#MyHomeTownGuide: Top 5 Places to Eat & Drink in Jupiter, Florida

Partner Post - #myhometownguide by Fiji Water

I am guilty of a crime against food... snubbing local fare for the enticing siren song of the big city. I know. I'm embarrassed and ashamed.

It all began when I first started traveling to larger cities --  Atlanta, Chicago, New York... It's hard not to lust after the allure of the bustling food scene that is a part of city living. A new restaurant to try every day of the week. Neverending options of authentic ethnic cuisines in every neighborhood. Weekly foodie events and festivals.

But to be fair, I never looked at our precious little gem of a town through the eyes of a tourist.

As a part of Fiji Water's #myhometownguide campaign, whose focus is to prompt people nationwide to share tips about visiting their hometowns, I was asked to choose 5 of my favorite food spots where I live: Jupiter, Florida.

Terrible Instagram pic of the Jupiter Lighthouse before I got an iPhone. 

While we don't have as many famous chefs clammoring to open restaurants in our area as they are in the bustling metropolises around the U.S., our little city has plenty of fun dining experiences and even more seaside charm.

More Instagram goodness. 

{Do you have pride in your hometown? You can submit pictures via Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #myhometownguide to show of the best spots in your city! When you do, you'll be entered to win a getaway to any of the U.S. cities featured in Fiji Water's "Earth's Finest Guide." So get to snapping away!}

Whether your style is fine dining or you prefer to enjoy your meal while you're still in board shorts, Jupiter delivers... and even throws in a little quirkiness.

Breakfast Haven: Center Street Nook

Center Street Nook, lovingly known as "The Nook" to locals, is where you go to get feel-good, old fashioned love on a plate. From the moment you walk in, it's hard not to feel like you're visiting a neighbor or sitting down at your Nana's kitchen table. The warm smiles and genuine interaction from servers {I overheard lots of "How's so-and-so doing?" and "I can't believe the baby is so big already!"} goes beyond the common exchange.

With classic menu offerings like pancakes, French toast and omelets {I'm still kicking myself for not getting the Greek}, it's the perfect place to go if you're aiming to please all palates. But they also keep things interesting with playful items like Funky Monkey Panky-Doos {pancakes with chocolate & peanut butter chips and bananas}, The Billdozer {3 pancakes stacked & layered with sausage, cheddar, fried eggs & bacon} and "The Big Heap" {Home fries, cheddar, bacon, 2 fried eggs, more cheddar, topped with homemade sausage gravy}. While it's a popular spot for breakfast, they also have an extensive lunch menu featuring homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and some fun hot dog options.

Tip: The wait gets LONG. Get there as early as possible for breakfast... otherwise, expect to hurry up and wait.

Down-to-Earth Seafood: Dune Dog Cafe

If you think of fine china and linen napkins {and prices to match} when you think of seafood in South Florida -- think again. Dune Dog is the polar opposite of that in the best possible way. Here, seafood is not about putting on airs... it's about dining open air, picnic-style with a beer in hand and a fresh catch on your plate.

Far left: A tree... growing in the restaurant. Top right: Blackened Mahi Sandwich. Bottom Left: Lobster Wrap. 

Touting the honor of being voted "Best Ribs" and "Best Hot Dog" in Palm Beach, Dune Dog does more than crab cakes & shrimp. Choose from 10 different styles of hot dogs from "The Dog House", or share a full slab of their "fall-off-the-bone tender" baby back ribs. My personal favorite is the Blackened Dolphin Sandwich with a side of waffle fries -- it's a craving that I just can't shake.

Get comfy at the bar.

It's good food and a great, family-friendly atmosphere done beach-bum style, just how we like it here in Jupiter.

Main "dining room."

Tip: Expect a line, especially during season. Grab a beer while you wait.

A Sip of Paradise: Guanabana's

Summer, year round.

