Bjorn Bites & Booze Archives - Bjorn Bites & Booze

Cranberry Mojito | Holiday Cocktail | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Cranberry Mojito – a Holiday Cocktail

November 12, 2024

Cranberry Mojito

Cheers to the holiday season with this festive Cranberry Mojito! The star of the show is a rosemary simple syrup, adding an earthy, delicious twist to the tart cranberry flavor. Grab your favorite white rum, cranberry juice, and top it off with sparkling water. Want a mocktail? Just skip the rum, and it's just as refreshing. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and cranberries for that holiday touch, and try freezing mint in your ice cubes to bring out extra minty vibes. Let's toast to the holidays with this perfect blend of seasonal flavors.

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Prep Time 20

Course Drinks

Servings 2

Ingredients

Rosemary Simple Syrup

½ cup honey
½ cup water
3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Cocktail

16 large mint leaves
½ cup lime juice
½ cup cranberry juice
6 oz white rum
ice
sparkling water
Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Rosemary Simple Syrup

Add honey, water and rosemary sprigs in sauce pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove from heat, and set aside to cool.

Cocktail

Add mint leaves and lime juice in a shaker, muddle mint leaves and lime juice together.
Add rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, and rum to shaker, fill with ice, and shake for 20-30 seconds until well combined.
Fill glasses with ice (with your mint ice if prepared), strain mixture equally into glasses and top off with sparkling water.
Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Skål and enjoy!

Keyword Cocktail recipes, Cranberry Mojito, Holiday Cocktails, Mojito

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Blue Lagoon | Iceland | Arctic Odyssey | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day Four

November 10, 2024

Last Day of our Arctic Adventure! No rest for the weary on this trip, as we were up early and out the door. With only a 17-hour layover in Iceland, most of which was spent catching a few hours of sleep, we wanted to make the most of our time. A visit to the iconic Blue Lagoon had long been on my bucket list, so we made arrangements to finally experience it. Being only a 20-minute drive from the airport (while Reykjavik is over an hour away), it was an easy decision. We arrived just as the lagoon was opening, grateful to have booked one of the first reservations of the day.

The drive through volcanic rock fields, still steaming from eruptions earlier this summer, made for an otherworldly backdrop as our driver shared stories of Iceland’s dynamic landscape. After a quick check-in and change, we stepped outside into the brisk, rainy air, making our plunge into the warm, milky-blue waters feel especially inviting. Floating over to the swim-up bar, drinks in hand, we took in the peaceful surroundings and allowed the mineral-rich water to soothe and heal.

Our experience included a package with three different types of masks, each offering its own rejuvenating effect—some requiring up to 15 minutes to set, washed off with cool water flowing into the lagoon. Surrounded by the dramatic volcanic terrain, we felt the relaxation settle in deeply, even with the subtle hum of nearby construction for future expansion. As our Arctic adventure came to a close, the Blue Lagoon provided the perfect, restorative finale. It was bittersweet to leave, but the memories of this magical place will stay with us.

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Drakkar the Leviathan, Vardø Norway | Bjorn Bites a

Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day Three

November 4, 2024

Today was film screening day, set in the unique community greenhouse, DyrkVaranger. This greenhouse, built entirely from secondhand materials collected by locals, was designed by Oslo architects and crafted by the community. It’s more than a greenhouse—it’s a learning space where kids from the local school are encouraged to grow their own food and learn about sustainability.

Charly’s documentary, Frø, Nordic Seed Heroes, intrigued about 30 curious souls gathering to watch and dive into questions afterward. Fresh Norwegian waffles were baking nearby, filling the space with a warm, sweet aroma, served with homemade strawberry jam and shavings of sweet, brown goat cheese called gjetteost—a true Norwegian treat!

After the screening, we wandered around town before heading to the island’s northern edge to find Drakkar, the Leviathan. Built in 2016, this awe-inspiring sculpture stands as a tribute to the Arctic’s fierce beauty, its people, and the rugged wilderness.

As we explored, the sun began to set—at 3 PM! We wrapped up the day at the Nordpol Kro, a historic bar dating back to 1864. Known as The North Pole, this was the last stop for explorers heading to the Arctic! We were the only ones there when we arrived at 10 PM, sampling local beers and dried fish, but soon enough, friendly locals and fellow festival-goers filled the place with laughter and stories.

We ended our night with one more mesmerizing look at the Northern Lights, dancing just for us before calling it a night. On to Day Four!

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Arctic Adventure | Bjorn Bites and Booze

Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day Two

November 1, 2024

Charly & I left Oslo at dawn, catching an early flight to Kirkenes, a town near the borders of Finland and Russia. It was interesting to see street signs in both Norwegian and Russian, hinting at the blend of cultures. After a quick coffee break, we set off on a 3.5 hour drive towards Vardø. We followed the winding road around the Varanger Fjord, stopping to capture the breathtaking subarctic landscape, with a sunset that cast everything in a golden glow that seemed to last for hours.

