Happy HOur.....

"If life gives you limes, makes margaritas." - Jimmy Buffet

What if life gives you blackberries AND limes? Definitely make margaritas!

Fall officially started this week, which delights me to no end. Like many others, fall is the season that speaks to me the most. However, here in Northern Colorado, mother Nature hasn't quite gotten the memo as we are experiencing pretty hot, dry weather. Truthfully, that is pretty par for the course around here. It's a (soon to be not) well kept secret that Colorado actually has pretty fabulous weather almost always.

It's also been kind of a challenging week. I am growing weary of life on crutches.Trying to keep a house clean that is for sale while on crutches is not nearly as much fun as it sounds. Everything is taking me twice as long, if not longer, to do. My shoulders are starting to bear the brunt of life on crutches. So just hoping a healed stress fracture doesn't lead to a torn rotator cuff. LOL! My hubby was also experiencing a pretty rough work week and so the gorgeous weather and the fact that a potential buyer looked at our house today, seemed like cause for celebration! Love to hear what you think if you try them!

Blackberry Margaritas- Makes 4

1 cup simple syrup, cooled or chilled*
2/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec PLUS enough fresh-squeezed orange juice to equal 2/3 cup
1 cup Tequila, your favorite (I like Patron Gold)
2 - 6 ounce packages fresh blackberries

Place all ingredients into blender jar. Mix on high speed until smooth. Strain through a not too fine strainer just to remove the seeds (if you have a BlendTec or Vita Mix Blender, you may be able to skip this part), if desired. If making ahead, cover and chill. To serve, pour into ice-filled , salt rimmed glasses and garnish with a wedge of lime and fresh blackberries.

*Simple Syrup
Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (e.g. 1 cup each) in a saucepan. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, gently swirling pan to mix. DO NOT stir. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Allow to cool. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 10 days.