Summer Sangria

I had a really good Sangria a while ago. I don't drink it often, but when I do, I remember how much I enjoy it. It always seemed like a lot of trouble to make though. I came across this recipe for Emeril's Sangria and thought I'd bite the bullet and just try it for a family party we were going to have. It does look a little intimidating because of all the ingredients but really it was pretty easy to throw together and definitely worth the effort, it was a hit! I'm sure I'll be making it again this summer and thought I'd share the recipe here if anyone else wants to try it.

Sangria
Ingredients
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (recommended: triple sec or Grand Marnier)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
1 unwaxed apple, cored, and cut into thin wedges
1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled

Directions
Combine everything but the sparkling water in a large plastic container or glass pitchers. Cover and chill completely, 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water.

Pepsi Pot Roast

This what I'm making in my crockpot today and the smell is driving me crazy. If you haven't had Pepsi Pot Roast, then you have not lived! I know it sounds like a weird combo and I don't know who thought of it in the first place (probably the same genius who decided to combine chocolate and peanut butter), but the Pepsi makes the roast incredibly tender. You can't taste the Pepsi, in fact, when I've made it to guests and they rave about it I have them guess the "secret ingredient". It makes delicious gravy, too, and what is a dinner without gravy?

Here is the recipe I use for Pepsi Pot Roast:

1 pot roast (3-4 pounds)

1 package dry onion soup mix

2 cans cream of mushroom soup (sometimes I use 3 if I want more gravy)

1 can Pepsi

That's it, very simple. I can't wait for dinner!