Skip to main content

Photos provided

Come join us at
Pink Paddock on
July 11 from
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.!

I’ll be making a
NEW Signature Cocktail, to honor Kim and her FABULOUS store, but that’s all I’m saying now...

Come join us to find out WHAT I come
up with!!

Summer camp fun isn't just for kids! Let me show you how to throw a party with a summer camp vibe, that every grown-up on your guest list will enjoy.  Even better… You can keep things as simple and stress free as you like!    

Of course, you can also go as far as you want with this idea, like decorating your outdoor space in a camp related theme, include games such as sack races and cornhole, maybe even a campfire. However, you can capture the fun atmosphere of summer camp simply with the food and drinks you serve as well. So, come along with me for some awesome camp inspired recipes …with a grown-up twist!

When I think of summer camp I think of s'mores, and such was the inspiration for my delish new libation creation! Marshmallow flavored vodka, chocolate liqueur, and a fun graham cracker touch give my Perfect S'mores Martini the flavor of those toasty campfire treats with an added "kick"!

Next up is One Cool Chili Cheese Dip. This delish camp inspired crowd pleaser is quick and easy to make. Just mix the ingredients together and pop it into your fridge for an hour or so. No cooking required!

Lastly my Easy Ultimate Trail Mix is the perfect "grazing" food. This bowlful of salty and sweet deliciousness includes dried cranberries, nuts, pretzels and chocolate. It takes only a few minutes to make, and you can customize the ingredients to your liking.

Round out your party menu and save time with some prepared noshes like Pigs in Blankets (there are some awesome plant-based versions available),  flavored popcorn, or anything else that brings summer camp to mind.

I hope you and your guests enjoy these recipes. As I always say, have fun in your kitchen cooking (and making drinks!) for the people you love and remember... it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!

The Perfect S'mores Martini

Ingredients for one drink:

  • 1 ounce of marshmallow flavored vodka
  • 2 ounces of chocolate liqueur
    I love Trader Vic's Chocolate Liqueur for this drink
  • 1 ounce of almond milk or oat milk
  • Chocolate syrup
  • 2 or 3 crushed graham crackers spun around in a food processor until finely crushed

Directions: Spread the crushed graham crackers onto a small plate. Spread the chocolate syrup on another small plate. Dip the rim of a martini glass into the chocolate syrup then into the crushed graham crackers to coat the rim. Set aside. Pour the first three ingredients in an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
Cheers to you!

You can make multiple drinks easily by mixing the liquid ingredients into a pitcher and chilling ahead of time. Prepare the martini glasses in advance and place them in your refrigerator.

One Very Cool
Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of low-fat sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons of low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup of chopped and drained tomatoes
  • One 4 ounce can of green chiles
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped
    bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup of minced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 cup of grated Colby-Jack cheese

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and chill for 1 hour. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or vegetables for dipping.

The Easy Ultimate Trail Mix

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of mixed nuts
  • 1 cup of dried cranberries, raisins or other small, dried fruit
  • 1 cup of small pretzels
  • 1 cup of dark chocolate chips or another flavor you like

Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Store in a Ziplock bag or sealed container until ready to serve.