We've all gone through it... playing host to out-of-towners & having to tote them around to lame tourist traps so they can get the true "feel" of the destination. Around here, we're lucky that we don't have to don mouse ears {just beachwear and sunscreen} if we're going to do a decent job of playing tour guide.

Is this paradise, or what?

Guanabana's is exactly what visitors to South Florida envision -- tropical drinks, waterfront views and a laid-back, casual style that screams "vacation." Their beautifully landscaped location gives the feel of a hidden island oasis, complete with water features and lush exotic greenery. Sit close to the dock to watch boats and kayakers disembark for lunch or drinks, or by the stage to watch live music several nights a week.

From wines to craft beers to signature cocktails like the "Cat 5" {an intoxicating blend of dark rum, passion fruit rum, 151 and tropical fruit juices}. Just be careful; your guests may decide they never want to leave!

Sensing a theme here with restaurants built around trees...

Tip: Guanabana's also has a full menu as well as bar bites. I rarely go for the food, but I applaud their passion for supporting Florida farms & fishermen!

Bonus: Looking to sip somewhere a little more rustic? Head just across the road and take a walk down Love Street where you'll find another spot to get your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand at The Square Grouper.

Don't Expect a Doggy Bag: Leftovers Cafe

Ask a local what restaurant they recommend for a delicious meal and expect to hear the name Leftovers over and over again. Though it may not sound like the epitome of delectable dining, I urge you not to be dissuaded to give it a try.

Offering a variety of innovate dishes, Leftovers has captured the heart of locals. From their Indoroni {Sriracha Mac & Cheese} to their creative fish dishes {choose from Sweet Potato Crusted, Yuca-Garlic Crusted, Red Beet & Almond Crusted or Butternut & Jack Cheese Crusted}, your head will be spinning with mouth-watering options.

Top Left: Bar area. Bottom Left: Avocado Crab Tostada. Right: Beet & Almond Crusted Fish.

The restaurant is one of a trio of well-known spots in the area {Food Shack & Maxi's Lineup make up the other two}, all featuring that signature Jupiter vibe -- relaxed, colorful and, most importantly, scrumptious. Leftovers is always a great choice... just don't expect to have actual leftovers to take home.

Tip: Leftovers is located in Abacoa, a subsection of Jupiter and the home of Roger Dean Stadium. Abacoa has monthly Food Truck Invasion in the Town Center every second Friday of the month, stop by if you're around at that time.

Buy Your Dinner AND Your Decor: Too Bizaare 

Yes, there is mannequin hanging from the ceiling.

The name says it all. Part bizarre {as in odd... in a good way} and part bazaare {as in marketplace}, this quirky and unique restaurant is exactly where you want to go if you're looking for something out of the ordinary.

Left: Portobello Napoleon. Top Right: Some of the wares for sale. Bottom Right: A cozy dining space.

Too Bizaare boasts an extensive menu {and wine bar} with options from sushi to steak in an eclectic atmosphere where your surroundings are all for sale! You'll find coffee tables and wing back chairs tucked into cozy little nooks and art as far as the eye can see. There's a surprise around every corner. {And sometimes hanging from the ceiling.}

The menu, which is composed of an elaborate list of tapas, specialties and a full sushi list, is just as curious. Though "Asian Fusion" is considered their main style, you'll find an interesting mix of delightful items like the Bizaare Burrito and the Portobello Napoleon, lending some flair from other cuisines to the mix.

Top lef: The Bizaare Burrito. Bottom Left: Complete with a fish tank. Right: Let's eat in the living room.

It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Tip: Want to look the part while visiting South Florida? Gretchen Scott Designs, located in the same plaza as Too Bizaare, has what you need like tunics, dresses and cover-ups to give you that signature Palm Beach style.

.................................................................

I feel confident that you're now well-equipped with a beginner's guide to eating & drinking in Jupiter, so now it's time to visit! It was hard to choose just 5 spots with so many great options. {See? I've changed my ways!} Enjoy our little slice of paradise!

