Best Fall Beverages to Enjoy at the Lake

Autumn at the lake is the essence of hygge — the Danish concept for comfort and coziness. While fall leaves cover the ground in the crisp air outside, you’re under a blanket on the screened porch with a book in hand. Just thinking about it conjures feelings of warmth and comfort. During this snug season at your lake house, warm beverages add to the essence of fall. Check out our favorite recipes for fall beverages to enjoy at your lake house!

Apple Cider

Photo courtesy of Gimme Some Oven.

A crockpot is not just for chili! If you have one of these popular cooking devices, you can use it to make the perfect homemade apple cider for you and your guests. Who doesn’t love this classic fall beverage? 

Ingredients: 

  • Fresh apples 
  • Sweetener (any kind)
  • Warming spices (cinnamon sticks or cloves)
  • Water 

Directions: Add apples, oranges, and spices to the bowl of a slow cooker and cover with water. Leave 1-2 inches of space at the top. Then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours) until apples are soft. Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, mash all apples and oranges against the side of the cooker (this releases more flavors). Simmer a little longer, then strain all the solids to release the juices. Discard solids and stir in sweetener. Serve warm!

Recipe courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

Chaider

Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit.

A step beyond your traditional apple cider, this fall beverage is half apple cider and half chai. The combination of masala chai spices with a cinnamon apple taste is simply delicious. If you’re not up for DIY, you can also order a Chaider on Starbucks’ “secret menu.” 

Ingredients: 

  • 3 ½ cups apple cider
  • 18 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • One 3” cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
  • One 2” ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 
  • 6 whole cloves 
  • 1 tsp. Black peppercorns 
  • 4 black tea bags 
  • 2 tsp. Ghee, unsalted butter, or virgin coconut oil (optional) 

Directions: In a medium saucepan, bring apple cider, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and peppercorns to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes occasionally stirring until it’s reduced by about half. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring glass, pressing on solids. Put Chaider back in the saucepan and reheat until simmering. Divide ghee between mugs and serve hot! 

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit

Pumpkin Milkshakes

Photo courtesy of Taste of Home.

Pumpkin is a classic autumn flavor, and when you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, a pumpkin milkshake is perfect. This homemade fall beverage blends ice cream with timeless fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup orange juice 
  • 4 cups vanilla ice cream 
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin 
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Black licorice twists (optional) 

Directions: Place the first 7 ingredients in a blender and process until smooth (20-30 seconds). Serve immediately and include licorice stirrers as a garnish if you’d like. 

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Mulled Wine

Photo courtesy of A Couple Cooks.

While a bubbly Lambrusco is perfect for late summer and early fall, you’ll want something warmer when the weather gets colder. Enter mulled wine. This warm wine with marinated autumn spices is the perfect fall beverage to enjoy on your screened-in porch

Ingredients: 

  • 1 orange 
  • 1 bottle of red wine 
  • 12 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks 
  • 1 teaspoon allspice 
  • 2 tablespoons honey 

Directions: Zest the orange, only keeping the peel. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Make sure not to boil! Add more honey to taste, and serve warm. 

Recipe courtesy of A Couple Cooks.

Pear and Apple Sangria

Photo courtesy of The Forked Spoon.

For a more fruity flavored alcoholic drink, this pear and apple sangria recipe is perfect. Each glass is filled with sliced fruits, making it festive for the season. Your lake house guests will love this fun, flavorful cocktail. Plus, it’s super simple to make! 

Ingredients: 

  • Fresh pears 
  • Fresh apples 
  • Fresh oranges 
  • White wine 
  • Pear liqueur 
  • Hard apple cider
  • Cinnamon sticks 
  • Fresh rosemary 

Directions: Chop fruit and transfer into a large pitcher. Add alcohol and cinnamon sticks, then stir. Refrigerate for an hour to chill. Fill glasses with ice and use a wooden spoon to scoop fruit from the pitcher. Fill glasses with sangria and garnish with rosemary. 

Recipe courtesy of The Forked Spoon.

We hope you enjoy these classic and delicious fall beverages at your lake house! Which one is your favorite?

5 Best Homemade Treats to Keep Cool This Summer

Photo courtesy of SaranacLake.com.

From water sports to sunbathing, summertime represents the essence of lake living. In honor of the first day of summer, we’re celebrating by making delicious frozen treats. Each one of these chilled recipes is easy to make from the comfort of your lake house. Read on for our top picks that will keep you cool in the summer heat! 

Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com.

You don’t have to wait in the Ben and Jerry’s line for the perfect ice cream. You probably have most of the ingredients you need at home. As a fun bonus, it’s a science experiment so that you can observe chemistry in action. Toss in toppings like cookie crumbles, fudge, or fresh fruit and enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups whole milk 
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
  • 10 cups ice 
  • 8 tablespoons rock salt 

Directions: In a medium bowl, mix milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour half of the mixture into a sandwich bag and seal tightly. Place the bag into a larger plastic bag, add the remaining batter, and seal. In a 4 quart Tupperware, add rock salt, ice, and plastic bags. Shake for 5 minutes and voila — you’ve got ice cream! Check out the full recipe here

Snow Cones

Photo courtesy of diys.com.