Our journey brought us to the Vardø Tunnel, which stretches 9,480 feet and plunges 289 feet below sea level. Built in 1982, it was Norway’s first subsea tunnel. As we descended deeper and deeper beneath the ocean, the weight of the water above was almost palpable.

We checked into the Vardø Hotel, our home base for the next two days. After a fresh fish dinner and meeting some of the film festival coordinators, they encouraged us to explore the town. Though it was already 11 PM, the call of adventure won out! We headed toward the historic Vardøhus Fortress, perched on the shores of the Barents Sea. We wandered through its storied walls, discovering that the fortress had not only protected Norway for centuries. The Crossings Film Festival was also showing films on loop throughout the fortress.

In the stillness of midnight, we made our way to the Steilneset Memorial, a haunting tribute to the 91 people executed for witchcraft in 1621. The memorial includes two structures, each filled with symbolic design. The first is a 410-foot-long wooden hall, a dark passage where small windows each illuminate a name and accusation, paying tribute to those who suffered. The fierce wind howled around us, adding to the haunting atmosphere, while the waves crashed against the shore.

The second structure was just as striking, with a metal screen surrounding a lone chair, flames projecting through its seat—the “perpetual flame” representing those lost. Encircling the fiery chair were seven towering mirrors, like silent judges,, reflecting the past and capturing the solemnity of the site.

With no city lights to dim the sky, the Northern Lights shimmered above us, casting an ethereal glow over everything. It was a magical yet eerie experience, one that will stay with me long after this Arctic journey ends.

On to Day Three!

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Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth | Oslo Norway

Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day One

October 31, 2024

Welcome to our Whirlwind Arctic Adventure

To the end of the world and back in 5 days!! It’s been a whirlwind of adventure and awe-inspiring experiences. Charly’s (my amazing and talented daughter) incredible documentary was accepted to a film festival in Vardø, the northeasternmost town in the Arctic. With the film festival calling, I couldn’t resist joining this once-in-a-lifetime journey! I can’t wait to share our wild journey to the edge of the Arctic!

Diving right into Day One of our Arctic journey! I met up with Charly in Minnesota, and we flew together to Iceland before continuing to Oslo, where we had a 20-hour layover to explore. Our day in Oslo was packed: we strolled through Aker Brygge, admired the stunning Oslo Opera House, the Nobel Peace Center, and took in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

One of the highlights was reconnecting with my college friend Mette. We hadn’t seen each other in over 30 years, but it felt like no time had passed. Laughter and stories flowed as she guided us to some of her favorite spots, including the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump, which has been part of the Olympics.

Our tour led us to Roseslottet, an outdoor art installation dedicated to democracy, rule of law, and humanism—a powerful and moving tribute to Norway’s history and resilience during the Nazi occupation, honoring the stories of those who suffered. We ended this unforgettable day at Frognerseteren, a cozy restaurant from 1865 with breathtaking views over the Oslo fjords, where we enjoyed a cozy meal to wrap up a day full of laughter, memories, and awe-inspiring sights.

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Dessert, Recipes

PSL Cake (Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake)

October 15, 2024

PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake (PSL Cake) is the ultimate way to celebrate the season! Moist, fragrant, and full of cozy flavors—made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a hint of espresso powder for that latte kick. Topped with fluffy sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of espresso-sugar powder, it’s everything you love about PSL in cake form. Easy to make and even easier to love!

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Course Dessert

Servings 10 servings

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp instant espresso powder, plus more for dusting
1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or make your own – see notes) (Make your own by mixing together 3 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp allspice, ½ tsp cloves)
½ tsp kosher salt
2 eggs, room temperature
¾ cup pumpkin puree
¾ cup sugar, plus 1 tsp for dusting
½ cup light brown sugar
⅔ cup whole milk, room temperature
2 cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter and line bottom with parchment paper a 9-by-2-inch round cake pan. Butter parchment paper as well.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, instant espresso powder, pumpkin-pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs into pumpkin puree, then whisk in butter, sugars, and milk.
Whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Scrape and pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake until top springs back when lightly touched, 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove pan from oven and Let cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes.
Turn cake out carefully and out on a rack and let cool completely. (about 2 hours)
Whip cream with confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Add whipped cream on top of cake.
Combine and whisk together 1 tsp of espresso powder and 1 tsp of sugar. Use this to dust on top of whipped cream.
Serve and enjoy!

Keyword Fall Desserts, PSL, PSL Cake, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

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Midori Margarita | BRAT Cocktail | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Drinks, Recipes

Midori Margarita aka BRAT Cocktail

September 3, 2024

Midori Margarita – aka BRAT Cocktail

It’s a brat summer while sipping this Midori Margarita! Just three simple ingredients to get your brat on: Midori Liqueur, your favorite tequila (I used Lalo) and fresh lime juice. Shake it all up in a cocktail shaker with some ice, strain, garnish and serve with a little bit of bratitude! Skål and cheers!

