A Hot Cuppa Inspiration - Roastaroma

Some mornings you just need your coffee. It is your friend. Sometimes you crave it at night, but just don't no what to do with all that energy at 2 a.m. Enter Roastaroma. It's not coffee. Now don't get me wrong. It doesn't even taste like coffee. When I first got it, excited by the reviews of all the folks who replace coffee cravings with this caffeine free herbal tea, is was quite underwhelmed. Sure, it was interesting. I didn't have that herbal tea undertone that all caffeine free teas seem to have to me. (Is it just me or do so many seem to taste alike regardless of flavor?) And it was kinda weak for my dark coffee loving palette. It was interesting. There is chicory, roasted barley and a touch cocoa in there. I like it, but I knew I was never going to crave it. It reminded me too much of all the coffee substitute concoctions our family tested out while we studied the Civil War. In the spirit of adventure, and willing to face hardships like the army boys did, we tried everything from chicory to toasted corn to peanuts brews. They were disgusting for the most part, but we tried. Yep, we were that family. But it was fun...and memorable.

So with its lackluster appearance in the Marshall home, this blend has been sitting ignored since the holidays. Today, I was totally out of coffee. Terrible, since I have a guest this week. I decided to brew this up really strong and add some other ingredients to amp the texture and flavor. I think I really found a winner. Look at the froth on top. The taste is much richer than my first taste test with a few additions. Granted it will still not be my morning eye opener, but the Roastaroma will combine nicely with my add ins to  make a fun coffee house kind of drink. For the Diner News, I recently made a coffee as a meal recipe that is very similar. I took the same ingredients, minimized them a bit, and made a frothy, sweet hot beverage you can enjoy any time of day with healthy ingredients and not too many calories. Up for the adventure?

Frothy Roastaroma

1 mug strongly brewed Roastaroma herbal tea from Celestial Seasonings
1 tsp coconut oil (I use refined with no coconut taste)
1 tsp collagen peptides or unflavored gelatin
1 tsp whey protein powder
1/8 tsp sunflower lecithin
pinch salt
sweetener to taste

Brew the tea for 5 minutes. Pour into a blender. (I used my bullet blender) Add coconut oil, collagen, whey protein, lecithin, salt and sweetener. If using a bullet blender, shake and open cap to release pressure before blending. Process 10-15 seconds. Pour into a mug and enjoy the creamy, frothy topping.

Serves 1: 50 calories  1 g carb

I love my flavored teas. I am kind of a collector, you  might say. This particular one is a little hard to find, but you can order it online at Vitacost, and it is on sale right now. No, I don't get paid anything for recommending the tea or the store. Just something I tried and decided to share with you. Feel free to share any of your finds here. I would love to feature them.

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Cool Off with Frozen Treats! Frosted Lemonade

Get ready for a cold blast. It may be hot outside, but that doesn't mean you have to be overheated too. This month's Diner News has lots of new ideas to cool off with some sweet summer treats. Yum!

One of the fastest ways to cool off is this incredibly yummy Frosted Lemonade. It is a little tart and a lotta sweet. Cool and quick. Prefect for summer afternoons. Get that blender ready.

Frosted Lemonade

1/3 cup  unsweetened cashew or almond milk

3 tbsp  lemon juice

1 tbsp cream

1 tbsp  whey protein isolate

1/2 tsp lemon flavoring or 2 drops lemon essential oil 

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp glucomannan or xanthan gum

Stevia to taste

2 cups ice cubes

Process all ingredients in a  high powered blender until smooth. Adjust sweetness and serve.          

  Serves 1: 45 calories 4 net g carb

Now, take a peek at the amazing desserts and snacks that are in this August issue of the Diner News. You can order it at: http://www.247lowcarbdiner.com/html/newsletter.html

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Frozen Meringue Creams

Blueberry Crunch Yogurt Bark

Cinnamon Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Cranberry Limeade

Fro Yo Berry Bites

Lemon Cheesecake Pops

Maple Pecan Ice Cream

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pops

Pineapple Kool-Aid Slushies

Red Wine Pops

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake with Magic Shell Topping

Strawberry Ice Cream

Very Berry Frozen Yogurt

Get more great recipes at the Low Carbing Among Friends Facebook Page:               https://www.facebook.com/LowCarbingAmongFriends

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Orange Power Juice

Sometimes I miss a small glass of OJ in the morning. Usually I have my coffee, but in my youth, I preferred orange juice. Over a year ago, I hacked this little concoction for the May `15 Diner News. The theme that month was low carb kitchen hacks.

