchel with envelopes and had us all grab one, and then proceeded to inform us that one of us was going to lead to his demise and throughout the 3 course meal with drinks we were to figure out who indeed was his killer!!!

The excitement and thrill of playing our carefully thought out roles was enough to win the night over  but he also added a dinner theme of a Caribbean adventure, recalling stories from our time spent there as well as facts about each destination and the origin of our food and drinks that were being served!!! Yes, everything made with such deliciousness that it melted in your mouth, but including the details of how these amazing dishes were created and the history behind the people, culture and signature drinks was spectacularly beyond imagination!! 

He hit on all of our senses, while we gathered around the island and each prepared our own drinks after being given careful instruction. Colin left no stone unturned as we let loose, created our drinks, sampled the scrumptious food and played our theater parts to the hilt!! This was an absolute gem of an idea , that brought our larger group together, broke the ice and created the perfect forum for us to all get to know each other a  bit better and break the ice!!

With  each course came a small window into our world of travel, but also included each dinner guest in the unraveling. It was truly remarkable and we look forward to hosting many more parties like these utilizing different themes and characters!! Stay tuned…

The Menu!!!

Everything prepared from absolute Scratch from The Loft Kitchen (You Go Colin!!)

First Course (Cuba)

Cuban Sandwich

Beverage – Mojito

Second Course (Jamaica)

Jerk Chicken

Beverage – Rum Punch

Third Course 

Beef Pattie

Beverage – Ja ”Maican Me Crazy” Drink

Fourth Course / Dessert (Bermuda)

Rum Cake

Beverage – Dark & Stormy Drink

Recipes coming soon individually from the Loft Kitchen!

Happy Holiday Rising!

Colin, operating as the director shelled out the rules of engagement
Appreciating the history of the mojito after the first round of delicious cuban sandwiches.
Uh oh… the Director has been killed…who was the culprit?!?!
It was CHEEKS!!!! I had my suspicions… Great Job playing your role to the hilt Michael.

Thanks Colin, for the best and most interesting Halloween family gathering game ever! We will add more to this game for updoming holidays, parties, events and more… stay tuned.

Happy Halloween and Happy Holiday Rising!

Downtown Denver is Poppin!

Denver Colorado.

For those in the know Denver has been on the rise for years offering culture, sports and amazing nightlife.

Even ski bums often fly into the city enjoying a couple of nights before or after their ski vacations in Aspen, Breckenridge, Keystone and many others. With colleges, breweries, museums and tons of attractions galore, Denver is a vibrant city with a quaint charm all it’s own.

There are so many places we can speak of here at Holiday Rising, however In this feature we are just going to highlight a small area right near Coors Field. Coors Field is the amazing field for the Colorado Rockies proffesional baseball team. You could spend an entire day just inside the extrodinary field partaking in simulated baseball activities, shopping and eating all you can eat until being entertained by the game itself.

There are several local restaurants and roof top bars that serve as a great back drop for a bite and baseball talk. But today I want to highlight 1930 Blake (Sports Column). It’s an awesome sports bar and lounge with delicious food that hits the mark every time we are hosting out of town guests!!

Zesty Orange, Lemon, Avocado,Ginger Smoothie

Looking for a quick fix pick me up in the morning instead of a huge breakfast, that will leave you light on your feet? Well look no further than this delicious Vitamin C fortified smoothie recipe. Just throw the following ingredients below in your blender and kickstart your day of to a delicious and energetic start!

We used to love picking lemons, mangos and avocados straight from the trees on the farm in Honaunau, Hawai’i. I swear things just taste better, when you know exactly where it came from. Fresh is best!!

  • • 1 tbsp Ginger
  • .1/2 cup oranges (lil cuties are the juiciest)
  • • 1 Lemon, juice of whole large
  • • 1/2 tbsp Lemon, zest
  • • 1/2 cup Mango, frozen
  • • 1/2 cup Avocados
  • • 1/2 cup Pineapple, frozen
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup of ice
  • • 3/4 cup Coconut milk, unsweetened
  • • 2 vanilla protein powder

The Perfect Winter Immune Boosting Smoothie

Blueberry Boost!