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Prep Time 5

Course Drinks

Ingredients

1 ½ oz Tequila (I used Lalo)
1 oz Midori Liqueur
1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
tajin for tim
lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

Moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and roll in tajin
Add tequila, Midori and lime juice to cocktail shaker, add ice and shake until well chilled
Strain into margarita glass and garnish with a lime wedge

Keyword Brat, Brat Cocktail, Margarita Recipes, Margaritas, Midori Margarita

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Drinks, Recipes

Watermelon French 75

August 24, 2024

Watermelon French 75

Enjoy summer's sweetest fruit with this Watermelon French 75! This refreshing cocktail blends the sweetness of watermelon with the sparkle of Champagne, making it the perfect sipper for hot summer days! I chose Empress Elderflower Rose Gin for its delicate floral notes that perfectly complement the fresh watermelon juice. It's light, bubbly, and just as delightful as the class French 75. Cheers to summer in a glass! Skål and cheers!

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Prep Time 10

Course Drinks

Servings 4 cocktails

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon, cubed
1 ½ oz Gin (I used Empress Elderflower Rose Gin)
½ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz Champagne (or Prosecco)
Fresh slice of watermelon for ganish

Instructions

Watermelon Juice

Place cubed watermelon in a blender and blend until smooth (30 seconds)
Strain watermelon mixture in a fine mesh strainer, discard solids
Place watermelon mixture in a pitcher.

Make Cocktail

Add ice to a cocktail shaker, then add ingredients. Add 1 ½ oz of the fresh watermelon juice, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and shake for 10-15 seconds.

Assemble Cocktail

Strain mixture from cocktail shaker into a chilled champagne flute. Fill about halfway with watermelon mixture.
Top off with Champagne/Prosecco.
Add watermelon garnish, and serve!

Keyword Cocktail recipes, Cocktails, Summer Cocktails, Watermelon French 75

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Main Course, Recipes

Grilled Salmon with Boozy Meyer Beurre Blanc

August 9, 2024

Grilled Salmon with Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc

Pair your next grilled salmon with this boozy Meyer Lemon Sauce – they were made for each other! Using Jealous Devil Charcoal and a cedar plank from Whole Foods ensures a perfect cook every time! Seasoned the salmon with my favorite Citrus & Herbs seasoning from Big Green Egg. For the sauce, just a couple of simple ingredients like shallots, garlic, Meyer lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper and of course white wine. Ladling this silky smooth sauce over a perfectly grilled salmon is almost as satisfying as eating it! Plus it’s fun to say “Beurre Blanc”!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Course Main Course

Ingredients

2-3 Salmon Fillet
1 tbsp BGE Citrus Herb
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 lemon, sliced

Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc

1 Meyer Lemon, freshly squeezed and zested
¼ cup white wine
1 shallot, chopped
8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Grill Salmon

Prepare and heat grill to 350° for direct heat
Soak cedar plan for 30 minutes prior to grilling

Prepare Beurre Blanc

Add lemon juice, wine and shallots to sauce pan, over medium heat, and reduce.
Remove from heat, add half of the butter. Whisk to combine
Add remaining butter, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth
Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve over grilled salmon

Keyword Grilled Fish, Grilled Salmon, Parsley Beurre Blanc Sauce, Salmon Recipes

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Colorado Hikes, Colorado Life

An Amazing Hike to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake

July 30, 2024

October 5, 2023

Embarking on a cold and windy, yet incredible hike up to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake was an adventure to remember. Covering over 7 miles and reaching elevations of 11,000 feet, we experienced a mix of sun, snow, and the lingering beauty of fall colors. This trail is one of my favorites, offering breathtaking views of majestic mountains at every turn.

Despite encountering icy rain and light snowflakes as we neared the lake, we braved the elements to take in the stunning scenery. This hike truly has it all: serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, enchanting meadows, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain views. While we had hoped to spot moose, we were delighted by the presence of chipper birds and a couple of mule deer.

The trail conditions were excellent and well-marked. As always, it’s essential to come prepared with various layers to handle unpredictable weather, along with a hat, water, and snacks. In summer, don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen. Trekking poles can be very helpful, and depending on the season, snowshoes and/or spikes might be necessary. The elevation gain is just over 650 feet, but remember, you’re starting at an elevation of 10,300 feet.

Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake—the views are absolutely mesmerizing. Happy hiking!

In the fall/winter, the upper parking lots are closed, so this will add another mile or so before you get to the trailhead. In the spring/summer, you’ll need to make a reservation to get into the park, as there are timed entries. Click here for more information!