 My Power Juice is better for you than orange juice, which, as a concentrated form of fruit, is high in sugar. I added some protein, turmeric and vitamin C powder. All very good for you. Then to thicken it a bit, I tried some beef gelatin. Funny thing happened. After I tried it with some ice, the gelatin separated a bit and formed little clumps very much like pulp in OJ! I loved that.  If you are the type that hates the texture, leave the gelatin out, or drink it at room temperature. Even better, use Collagen Hydrolysate, which dissolves but  doesn't do the gelling thing. This does separate a little upon sitting, so if you chill it, give it a quick blend with a stick blender before serving.  Ah, the fun of food chemistry!

Speaking of school subjects, I am going out of town all next week to a teacher's conference. Leaving the hubby all alone. We shall see. I am signed up on the gluten free menu at the conference, but I see lots of potatoes on the menu. Most meals are cafeteria style, so I should be fine. When the meals are free, I make do. I find that it is usually easier not to be too hard on myself. I am fortunate not to have many food allergies. I empathize with those of you who have to be so suspicious of any food served in public. I had to do that while my youngest was on SCD/GAPS and it is so desperately frustrating.  My tips: 

• Use a good quality unflavored protein isolate.
• I prefer Great Lakes Brand for the gelatin
• I order vitamin C powder online. Don't try to crush tablets. It is good to add to all sorts of drinks, so don't be afraid to try it. I have the NOW brand.
• True Orange is a little harder to find at the grocery than lemon or lime flavors. It is easy to add onto an order through most of the  online nutrition stores.

Orange Power Juice

2 1/2 pints of water (5 cups)

2 tbsp erythritol / stevia blend equal to sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp whey protein powder

1 tbsp beef gelatin or collagen hydrolysate

2 tsp Vitamin C powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp orange extract

1/4 tsp turmeric

2 packets True Orange

Blend all ingredients together with an immersion blender..

Serves 6:   22 calories   1 g carb   4 g protein

Once I return from the conference, I will be jumping right into summer school. That is busy, but a blessing since my husband is still without full time employment. Please keep him in your prayers! While I am away, I will try to check in nightly to send out newsletter orders and answer your questions. Don't give up on me. I seem to thrive on a busy schedule, but a girl can only promise so much!

Get more great recipes at the Low Carbing Among Friends Facebook Page:               https://www.facebook.com/LowCarbingAmongFriends

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Order my original e-book or the latest version for couples and singles,  A Table for Two here

Cranberry Diet Drinks

My final installment in Cranberry Week. For this beverage, I have been in experimental mode. I had read about the Biggest Loser weight loss drink with unsweetened cranberry juice. It seemed interesting. Several different recipes are online, most with varying ingredients. One constant seems to be the unsweetened cranberry juice. Since I was needing to place an order at Swanson's, I added some of that to my list. I honestly have not looked for it locally. You may be able to get unsweetened juice at your health food store. I used this. I have always been a fan of cranberry juice. Until recently, I only knew about the sugary kind on the grocery store shelves. Never too old to learn! Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, and are great to support urinary tract health. I struggle in that area a bit from time to time, so I think this will be a terrific addition to my diet.

I have also been checking out some essential oils to add to my beverages. I love grapefruit juice. It is one thing I really miss. I used to drink the grapefruit flavored Crystal Light. Now, I don't do aspartame. I bet the loss of my sales alone led to the company discontinuing that flavor! I have to say, I love a simple grapefruit water. Just water and 2 drops of essential oil. Just enough flavor to make water more interesting. I drink that at school. Grapefruit is one of the oils recommended for weight loss. It is supposed to help with appetite suppression and metabolism--among a host of other good things. This is not a review for any weight loss promises. I just figure it is good to do what I can. We older gals have such a hard time dropping weight. If it happens to work like magic, I assure you, I will share. Even if you aren't looking for weight loss, these drinks are healthy and amazingly tasty. 