Show us your favorite spots to eat, stay and play in your hometown and win a getaway to any of the US cities featured in Earth’s Finest City Guide! To participate, just upload an image of your favorite spot in your hometown to Twitter or Instagram with hashtag #myhometownguide and tell us where you live and what makes the image special and you will be entered to win automatically.

Disclosure: I was selected for Fiji Water's #MyHomeTownGuide campaign through Honest Cooking. I have been compensated to write this post, however, I made the selections shown here without guidance. I have not been compensated by these restaurants. As always, all the opinions here are my own.

Honey-Dijon Chicken Quinoa Wraps with Apple Slaw

I have had the privilege of witnessing dozens of friends enter a fascinating stage in their lives: Parenthood.

It is truly an experience like no other. Watching folks who I have seen dance on tables, do keg stands, date their way to their Mr. or Mrs. Right and forget to feed goldfish bring new little lives into this world -- and become amazing mommies and daddies -- is semi-magical. 

All joking aside, looking on at what it takes to do the job well has earned my utmost respect. Raising tiny people is hard work. 

Today, I'm joining a group of bloggers in virtually showering Katie from Katie's Cucina with love, dishes and well-wishes as she gets ready to welcome a precious baby boy into her family! 

Katie and I first met at an Orlando bloggers' conference a few years ago. We didn't get to chat much what with all the learning & conferencing going on, but I started to follow her blog after getting some tips from her during a food blogger breakout session. Soon after, I determined that we were birds of a feather. She's a blogger, a foodie and she's even super-crafty... if we lived closer, I'm sure we'd come up with a project {or twelve} to work on together! 

I just know that Katie is going to make a fantastic mama, and I can't wait to see all the fun things she whips up for her little one -- he's going to be one lucky little guy having a mom who is a great cook & a DIY superstar!

If I've gleaned one thing from observing hard-working moms, it's the fact that they are often tired, busy people. People that sometimes don't get to shower for days on end because they're looking after everyone elses' needs. And that means that sometimes these moms aren't getting time to eat properly, either.

But if anyone needs proper nutrition and sustenance, it's a mama. They need energy for late night feedings or running after teetering toddlers; vitamins and minerals to produce nutrient-rich food for itty bitty babies; substantial meals for holding them over when they can't quite get into the kitchen or out of the nursery.

The wrap recipe I'm sharing today -- Honey-Dijon Chicken Quinoa Wraps with Apple Slaw -- take a little preparation, but once you have all the ingredients, you've got yourself a simple "just assemble" meal that also makes you feel like you're getting to eat something a little more fancy than a stale PB&J.

Protein-filled quinoa is tossed with shredded chicken {go ahead, take a shortcut from store bought rotisserie if you need to, you deserve a break!} and moistened with a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Crunchy bits of green apple and walnut add both nutrition and texture, while arugula lends some green and a zippy bite.

The best part about wraps is how easy they come together and how simple it is to add or omit your favorite ingredients to suit your needs. Baby or not, this is a dish no one will want to turn down -- unlike diaper duty. ;)

Best wishes to Katie and her husband as they round the bend on the next great adventure and meet their new addition!

Check out the other easy, parent-to-newborns-friendly recipes {and crafty projects!} from the other bloggers who participated!