We have been smoothie fanatics here at Holiday Rising for years. Fortunately our youngest Kingston has also inherited a love for the blender! Because of this we are constantly looking for ways to spice up and change up our recipes. We did a bit of research and mashed a couple of our favorite recipes together and added a couple of new ingredients to make a super smoothie perfect for boosting your immune system during the chilly months.

A delicious way to fight off cold and flu symptoms! Blueberry Boost Smoothie From the Loft Kitchen!

All you need is

1 bannana

1 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup Kale

1 cup Orange Juice

1/4 cup shredded carrots

2 tablespoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons Turmeric

1 cup frozen blueberries

2 cups of ice

Delicious blueberry Boost only takes 5 minutes to prepare!
If looking for other foods and ingredients that are super healthy check out our previous post on superfoods!

Beautiful Wine Country 

Nova Scotia Canada?!?

For many, when you think of wine and vineyards you immediately think of rolling hills in Europe,

Sunny Napa Valley in California or maybe even South Africa, for many many in the know, there is a region in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia Canada, that is a destination treat not to be missed.

Yes indeed, in Bear River, you can discover Nova Scotia’s wine country as you embark on a scenic drive through this unique and amazing province. Join a small group and stop at wine estates for guided wine tastings, where you learn about wine and make new friends.  You can also enjoy a scrumptious lunch, served with beer, wine, or delicious Casa Nova cider and fine beverages with a  phenomenal picturesque view.

If you would like a view from the water make you can Soak up coastline views at the most scenic time of day on this small-group sunset cruise out of Halifax Harbour. make sure to take the sunset cruise out of Halifax Harbour. Sail down the narrows of the Northwest Arm and see the sun setting over the beautiful homes. Toast the experience with four including sampling glasses of wine, perfectly paired with local cheese boards.

What a view…

Scouting land in Bear River, Nova Scotia.

Guinness Shandy Anyone?!?

Inspired by trip to 13 AAA baseball Tournament and College World Series

Omaha, Nebraska

A heatwave is sweeping the globe and emotions are at an all time high….I say, it’s time for a summertime drink recipe that’s easy, tasty and sure to please. Grab yourself a Guinness Shandy! Head to your patio, or baseball park and relax with some friends and family. It’s the perfect twist on a standard beverage, part BBQ worthy , part lazy Sunday chill, it’s the perfect antidote for quenching your thirst this summer! 

All you need is:

1/2 pint of chilled lemonade

1/2 pint of Guinness Stout or Dark Beer

1 sliced Orange for garnish

Sip carefully and Enjoy!

Time to spice up your taco Tuesday with Barbacoa!!!

Time to spice up your taco Tuesday with Barbacoa!!!

Inspired by our travels to Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico

If you are looking for a fantastically flavorful way to add some punch into your taco night, look no further than this traditional Mexican dish that will never disappoint!

On our journey from Cancun, Mexico in the beautiful and lively Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to Costa Maya ( The lovely small cruise port town in Quintana Roo). It’s a quaint, easy going town with a rich character all its own. With friendly locals welcoming avid divers from all over the world and excited tourists passing through to the mayan ruins of Talum or heading off of their cruise ship for a taste of life in Mexico, the feel and flavor of Costa Maya will stay with you forever.

Once a rural fishing village Costa Maya  slowly evolved into a hidden gem of a destination for those looking for something slower paced. This sleepy town along with it’s neighbor Mahahual provide just that. If you are traveling to the Mayan Pyramids and have already visited Tulum and want something a little different other than the bustling and vibrant Cancun to the north then look no further than Costa Maya!

We have recreated a version of a tantalizingly tasty meat dish, barbacoa  that we fell in love with while staying here. We pull out this recipe  for parties and taco night. Cooking it in the slow cooker allows for all of the ingredients to beautifully mesh together adding irresistible aroma to your home, that will have everyone begging to eat sooner rather than later. 

We love to present it as a wonderful option for creating your own tacos along with 

 arroz con pollo (yellow rice with chicken), beans, and for desert delectable churros! Check the Loft Kitchen on holidayrising.com for the recipes for our version Arroz con pollo and churros.