Before you look for a sales pitch, I am not a distributor for any essential oil company. In fact, I did some research on therapeutic grade essential oils because I just couldn't tolerate the mark ups and shipping costs my friends endure. Most of them signed up to be representatives just so they could afford the oils. That  just irritates me. I want to get a high quality product without a business entanglement. I found Native American Nutritionals. The prices are much better, the quality is good. Shipping was--well, free. Win. Couldn't get a better deal even if I bought from one of my friends. Sorry girls. I get no money or product for endorsing this company, just sharing a tip. While I was ordering my grapefruit oil, I noticed a blend for weight loss called Slim and Trim. It says it will help with cravings and appetite control. Yes! I added a small bottle to my order. It is a blend of pink grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon bark and celery seed. From the reviews, some love the taste, others, no so much. I was surprised to like it as much as I did. But it needed some tweaking. See the recipe below. We shall see how the appetite control works out. 

All of these ingredients I am sharing today are easy to mix and match. Add them to water or tea, add spices or other oils. Make a custom cocktail! Be sure to use glass containers, since essential oils are thought to pull toxins from plastic. I love to drink from mason jars with lids and straws. Remember the Diner News issue where I showed you how to make you own lids with holes for straws?  Here are my favorites from this week: 

Biggest Loser Inspired Weight Loss Drink

(My version is a combo of several found online. I chose less cranberry juice. Some add cinnamon and cayenne, not a great flavor combo with the lemon in my opinion.)

1 bag green tea

1 cup boiling water

1 tsp unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp lemon flavoring

Ice and water to fill 1 quart

Stevia to taste

Steep green tea in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove and discard bag. Stir in cranberry juice, lemon juice, and  lemon flavoring if using. (This really does make a super lemony boost) In a quart jar or glass bottle, add ice and water to the top. Add liquid stevia to taste. (I used Hungry Girl Stevia with honey flavoring.) My favorite lemon flavoring is Simply Organic Lemon flavor. You can always just add a couple of drops of lemon essential oil instead of the juice and flavoring.

18 calories   4 g carb

Simple Cranberry Grapefruit Slimmer 

1 bag green tea

1 cup boiling water

1 tsp unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate

2 drops Grapefruit essential oil

Ice and water to fill 1 quart

stevia to taste

Steep green tea in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove and discard bag. Stir in cranberry juice and grapefruit essential oil. Add ice and water to fill a quart jar. Drink as is or add stevia to taste.

14 calories   3 g carbs

Slim and Trim Appetite Slammer

Cayenne pepper has a thermogenic effect to boost metabolism. It is optional.

1 bag oolong tea (or green)

1 cup boiling water

1 tsp unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate

2 drops Native Nutritionals Slim and Trim blend essential oil

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, optional

Ice and water to make 1 quart

stevia or other sweetener to taste (I use E.Z. Sweets Stevia with Monkfruit)

Steep oolong tea in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove and discard bag. Stir in cranberry juice, Slim and Trim essential oil, cinnamon and cayenne if using. Fill a quart jar with ice and water to the top. Add stevia to taste.

15 calories   3 g carbs

So there you have it. No excuses for sodas. Add some nutrition to everything you take in--even your water. If any of you try these recipes and the essential oils, please let me know if you see results. In the past, I have been terribly inconsistent when I try to evaluate a supplement. I kinda fail at doing the body hacking thing. Worth a try?

Get more great  low carb recipes at Low Carbing Among Friends.

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 Order any of our great cookbooks at  http://amongfriends.us/24-7-LCD.php

Order my original e-book or the latest version for couples and singles, A Table for Two here. 

Mint Chocolate Chip Shake

I am cooking up a storm here! Speaking of storms, it is been a weird week. We had some severe weather--spring in Oklahoma. Tornado in the next town over. Lots of power outages, so school attendance was down. We had no problems at my house, thankfully. We have been there and done that! The basement at school took some water...but life is back to normal now.

The cooking storm is all the new recipes I have been creating for the next Diner News. Man Food. Oh my goodness, my hubby loves me lately. Every one has been a winner! Just you wait until the first of April when that comes out. Until then, I did promise you more with those chocolate chips I have been making. How about a thick, creamy vanilla, mint and chocolate chip shake? Oh yeah! Add a little protein and it is all good. Very good. Husband liked his too, and it is not even in the newsletter as a guy favorite. I got the idea from Julieanne at Joy for Our Journey.

This is tasty as a plain chocolate chip flavor if you don't care for the mint. I love the little bursts of chocolate that travel up the straw and surprise your tastebuds with the wonderful flavor you love! When making it, you have some wiggle room with the thickeners. My glucomannan seems to need a little more than many recipes call for, so start with the smaller amount and add more if necessary. It should help make the shake thick but not slick. (play around enough with glucomannan and xanthan gum and you know what I mean, right) Once you know your supply's thickening power, you can adjust recipe amounts up or down.