Easy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup from The Little Kitchen
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers from Cook the Story
Individual Tortilla Caprese Pizzas from a farmgirl's dabbles
Easy Cheesy Potato Corn Chowder from A Little Claireification
Slow Cooker Jambalaya from A Spicy Perspective
Italian Style Stir Fry from Aggie's Kitchen
Apricot Chicken from Bombshell Bling
Easy Baked Spaghetti from Chocolate & Carrots
Cuban Casserole with Whole Grain Mustard Butter Biscuits from Climbing Grier Mountain
Freezer-Friendly Quinoa Meatballs from Cooking with Books
Baby Boy Subway Art Printable from H2OBungalow
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Cake from Inside BruCrew Life
Asparagus And Leek Quiche from Kokocooks
Roasted Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Red Potatoes from Life After Empty Nest
Yogurt Blueberry and Honey Smoothie from My Sweet Zepol
Pesto Parmesan Chicken Salad from Shaken Together
Printable Baby Whale Themed Cards and Project Life Mini Album from Simply Kelly Designs
Coconut Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies from Simply Southern Baking
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Garden Vegetables from Sweet Remedy
Easy Kofta Kebabs from Tasty Chomps
Crock Pot Fajitas with Chicken and Quinoa from The Dinner-Mom
Overnight Oatmeal from The Hungry Housewife
Honey-Dijon Chicken, Apple & Quinoa Wraps from The Kitchen Prep
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup from The Lemon Bowl
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos from The Nifty Foodie
DIY Whale Art from While They Snooze
One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice from Yellow Bliss Road

Honey-Dijon Chicken Quinoa Wraps with Apple Slaw
Makes 2 wraps

1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken {or rotisserie chicken, shredded}
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 a green apple, sliced or shredded with a mandolin & tossed with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to prevent browning
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
1 cup arugula
2 whole wheat wraps {make sure it's a good, flexible kind}

For vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake until well combined.

1. In a medium bowl, toss together chicken and quinoa. Pour vinagrette over top {you may have some left over} and mix well.

2. Place each wrap on a plate. Top each wrap with half of the arugula. Add half of the chicken mixture to each.

3. Place half of the apple slaw on top of each wrap. Sprinkle each with about a tablespoon of chopped walnuts.

4. Carefully roll up wraps and secure with a toothpick. Serve immediately.

Saucy {Mini} Turkey Meatloaves

You guys. I bought a mandolin. :::hangs head in shame:::

This may not seem like breaking news to you, but believe me, it is a great big deal in my tiny little kitchen world. I am not a fan of kitchen gadgets. I have made this my soapbox speech for years and years, ranting about how I don't understand why in the world one would spend their hard-earned money on an item that does something that they can totally accomplish without it.

And now, this.

I bought it because my husband dear literally broke our {personalized} cutting board in half hacking sweet potato into thinly sliced pieces, and then I knew it was time. Plus, HomeGoods. I cannot escape that store without absolutely convincing myself that I NEED something that I most certainly do not need. But I digress.

Anyway, he was super excited when I brought it home because after watching an episode or two of Iron Chef or one of those crazy culinary competition shows, he decided that a mandolin is a complete necessity in life. You know, just in case you want to shave a $100 truffle {which we never have} or shred cabbage for homemade sauerkraut {which we've never made}.

So I bought it to humor him. And to show him how useless and silly of a purchase it really is.

And then... I used it. And I wanted to mandolin ALL THE THINGS. I started shredding & slicing just about everything I could get my hands on. Needless to say, we've been eating a lot of flat food.

Ugh. I hate it when I'm wrong. {Though it isn't too often.} ;)

Anyway, there is a point hidden in all this self-loathing: Meatloaf.

Did you grow up eating meatloaf? Because I didn't, and I've always been kinda happy about that. It's not something that has ever appealed to me. It's a loaf... of meat. And I -- not being much of a meat eater -- don't really understand the allure.

However, one time I saw Ina making meatloaf and suddenly I wanted to make meatloaf. Funny how that happens. I think it was because she slathered it in sauce that it looked more appetizing to me. And I do love a good sauce. So really, the whole "meatloaf" thing was just a guise... a mode of transport, if you will, for sauce.

After attending a sampling last week for a line of gourmet condiments created by Victoria Amory, I remembered how much I like saucy things. Especially when the sauce is artisanal Champagne Ketchup. I taste-tested all 9 of the fabulous flavors {like, straight up, on a spoon} and promptly bought some to take home. But you can't serve just ketchup, no matter how fancy, to a hungry husband.

