Limonc”hello”


Limoncello (adaptive from What’s Cooking America recipe):

  • 15 organic lemons ( I used 6 meyer lemons and 9 regular lemons)  
  • 2 (750 ml) bottles 100-proof vodka ( I used Tito’s) 

Simple Syrup:

  • 4 cups sugar
  • 5 cups water (filtered tap water or distilled water)

Instructions

Step One:

  1. Clean the lemons to remove any dirt, pesticides or wax; pat the lemons dry.
  2. Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel.  

Step Two:

  1. In a large glass jar (1-gallon jar with lid), add vodka.
  2. Add the lemon zest as it is zested.
  3. Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least (10) ten days and up to (40) days in a cool dark place.  The longer the mixture rests, the better the end taste will be.
  4. There is no need to stir – all you have to do is wait.  As the limoncello sits, the vodka slowly take on the flavor and rich yellow color of the lemon zest.

Step Three:

  1. Make a Basic Simple Syrup using the 4 cups sugar and 5 cups water:
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water; bring to a gentle boil and let boil, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.  Remove from heat and let the syrup cool before adding it to the Limoncello mixture.
  3. Add cooled sugar mixture to the Limoncello mixture (from Step One).  Cover jar and allow to rest for another 10 to 40 days.

Step Four:

  1. After the rest period, strain the Limoncello ( I used a cheesecloth); discarding the lemon zest.   Pour strained Limoncello in bottle/bottles (of your choice) and seal tightly.

Storing Limoncello:

  1. Keep your bottle/bottles of Limoncello in the freezer until ready to serve.  Serve ice cold from the freezer.

My top 5 places to travel solo.

My top 5 places for solo women to travel to:

1. Paris, France. My favorite city in the world! This is very biased list because Paris is the first city I ever solo traveled to. I decided that I wanted to spend my 30th birthday in Paris, so I planned a fantastic trip that included the Lourve, Palace of Versailles, nd last but not least the French open and seeing my girl Serena Williams play. I have traveled to Paris every year since then. Each trip is different and exciting. I always feel safe and have never run into any security issues. I never get bored and always seems to find something new to explore in my favorite city. With the shops, fashion, food, museums and eye candy what’s not to love? 

2. Tokyo, Japan. I had an amazing opportunity to travel to Japan a few years ago after I found this awesome deal for a roundtrip flight to Tokyo for $400!! I spent a week in Tokyo and had the time of my life. I went to a kitty cafe, Tokyo towers, Shibuya square, Harajuku and everything in between. Tokyo offers so much to do for every walk of life. There are amazing shops, museums, ecletic cafe/ bars, temples and parks.  It’s so clean and organized. Its probably one of the safest cities in the world and I can’t wait to go back. 

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thailand is in itself an amazing country! The country is so beautiful and inexpensive! The American dollar goes a long way over there.  I had a chance to spend a few days in Chiang Mai this past December. Chiang Mai in my opinion is the middle ground between lackadaisical Phuket and busy Bangkok. Its the perfect place to relax, eat amazing food and pamper yourself on the cheap. That’s exactly what I did and enjoyed so much about Chiang Mai. It’s a great place to get off the plane, kick your feet up and feel like a queen. 

4. Split, Croatia. Split is a beautiful city that mixes both modern life and ancient history. Its located off the Adriatic sea so the views are breathtaking. I enjoyed strolling along the Promenade, eating breakfast and staring out watching the crystal blue waves. Split offers so much ancient history including Diocletian’s Palace (which was built in 305AD), St. Domnius Cathedral, and Old Town Split. There are great restaurants, shops and so much natural beauty. I took a day trip Krka National Park which was unforgettable. Let’s not also forget that Croatian eye candy Split offers. 

5. Singapore, Singapore. I am definitely one of the cliches that read Crazy Rich Asians and then absolutely had to take myself to Singapore. I mean between Nick Young, the hawker stalls, Orchard Road and pineapple tarts I knew I had to go. Singapore in real life exceeded all my expectations. It’s so freaking pretty! The city is so vibrant and you know I love my colors!! There’s Joo Chiat Rd., Little India, Gardens by the Bay and so much more. I also appreciate how important nature is to Singapore. The Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome and the Singapore Botanical Garden are definite must. Also lets not forget Marina Bay Sands and the award winning Singapore Airport! I say every solo traveler must experience Singapore. 

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

Hi and welcome to my site. This website serves as a means to share my love for travel with the world. This include my photos, tips or anything else I feel would benefit someone on their travel journey. Feel free to contact me with anything you would like to see featured on the site!