We were fortunate to spend time with our Hawaiian Family Friends and Stingray O’hana Jaqcue and Jazz and we made this delicious which was a hit!! Here is the Recipe for our Slow Cooker Barbacoa, just add a Sol beer or Margaritas to complete the experience and enjoy!

Ingredients  Needed:

  • ▢4 lbs beef brisket or beef chuck roast will also work
  • ▢2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • ▢3 – 4 chipotle chilis in adobo
  • ▢1 1/4 cups beef broth
  • ▢4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ▢1 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • ▢1 Tbsp dried oregano
  • ▢3/4 tsp salt then more to taste
  • ▢1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • ▢1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • ▢1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Instructions 

  • Cut the beef into large cubes. In a large skillet over medium high heat add the vegetable oil and sear the beef on each side. Transfer to your slow cooker.
  • In a food processor add adobo chilis, beef broth, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, cloves, and lime juice. Pulse until blended and pour on top of the meat.
  • Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 6 hours. Shred the meat with two forks and turn on warm.

Beachside resort in Costa Maya, Mexico

Ordering A Date Night Without The Side Of Guilt Please!

3 Margaritas Restaurant at Southlands

Aurora Colorado

Well Happy Belated Valentine’s Day. It was just a few days ago, and we enjoyed it immensely.

If you are like our household you probably shared the candy and sweet sentiments not only with your spouse but with your children too. Your kids ate up most of the delicious chocolate covered strawberries that were for you and they watched your face as you sweetly discovered your beautiful bouquet. 

Although our boys, especially Ace, are also mindful and very thoughtful about Valentines day and  making it priority to reach out to someone and secure a valentine, this day along with 364 others have the same feel. Which is “WHAT ABOUT ME?!” This got us thinking about the importance of highlighting the uniqueness of the marriage bond to our boys. Yes, every one of us in the family is important and loved beyond measure, but we feel it important for them to see that Mommy and Daddy like to hold each others hand, receive a forehead kiss or even an occasional dance!

In seeing this hopefully they will feel comfortable sharing and expressing love and tenderness with their mates one day. We are so often the uber driver, teacher, coach and friend to them that as parents we forget to show them that we are human and have feelings, wishes, hobbies, and goals of our own outside of theirs.

Well no one has the roadmap to perfect parenting and we all definitely make mistakes, but here’s one thing that we have to share with no apologies, and that is on this Glorious day of Valentines Day 2022, our boys at Hot Dogs and we shared the most amazing meal and experience at 3 Margaritas  restaurant in Aurora Co!!!

And we did not feel a pinch of guilt with our platters! So while you are focusing on your kids and making them into the self actualized great people that they are, Just remember to take time for yourself and or your spouse or partner as well. Because how you treat others and yourself is the greatest example of how they will love themselves and others in the future!!!

yup this is what Ace & Kignston feasted on while we were having this…..
and this….
Yes thank you for the delicious meal 3 Margaritas!!!
What a DELICIOUS MEAL, without the side of guilt!! Happy Valentine’s Day

So try to make every day feel like a vacation for yourself and your mate!

Happy Holiday Rising

Baileys Ice Cream Caramel Sundae

Time to indulge in the perfect holiday drink Santa’s Helpers!!

Presented by The Loft Kitchen

Let’s talk about enjoying the holidays to the fullest folks, and not just muddling through. Are you looking for a drink or cocktail with a purpose this holiday season?! Something that will make your tastebuds soar??? Well, look no further than this Baileys Caramel Ice Cream Sundae Delight.

All you need is:

Let’s Get To Pouring!

All you need to do is:

Place one, two or three scoops of Salted Ice Cream in a stylish coffee glass. Drizzle a little Caramel Sauce onto the Ice Cream. Then pour 3 ounces of Baileys Original Cream over ice cream.

Next, add whipped cream to your liking. Carefully sprinkle one pinch of pretzels on top of the whipped cream. Then break off a piece of Hershey’s chocolate bar to complete the garnish.

Lastly, add a spoon or straw.

Voila!! Decadence and holiday fun is served!!!

You’re welcome.

Cheers and Aloha!

Hmmm…Better Test This Out First.
Cheers!!
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