So, meatloaf. {See? I told you there was a point.}

Since I'm infatuated with the mandolin, I had to let it get it on the action, too. I mandolined up some yellow squash and threw it in the mix, along with ground turkey and onions {which I just diced with a knife. I do still remember how to do that.}. I scooped the mixture into a muffin tin {because that's how I roll} and topped it all off with a saucy layer of Champagne Ketchup.

The result was juicy, saucy, flavorful little meatloaves that bore no resemblance to the "loaf" I always avoided. Or, sauce-mobiles. I have a whole new outlook on meatloaf. And mandolins. And ketchup.

And life as I know it will never be the same.

Saucy{Mini}Turkey Meatloaves
Makes about 9 mini meatloaves

1 pound ground turkey meat
1 cup yellow squash, shredded
1 cup onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons {9 teaspoons} fancy ketchup, like Victoria Amory's Champagne Ketchup

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a cupcake tin by spraying with non-stick spray. {I just use olive oil in the Misto. Yikes. Another kitchen gadget.}

2. In a large bowl, combine turkey meat, shredded squash, onion, garlic powder and salt. Mix, until thoroughly combined, but try not to overmix.

3. Using an ice cream scoop {or, you know, a spoon}, drop a scoopful of turkey mixture into each sprayed cupcake well. Slightly flatten the tops, but don't mush it down too hard.

4. Top each mini meatloaf with about a teaspoon of ketchup. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the meat is totally cooked through. Remove from oven when cooked through and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. {There will be a lot of juices & liquid in each little well. You can pour out the fat/juice if you'd like.}

Serve hot with extra ketchup for dipping.

Smashed Potato Bites

Let's celebrate the little joys of this week, shall we?

1. We have made it to Friday. {Hooray!}
2. I have a new cutting board after the untimely demise of the one we've had since my bridal shower 5 years ago.
3. This.
4. Ten of my photos were accepted to FoodGawker this week. TEN! I attribute 98% of this to the fact that their new uploading/cropping function has made it so much easier to submit pictures. And maybe about 2% to my pictures not sucking quite so much anymore. Baby steps.
5. I've survived Day 2 of no caffeine in the morning {without attacking anyone}.

I've been wanting to switch to decaf/herbal tea in the morning for a long time, but the times I've tried before haven't been completely successful. Have you ever had a caffeine withdrawal headache? Yeah, it's not pretty. I tried the no caffeine thing once during my days as an elementary school teacher. I highly advise against working with 30 loud little people so very early in the morning without caffeine as a buffer.

Though I limit myself to just one cup in the morning {none throughout the day} I've still managed to become hooked on that early morning jolt. I'm once again determined to find a new routine that brings me as much joy as my morning cup, minus the buzz. In preparation, I went on a little tea shopping spree, buying some yummy-sounding decaf flavors by Stash Tea. I cannot wait for them to arrive. {Hurry up. Did I mention impatience is another side effect of caffeine withdrawal?}

So far, so good, I guess. Aside from feeling like I'm in a zombie-like state in the afternoons, all is going well. Except, of course, for the fact that it's very hard to motivate oneself to do anything but stare at the wall during those first few hours of the morning. Or that post-lunch lull. Or while you're supposed to be working on new recipes in the late afternoon.

That might explain why I'm calling these a "recipe." Please forgive me. Actually, make these first and take a bite, and then forgive me. Because though they are not a mind-blowing technique or cutting edge flavor combo, they are good. So, so good.

Dainty little potatoes are boiled until they're softened, then smashed {you know, to relieve some of that aggression} and roasted until golden and crisp around the edges. Garlic-infused olive oil gives them a hint of savory flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs, these are the easiest dish you'll want to make over and over again.

Those of you who have weaned yourself from the death-grip of caffeine, please tell me how you've accomplished this feat. I beg of you. And tell me it gets better. {Even if you're lying.} Otherwise, prepare yourself for my next post: How to boil water.

Help.