You don’t need a snow cone maker to enjoy this frozen treat at your lake house. As long as you have a blender, you’re all set. Whether you use Kool-Aid packets or another powdered drink mix, you can customize with your favorite flavors like cherry, blueberry, and grape. Pick up some cone-shaped cups and enjoy. 

Ingredients: 

  • 4 cups of water 
  • 4 cups of sugar
  • 4 envelopes powdered drink mix 
  • 4 cups crescent-shaped ice cubes 
  • 1-2 tablespoons water 

Directions: Boil 4 cups of water in a large saucepan on medium-high. Stir in sugar until it’s dissolved. Divide this syrup evenly into 4 medium bowls and add an envelope of powdered drink mix to each. Stir until powder is dissolved, then pour into 4 squeeze bottles. In a blender, pulse ice until it is crushed. Sprinkle water over ice, scoop into balls, and drizzle syrup. View the full recipe here

Ice Pops

Photo courtesy of laylita.com.

Simply a classic, ice pops are a favorite among parents and kids alike. They’re also easy to make with a prep time of only 5-10 minutes. Just be sure to factor in the 5 hours of freezing time. You can set them in the freezer in the morning, enjoy an afternoon on the lake, and come back for afternoon ice pops. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups of frozen strawberries or blueberries (thawed)
  • ¼ cup apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey 
  • ½ lemon, juiced 
  • 1 pinch salt 

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a blender until smooth. Pour blended juice into ice pop molds and freeze for 5 hours. If you don’t have molds, pour juice into 3-ounce plastic cups, cover with foil, and insert popsicle sticks through the foil into the cups. Find the recipe here

Monkey Tails

Photo courtesy of SimpleRootsWellness.com.

Monkey tails are the chocolate lover’s alternative to fruity ice pops. A refreshing twist on the classic chocolate and banana combination makes these delectable snacks full of rich flavors, creating an ideal summer dessert. Feel free to top with crushed nuts or coconut flakes.

Ingredients: 

  • 6 large bananas 
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips 
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil 
  • Popsicle sticks 
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts or coconut flakes (optional)

Directions: Insert a popsicle stick into the ends of each banana and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, mix chocolate chips and vegetable oil and microwave in 30-second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bananas from the freezer, dip in chocolate, then place back in the freezer until chocolate is firm (30 minutes). Check out the recipe here

Mocktail Piña Colada

Photo courtesy of delish.com.

If you like piña coladas (as the song goes), this is the perfect summer treat for you and your kids. This fruity, tropical beverage is a great way to wind down while watching the sunset on your boat dock. Include colorful straws and a cocktail umbrella for the full tiki bar effect. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 ripe bananas 
  • 1 cup of freshly diced pineapples 
  • 1 cup of pineapple juice
  • ½ cup of coconut milk 
  • 3 cups of ice cubes 
  • Pineapple wedges for garnish 

Directions: Blend all ingredients except pineapples in a blender, then pour the mixture into glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges. Serve while it’s cold! View the recipe, and other great mocktails, here.

Now enjoy the first day of summer at the lake — and stay cool!

Grilling Recipes to Rock Your Summer

grilling recipes that rock, colorful kabobs on the grill

Article co-authored by Lake Homes Realty intern Trey Yanity

The best summer has sunshine, a day at the lake and a hot grill!

These three grilling recipes are simple, quick-fix dishes that will have the whole family asking for more.

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp

These shrimp start deliciously tangy then hit you with a savory punch. To combat the heat, sweet and spicy grilled shrimp are best served with a side of warm pasta or rice.

This grilling recipe is easy, cost-effective, and will leave you feeling like the top chef of the entire lake.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of chili-garlic sauce 
  • ½ cup of honey
  • 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Directions:

Before lighting your fire, lightly oil your grill’s grate to prevent your shrimp from sticking. 

While that preheats to medium heat, stir your chile-garlic sauce and honey together in a small bowl. Next thread your shrimp onto your soaked bamboo skewers, piercing through the head and tail ends.

Once medium heat is achieved, lay your skewers on the grill and brush your shrimp with your chile-garlic and honey sauce. 

Turn your shrimp over to cook on their opposite sides frequently, and continue basting them each time they flip. 

After about 10 minutes, when your shrimp are firm and pink on both sides, remove your kabobs from the grill and serve.

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Grilled Lemon Chicken

Flavorful, sweet and zesty, you can’t go wrong with this white meat classic. A great choice for healthy eaters, this chicken dish is less than 300 calories per serving. 

Add a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus to complete your meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup of lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp of Dijon mustard
  • 2 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp of finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 tsp of ground black pepper
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:

In a bowl, mix your lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. This will serve as your chicken marinade. 

Set aside 1/4 cup of the mixture to use for basting. 

Place your chicken breasts in the remaining marinade and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.  

