Tropical Vacation Cocktail

This summer I decided to take a break from working full-time in the kitchen and find a job where I could spend a little more time outside in the bright sunshine. I love the kitchen, but I'm still young and not yet tied down by that scary beast called a career. I've decided the kitchen can wait a few more months so I can have a little fun; it isn't going anywhere. But the warmer weather and summer breeze is something that will fade all too quickly.

My wish was granted and I was hired as a day camp counselor for the summer. Honestly, I couldn't be happier. I spend my days outside working with dozens of elementary aged children. This is the type of camp where television is strictly forbidden and "rain" is a 4-letter word. I love my job. Where else am I going to get paid to hike, swim, play games, and do arts and crafts?

Exactly.

While my days are usually a blast, a few moments sneak in there that test my patience. When one of the campers is having a rough day, a mini meltdown or two is to be expected. But when everyone is having a rough day at exactly the same time? Well, that only leads to trouble. Big trouble.

I had a bad day yesterday. A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. It was the sort of day where I was so frustrated, so furious, so emotionally drained from conflict after conflict after conflict, that I wished I could be put in time out just so I could have a moment's peace. It was the kind of day where I had to be reassured more than once that all children weren't terrible little monsters with sharp teeth and a good set of lungs.

It was the exactly the sort of day where the only thing that could possibly make it seem a little brighter was a cocktail.

So cheers to you, my friend, for the arrival of a much needed weekend, for cocktails, and the dreams of tropical vacations (even if they are only in your glass).

This Pineapple Coconut Rum Cocktail is like taking a mini-tropical vacation. If you close your eyes, lean back in your chair, and take a sip, you can almost smell the salty sea breeze and feel the sand between your toes. This cocktail combines pineapple juice, coconut rum, and a splash of triple sec to give it a tropical flair. The drink does not taste particularly strong, but it is deliciously fruity and gets the job done. Garnish with fresh fruit and serve in chilled glasses to make it extra special.

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Piña Colada Cupcakes

Today's post is going to be short, but sweet. Since I'm feeling a bit under the weather, I hope these cupcakes will help you to forgive me.

Coconut and pineapple have always been on my list of favorite fruits. I used to buy gallons of organic coconut pineapple juice at the store (which I would try not to drink in one sitting). For some reason it never occurred to me to combine this wonderful combination with alcohol. When this finally dawned on me a few weeks ago, I realized I needed a piña colada and I needed one now.

I love piña coladas so much I decided I needed to have this particular cocktail in a more... suitable container. Well, for a baker, pastries are the perfect delivery system for cocktails. Even if you aren't a baker, I don't think you will protest these piña colada cupcakes too much (if at all).

It's nearly summer, the sun is shining, and I think you deserve a little treat. Don't you?

These Piña Colada Cupcakes are a cocktail in cupcake form. No corners were cut on this recipe—you will find rum, coconut, and pineapple throughout. The cupcake is made with coconut rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice, which gives the cupcake that great cocktail base. Shredded coconut and crushed pineapple are then folded into the batter to give the cupcake a little extra oomph. Of course, to keep this kid friendly, simply substitute the rum with coconut milk or pineapple juice.

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Vanilla Rum Soaked French Toast

I have a love-hate relationship with the gym. I tend to go to classes instead of trying to go it on my own for a few (good) reasons. Believe it or not, I can be a bit of a wimp. When I'm running my heart out on the treadmill all by myself, I want to quit as soon as there's a tiny bit of sweat. I'm tired, you know. My feet might be starting to hurt. I wouldn't want to accidentally overdo it.

But mostly, there's no one to yell at me for whining and making up lame excuses.

Now don't get me wrong, I can force myself to do some physical activity but there is no way in hell you can make me do a few hundred squats of my own accord.

In class, there is an unspoken agreement that everyone is in it together, no matter where the sweat and pain will lead you. When the going gets tough, everyone unites and there are words of encouragement spread far and wide.

When the going actually gets tough, the words of encouragement are lost in exasperated panting and strangled grunting. Our once solid unity dissolves before our eyes—it's every man for himself. I begin to actively despise the instructor for making me do 50 more crunches when my abs are burning fiercer than the fires of hell. I want to cry at the prospect of holding the plank position one more time (but my tears would only be lost in the sweat dripping down my face). I am bitter and hostile because she makes jumping around for an entire hour seem like a walk in the park. I channel all of my savage thoughts into finishing that last set. I have tunnel vision until the second hand of the clock ticks into the end of my punishment.

When class is over, all bad thoughts dissolve. The class once again becomes a strong unit. We bring out the encouraging words again. Someone mentions that class "wasn't so bad today" and I agree. The rush of a good workout somehow diminishes all the hatred and tears I felt moments prior.

I think we all get a case of workout amnesia—it's the only way we'll ever step back into that gym again.

Sunday brunch is one of my favorite meals of the week. The menu this morning called for sausage, fruit, and this vanilla rum soaked French toast. This is basically a standard French Toast recipe with a twist. As soon as you take a bite, you will be hit with the sweet tones of vanilla and a subtle kick of rum. Neither flavor is too much or too little. Make this French toast when you feel like spicing up your morning!

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