Smashed Potato Bites

10 small new potatoes {either the red kind or the white kind}
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large clove garlic, smashed
Sea salt
Fresh Basil {or your favorite herb}, finely chopped

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill with water until they're just covered. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes can be pierced with a fork but still have a little resistance.

2. Meanwhile, place the smashed garlic clove and oil in a microwave-safe cup {I use a measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring} and cook for about 40 seconds on high or until the garlic is fragrant.

3. Carefully drain potatoes. Using a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper, cover each potato and give it a light "smash" with a heavy bottomed pot or the bottom of a drinking glass. Don't smash too hard, you want it to somewhat maintain its shape.

4. Prepare a baking pan by drizzling a little bit of infused oil on the bottom and rubbing to coat. Place smashed potatoes onto the pan. Pour about 1 teaspoon of oil over each potato. Sprinkle with sea salt.

5. Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crisp around the edges. Remove from oven and top with fresh chopped herbs.

Serve hot.

"Samoa Cookie" Dairy-Free Protein Shake

Lately I've been feeling a bit conflicted. Caught between two worlds of food.

I love my naughty baked goods made with tons of butter and sugar. But recently, I started experimenting with healthy treats and have begun to find myself scouring the archives of paleo blogs for hours on end. This is not something I ever thought would happen. The word "Paleo" was pretty much a swear word around here -- not because I wasn't into the healthy eating lifestyle but because I was so.very.sick of hearing people use the word. And because every recipe I'd come across seemed to contain bacon. That just can't be right. {Note: I love bacon. But what the heck?}

I blame my change of heart on a friend's Paleo potluck where I first brought these chocolate chip cookies. I'm not going to lie, they weren't the absolute best thing I've ever tasted. But they weren't bad, either. They just needed... something. Which made me want to spend more time looking into different versions and testing them out for another try. {Side note: This is a great recipe. Everyone I've made these for has raved. I'm not putting the recipe down, I'm just saying they're not a dead-ringer for the real thing.}

The thing is, I don't want you to think I'm having some sort of food blog identity crisis or something. Because I'm not. I just like lots of different things and I don't discriminate if it tastes good. But then there's the whole "positive reinforcement" thing where I notice that recipes resembling cupcakes and other ridiculous concoctions {ahem, Chocolate Whiskey Caramel Marshmallow Bacon Bark... there's bacon, does that make it Paleo?} run laps around other perfectly respectable and delicious things like Individual Strawberry Crisps.

It's enough to send a girl into a panic attack, yelling, "What do you want from meeeeeee?" But that's not going to resolve anything, now is it?

I'm a little bit country, and I'm a little bit rock n' roll.
I'm a little bit fatty and I'm a little bit Paleo. {That's actually the key to fitting into my pants most days.}

Except I don't call it that. Because we know how I feel about that word.

My recent transition to working in my husband's office has also had a bit of an impact on the things I want to admit to making, baking and eating. When his patients find out that I have a food blog and say, "So, you must post all kinds of healthy things!", I find myself in a bit of a predicament.

"Well, you see... errm..." We just can't have a, "Do what I say, not what I do." kind of situation happening all the time.

But, I don't see anything wrong with letting the two worlds collide, do you?

This "Samoa Cookie"- inspired protein shake is something I could easily share with both food camps without a drop of guilt. Modeled after the flavors of the celebrated Samoa Girl Scout cookie {yes, I totally busted out my vintage Girl Scout Sash circa 1988}, luscious notes of chocolate, coconut and caramel give the illusion of sinful delights all while delivering a healthy dose of protein. P.S. I'm kind of in love with the caramel sauce recipe I discovered that uses coconut sugar and coconut milk for a healthified version.

Here's a little secret: I totally used the dairy-free protein powder we sell in the office because 1. It's a brand my husband created and, you know, support and 2. I have to know what to tell people when they ask me what it tastes like and what to do with it. So, there. Disclosure.

With a "protein shake" this good, it's hard to know what category to file it under. I'll just go with, "Delicious."

