When I read the topic „my happy meal” for the play along, I had this dish in my head immediately. It is very seasonal as blood oranges are only available here for about two months. So in early February I ordered blood oranges, pink grapefruits and kumquats as well. On a whim I threw them together and it has become a treat I look forward to every delivery (and now the next ten months). Grapefruits, blood oranges and kumquats are complimenting each other’s taste. Add some walnuts and a dollop of greek yoghurt and you have a firework of sweet, tangy, a little bit bitter, crunch and creaminess. Besides the awesome taste I enjoy turning the brightly colored fruits into this dessert so much that after cutting, peeling and filleting I am always smiling, happy and a little high on colors, textures and aromas.

For the chilly fall and wintery days, curl up with an easy to make mug of fragrant mulled wine. This work is mixed media, created with traditional india ink paintings and hand drawn digital elements.

A unique take on a salad for a sweet dessert or finish to a meal, and easy to make!

Another recipe given to me, this time by my cousin Judith. To say they are addictive is not an over statement. Everyone who has tried these has been wowed by their gooey chocolatey-ness. They are less cakey than some brownies and with a few twists like adding nuts or orange zest you can mix them up a bit. Do enjoy! They are irresistible.

Holiday Sweets! This pie also taste great with and oatmeal streusel topping in place of a double pie crust. Or, eliminate the pie crust all together and put the filling in a casserole dish, top with streusel and a nice dollop of whip cream!

Holiday Sweets

My absolute favorite, mulled wine!

Nothing like getting your mitts around a mug of mulled cider to banish blustery autumnal blues and chills. Use the best cloudy apple juice for a yummy alcohol free brew that’s sure to warm all bellies.

Grapefruit & blood orange segments in star anise syrup. A perfect fruit salad for the fall & winter months.

Spice it up - this spicy, hot fruit drink is my go to whenever a sore throat is approaching. It is very spicy, but delicious and feels like a comfy scarf from the inside. It calms the pain in my throat and makes me very warm. Perfect to snuggle on the couch and recover.

I think my favorite part of fall is all of the rich, spicey scents. Mulling spices can be used in tea, cider, hot chocolate and even cocktails.

This refreshingly simple citrus salad features grapefruit and oranges topped with a tangy vinaigrette.You can stack the citrus slices with fresh mozzarella and basil on individual plates or in one big platter. It makes a beautiful presentation and can be eaten with salmon or to offset the richness of pasta.

A really fast and easy cake - this is one of my priorities by baking ;) I often take some homemade sweets for picnic or hiking which are easy to carry and this one is definitely one of THIS recipes.

I first had this cocktail at the Nobhill Tavern bar in MGM Grand in Las Vegas back in 2011. It is still the best cocktail I have had to date!

After returning home I began the quest to recreate it - I just couldn’t get it quite right. When I had babies the cocktail shaker got packed away, but since we are living in lockdown, it has made another appearance and my quest was renewed!

I don’t think I will ever match the Nobhill one, as I think their fresh sweet and sour recipe holds some magic secret ingredients, but I have gotten pretty close with my attempts at home and am sharing this simple recipe with you.
Adding fresh egg white to the sweet and sour mix will give you the frothy top!

Not a recipe, but a joyful pattern- an ode to New Orleans citrus! It's everywhere in my hometown. For the full version, you can visit my Instagram page! www.instagram.com/amymcillustrates