During this time, preheat your grill to high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

When the meat is marinated to your satisfaction, drain and discard the marinade from the bowl, and place your chicken on the grill. 

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Alaskan BBQ Salmon

For the fresh fish lovers in your family or friend group, this mix of smokey and sweet will delight even the pickiest taste buds.

This dish takes 17 minutes to cook, but we promise the wait is certainly worth the reward with this fantastic grilling recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 1 dash of liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 (4 pound) whole salmon filet

Directions: 

Preheat the grill for high heat. Next mix together your brown sugar, honey, liquid smoke flavoring and vinegar. 

Baste one side of your salmon filet with your sweet and savory sauce and place on the grill, basted side down. 

Cook for seven to eight minutes and generously baste the exposed side of your filet. Flip your fish over and continue cooking for another seven to eight minutes.

Add another layer of sauce before turning your filet over for a final time, and finish cooking for another two minutes. 

Salmon is typically best served when cooked to medium, at which point your fish will be moist and flakey.

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Sweet Extras

This summer, try grilling recipes for more than your traditional outdoor fare by popping a few peach slices on the coals. 

Cook your peaches when your coals are in their “twilight stage” or after they have burned out but are still hot. 

The heat elevates the flavor and releases the juices in your fruit, making it the perfect side dish or ice cream topping. 

Satisfy even more cravings this summer by checking out our “Summer Sips and Spirits” story and testing your taste buds on these “5 Delicious Grilling Recipes You’ve Never Tried (But Should).”

How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party: Part II

In Part I of this series, we walked you through the first steps to planning a dinner party: creating a budget, determining a guest list and sending out  invitations. Once all of those ducks are in a row, however, there is still more work that needs to be done. The next step to planning the perfect dinner party is all about setting the mood and planning the food.

For this part of the process, attention to detail is imperative! The atmosphere and cuisine should be well thought out and showcase who you are and what you want your guests to experience.

The Mood

What’s your aesthetic? Focus on indulging in what you love rather than stressing over what’s proper.

You’re already on the lake, so the odds of ambiance are in your favor. Play on your surroundings and host the party somewhere unexpected.

For a more formal evening, a candlelit dinner by the water would certainly make a lasting impression. If you have a large enough boat, dinner on the water would be even better.

Maybe a casual, intimate setting is what you’re going for. Opt for a nighttime picnic, complete with fairy lights, and throw down plenty of blankets and pillows. If you have a giant screen and projector readily available, you could even end the night with a movie under the stars.

beautiful table setting

When it comes to the tablescape, it’s best to start with a good table cloth and work your way up. Candles add warmth and movement, and soft illumination is the easiest (and cheapest) way to transform your space.

A nice floral arrangement can also contribute some colorful character to the table, but this doesn’t have to be a pricey feature. A bouquet of wildflowers from the yard or garden works just fine.

To compliment the flowers, break out the nice china and cloth napkins. You can save the paper plates for every other night, but a dinner party is just as much about style as it is about cooking.

Don’t forget to create a playlist! Music is an important part of any get-together and paramount in setting the tone.

In certain settings, it can be good to feature a mix of genres that everyone can enjoy, but remember to stay mindful of what’s appropriate. Maybe a formal business dinner with associates isn’t the best time to show off your knowledge of 90’s hip hop.

Also, remember not to turn the tunes up too loud. It can discourage conversation when guests have to constantly shout over Coltrane.

The Food

While it can be easy to come back from a poorly selected playlist, it’s a lot harder to recover from failed food. When arranging the perfect menu, there are a few do’s and don’ts to be aware of.

DON’T experiment with new dishes. When it comes to cooking for large groups of people, it’s best to stick with what you know in order to avoid potential chaos…and embarrassment.

DO make sure water, salt and pepper are on the table at all times.

DON’T wait until the day of the party to make the grocery list and start cooking.

DO take your guests’ dietary restrictions into consideration by having vegetarian or low-carb options so everyone can enjoy themselves.

woman eating a fancy meal

Use the lake to your advantage and add some fresh seafood to the menu. Not to mention, the story of how you caught a 25-pound bass the afternoon before would make for a great topic of conversation.

When choosing what drinks to offer, consider your company. Wine may be a staple at most dinner parties, but in a room full of beer lovers, a full-bodied Cabernet might not fare so well. At the same time, be knowledgeable of what drinks would compliment the flavors you serve.

Pairing food and drinks comes down to determining what the basic taste of the food is—sweet, salty, sour or bitter—and choosing a beverage that either matches or contrasts it properly.

Dark, bold wines pair well with rich, red meats, while crisp white wines go well with seafood and pastas. When it comes to beer, just about any ale goes great with beef dishes, while pilsners and lagers work well with pork and poultry. Light or wheat beers match best with seafood.

 

The atmosphere and menu are big components of the night. However, there are still a few more boxes to check before we reach the end of our lengthy to-do list. In Part Three of this series, we’ll talk about the final stages of preparation in the days leading up to the dinner party, as well as what is expected of a great host.