"Samoa Cookie" Dairy-Free Protein Shake

Approximately 1-1/2 cups ice {depending on how icy you like your shakes}
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk {the canned kind. Try to find BPA-free cans.}
1/2 cup almond milk or coconut milk beverage
2 scoops dairy-free protein powder, such as No Udder Protein
1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tablespoon Paleo caramel sauce, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon toasted coconut flakes
1 tablespoon dairy-free chocolate chips, such as Enjoy Life, melted

1. In a high speed blender, combine ice, coconut milk, almond milk, protein powder, coconut flakes, and caramel sauce. Blend until completely smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and garnish with toasted coconut flakes, extra caramel sauce, and a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate chips, if desired.

*I found that the coconut flavor was very mild. For a coconutty boost, consider adding about 1/8 teaspoon of coconut extract. 

Chocolate Espresso Hazelnut Float {featuring Onli Beverages}

Let me start by being very clear: I am not a soda drinker.

It is a very rare thing for me to order anything but water {unless we're talking cocktails} when we're out, and we don't have soda at home. If I'm going to consume caloric bubbles, I prefer they come in a crystal flute or a frosty pint glass, thankyouverymuch.

So, when Onli Beverages contacted me and asked if I'd want to sample some of their drinks, I wasn't quite sure what to think. Luckily, I had come into contact with Onli at several events I've attended and remembered that I was intrigued by the flavors they offer.

Huckleberry Pomegranate Aronia? Green Tea Lemongrass Mango? These obviously aren't your run-of-the-mill vending machine offerings. Made with fruit extracts, ginseng and a subtle sweetness, Onli is its own breed of bubbly.

I had a whole sample pack of flavors to choose from and it just so happened that I was going to be in a friend's wedding the following weekend, so I decided to pack up the bottles and shared them with the girls as we got ready for the big day. Not only did they look adorable being sipped on by gorgeous gals, but the buzz around the room was audible as each girl discovered the fun flavors. They were a hit!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd play around with one of Onli's fun flavors -- Espresso Swiss Hazelnut -- to create a lovey-dovey cocktail that could double as a dessert.

Who doesn't love an ice cream float? I remember my aunt introducing me to the sweet, creamy treats when I was a kid and still I crave them from time to time. This version, which I'm dubbing the "Onli You" Cocktail Float is everything I loved about ice cream floats with a grown up twist.

Creamy chocolate ice cream melts into bubbly Espresso Swiss Hazelnut flavored Onli to deliver a fizzy chocolate fix. I was surprised to find that the flavor of the beverage wasn't overwhelming on its own and that it was definitely something I could see myself sipping on a hot day {with one of their signature polka dot straws, of course.} But paired with chocolate ice cream -- and maybe a dash of hazelnut liqueur -- it's an experience that is truly an over-the-top treat. {P.S. It's just as good without the booze.}

The two were clearly meant for one another.

So, if you don't plan on cooking or baking for your Valentine but you still want to surprise them with something sweet, I think I've got your solution. Pick up a pint of your favorite chocolate ice cream {or make your own if you're really feeling adventurous}, and a few bottles of Onli and make your evening sparkle.

Disclosure: Onli Beverages provided the sparkling drinks seen here, but I was not compensated for this post. As always, all opinions here are my own! 

"Onli You" Cocktail Floats
{Chocolate Espresso Hazelnut Ice Cream Floats}

4 mini scoops chocolate ice cream {I made my own but you can pick up your favorite}, divided
2 ounces hazelnut liqueur, such as Baileys with a hint of hazelnut or Frangelico, divided
1 bottle Onli Espresso Swiss Hazelnut

1. In two champagne flutes or regular glasses, place two small scoops of chocolate ice cream. {I used a cookie scoop, but you can have a bigger serving if you'd like. It's a "holiday", go for it.}

2. Pour 1 ounce of hazelnut liqueur in each glass {if desired}, then top with Onli Espresso Swiss Hazelnut. Just be careful, it gets very fizzy and might foam over.