We are loving the cashew milk these days. It is a little lower in calories than almond milk, and it seems to be thicker too. All the better for a thick shake. The cottage cheese helps there too, but I promise you won't know it is there. John is an avowed cottage cheese hater, and he loved this. It can be a filling breakfast or just the thing to ward off the evening munchies. Yes, Sonic has started the half price shakes after 8 promotion. Not good advertising for my diabetic husband or my late night urges to eat.

If you need to make your own chocolate chips, the recipe is here.

Lisa's Mint Chocolate Chip Shake for 2

1 1/2 cups cashew milk or almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 scoop whey protein isolate, vanilla or unflavored
3 tbsp sugarfree chocolate chips (divided use)
3 tbsp erythritol/stevia blend
2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp mint extract
1/4 - 1/2 tsp glucomannan or xanthan gum
6-8 ice cubes

Combine cashew milk, water, cottage cheese, whey powder, 2 tbsp of chocolate chips, sweetener, cream if using, vanilla and mint extracts, and thickener of choice. Start by adding the lower amount of glucomannan or xanthan gum and add more if the shake is too thin. Process until the chocolate chips are in smaller pieces. Add ice and process again until ice is well blended. Add the remaining tablespoon of chocolate chips, processing just until they are broken well enough to fit through a straw. Pour into 2 glasses and serve.

Per serving: approx.    200 calories      4 net g carbs (protein powders will vary)

Now that the cold weather seems to be behind us, it will be time for more cool shakes like this one. Since Sonic has so many flavors, maybe it is time for me to get a little more creative. What is your favorite flavor?

Get more great recipes at the Low Carbing Among Friends Facebook Page:               https://www.facebook.com/LowCarbingAmongFriends

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Order my original e-book or the latest version for couples and singles,  A Table for Two here. 

4 Amazing and Easy Hot Drinks

Peppermint Cocoa

We are getting our first snowfall of the season here. It is the perfect day to cuddle up under a blanket and sip something sweet and steamy. I have 4 different ideas for you--and I have treated myself to one of each this weekend. They are easy to make and are really just as good as any high carb original.

The first two recipes use So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage in a carton. I have the unsweetened vanilla variety. You could also use almond milk or any coconut/almond blend. Just remember that this is not the coconut milk in a can. I also used a bit of canned whipped cream as a topping. I know it is the lazy way and has some sugar, but I just use a bit--1 -2 carbs at the most. You can sweeten to your tastes. I think my sweet receptors have dulled over the years, as I tend to need more sweetener than some recipes call for. It is always easy to start with less and add more if you need it. For my versions this weekend, I used mostly stevia, and I seem to need more of that. It is easy to overdo though, so use caution.  As usual, your mileage may vary!

Peppermint Cocoa

3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk beverage
1 tsp cocoa powder
1/8 tsp peppermint extract
Sugarfree sweetener to taste (I used the equivalent of 4 tsp or 2 packets)
Canned whipped cream for garnish

Heat the coconut milk in a pan or microwave. Stir in the cocoa powder, peppermint extract and sweetener. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Serves 1:  64 calories    <2 net carbs

Coconut Cream Pie Hot Sipper

This is an unusual hot drink. No chocolate, no tea, no fruit. It tastes like vanilla and coconut, reminiscent of coconut cream pie. The tiny shake of salt and sliver of butter make a big difference in that pie like flavor. It definitely counts as dessert!

Coconut Cream Pie Hot Sipper

1 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk beverage
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp butter
small pinch salt
Sugarfree sweetener to taste (I used the equivalent of 4 tsp or 2 packets)
1/2 tsp toasted shredded coconut
2 tbsp canned whipped cream

Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan or microwave.  Stir in the vanilla, butter, salt and sweetener. Adjust sweetener to taste. Top with whipped cream and shredded toasted coconut.

Serves 1:  130 calories  3 net g carbs

Hot Orange Spice

This cirtusy hot drink tastes amazingly like the Hot Russian Tea mix my mom made in the eighties. The main event there was Orange Tang and instant tea. This one has no tea. The wonderful orange flavor comes with a packet of True Orange. Love that stuff. Then some common spices and you have a terrific drink that warms you up but doesn't cost you the calories and carbs!