Serve with straws or a long spoon.

Chocolate + Rum Pots de Creme

Disclosure: The rum used in this recipe was provided by my friends at The Baddish Group. I was not compensated for this post, but I did get a delicious bottle of rum. So there's that. As always, the opinions here are all my own. 

Guys: Put down the roses and the cheesy box of chocolates.

I have a recipe that you can make for your lady that will earn you MAJOR brownie points. And perhaps other things, too. But I don't want to get too brazen with my promises.

I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I have never been a Valentiney kinda girl. It's kind of weird because in many ways I'm very girly and frilly. But there are certain things that just have never appealed to me despite my feminine nature: Ponies. {Well, maybe for a short stint in the mid-80s.} Hearts. Most sparkly jewelry {there are some exceptions}. The Bachelor.

No, thanks. A bouquet of basil does more for me than a bouquet of long-stemmed roses. BUT...

These.

Oh, hi.

My love for deep, rich, silky chocolate is pretty typical, I suppose. These, however, are anything but typical.

Luxurious chocolate mingles with incredibly smooth Dipolmatico Reserva rum to produce the most velvety deliciousness one could dream up. The hint of coffee really bumps up the intensity and rounds out the trio of flavors in a heavenly way.

Can you imagine the look on your lady's face when you surprise her with a homemade chocolate dessert. And one that is boozy, to boot?

Ecstasy.

I've given you all the tools, gentlemen... but now, you must get into the kitchen and make the magic happen. Trust me, good things are sure to follow.

*The important parts of this recipe are in normal text. The italics are just notes from me to you.
Chocolate + Rum Pots de Creme
Adapted from Food Network

4 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate {I used Ghirardelli}, broken into pieces or chopped
3/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk {I used 2%}
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso*
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons dark rum like Diplomatico Reserva

For Whipped Cream {Optional}
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar until peaks form. Serve pots de creme with a dollop if desired.

1. Combine the cream, milk, coffee, egg yolks, sugar and salt into the blender and blend until smooth. {Yes, the first step is really this easy.} Rinse out the blender and toss your chocolate in there. Set aside.

2. Pour the mixture into a pot and cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. {The point of this is to cook the egg to a safe temperature... but don't let the mixture come to a boil or you will end up with scrambled eggs. And that's not sexy. Except maybe for breakfast. With cheese. But I digress.} When it's properly thickened, it should coat the back of a spoon and be thick enough to leave a line when you run your finger down the middle of the spoon.

3. Using a mesh strainer, strain the very hot mixture into the blender {carefully} over the chocolate. {You're straining it just in case little bits of egg did scramble. Even if it did, the mixture is probably still ok, but it's best to keep it out of your dessert so you achieve a smooth, silky texture.} Add your 2 tablespoons of rum. {Try not to take a cocktail break. It's really yummy.} Whiz everything together for about a minute until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is really smooth. {Like you are, stud muffin.}

4. Carefully pour the mixture into serving dishes {It makes about 4 servings}. You can use little ramekins, wine or martini glasses, teacups... whatever you'd like. This stuff is rich, though, so try not to make the servings too big. And don't try to get romantical and make a big one for you to share because I promise she'll try to be lady-like and split it with you but she's going to want to eat the whole thing after she tastes it.

5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until set, about 2-3 hours. If you'd like, top with whipped cream and garnish with something pretty. Like a diamond ring, a raspberry or chocolate shavings. Or don't. It's seriously good however you serve it.

That's it. No, really. It's that easy. If you can warm liquid on a stove, you can make this. And it is INCREDIBLE. Just don't tell her how easy it was. Pretend you're just really talented, then marry her before she knows the truth. ;)

*If your gal isn't a rum girl, dump her I'm fairly certain this would taste just as good with any other type of liquor/liqueur. Or leave it out altogether if you must.