Hot Orange Spice 

3/4 cup water
1 packet True Orange
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Sugarfree sweetener to taste (I used the equivalent of 4 tsp or 2 packets)

4 calories 1 net g carb

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Coffee

I love spiced coffee. What I don't like is having 3 or 4 bags of flavored coffees open at once. We really don't have to buy a specialty coffee to get a wonderful spiced flavor. Using my coffee press, I make just a single cup of coffee and add the spices directly to the grounds. Voila!

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Coffee

1 cup water
1 tbsp ground coffee
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp half and half
Sweetener to taste

In a single cup brewer, place coffee and pumpkin pie spice. Brew as usual. Add creamer and sweetener as desired.

Serves 1:   23 calories   1 g carb

So there you have four ways to keep warm and happy this winter. Be sure to adjust the calorie and carb count to match the beverage you use to make milk, and the sweetener you choose.

Get more great recipes at the Low Carbing Among Friends Facebook Page:               https://www.facebook.com/LowCarbingAmongFriends

 Order any of our great cookbooks at  http://amongfriends.us/24-7-LCD.php

Order my original e-book or the latest version for couples and singles, 

A Table for Two here.

Cozy Cranberry Sippers

OOh baby it's cold outside--at least at my house. I just can't get warm! All layered up and everything, but I am just chilled to the bone. Last night I made Punkin Chili, and that didn't do the trick. Today I resorted to a hot drink. This cranberry tea is so delicious and that warm cup did wonders for my hands. This is easy to put together. I just robbed a few fresh cranberries from the bag I intend to use for our Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce Three Ways. (I always make three variations so we don't get tired of the same thing) I doubt we will miss those ten berries. I do plan on buying an additional bag to keep in the freezer this year. Cranberries disappear after the holiday season around here.

This tea is fruity sweet and spicy--all the great flavors of the holidays. I used a Christmas flavored herbal  tea, but any tea will work well, I think. If you use an orange flavored tea, you might be able to skip the addition of the kool-aid powder. Definitely worth some experimentation. Just don't miss the cloves. That's the flavor that really makes the drink special. If you don't have a spiced tea you might want to add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice when you add the teabag.

Cozy Cranberry Sippers ( for 2)

2 1/2 cups water
10 fresh cranberries
2 teabags, regular, spice or orange flavor
2 pinches unsweetened orange flavored drink mix
4 packets stevia or other sweetener (most packets equal 2 tsp sugar)
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Bring water and cranberries to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the tea bags and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until cooled enough to transfer into a blender. Discard the tea bags and process until the berries are blended in. Pour the tea mixture through a strainer back into the sauce pan. Stir in the orange powder and sweetener. Heat to desired temperature. Adjust sweetness to taste.

I love that this recipe doesn't use any artificial sweeteners. I have an easy version of a hot cranberry drink too. Cranberry Hot Drink  is a favorite from years past, but this tea and real berry version  is a little different and is worth the trouble.

This is such a pretty drink. It will be a beautiful choice for sipping throughout the holidays. The 24/7 Diner News December edition will feature a whole page on warm winter drinks for enjoying when the weather is cold. If you have a favorite low carb fireside sipper, I would love to include some of your recipes in the Diner News.

Fizzy Orange Julie--a treat for a hectic summer!

I am such a bad blogger. Being an entrepreneur and blogger is sometimes just too much. I have been so swamped with our summer camps. Teaching 6 solid hours in an academic camp and spending literally 16 hours a day working. It is crazy. I have a little break this week. I do mean little. I have a seminar to prepare for tomorrow evening...

But you are here to get ideas on low carbing. The rest of the life is just fluff. Ah, bet we all wish we had tons of hours to devote to healthy eating. You don't either and that is why you are here, right? I get it. Lately, our meals have been really simple summer fare. Lots of grilling and salads. The few recipes I have found time to develop for the blog were bombs. This recipe was not--just the photo. But it has been too long and I don't want to wait for the chance to capture the perfect photo. So here it is.

For the newsletter this month, I am featuring some of the food processor and blender recipes I have used in the past. Sometimes we just don't remember to use these appliances as much as we should. They can do some amazing things and are huge kitchen helpers. And hey, this time of year, dinner can be a cold protein shake!

This drink is a summer favorite. I don't know if they have this where you are, but here in my little corner of the world, we have Sonic Drive-in. Those evil people ( and I can say that because one of my sweet students is a car hop there and she has stories) are running a special of half price shakes after 8 p.m.. I promise they are everywhere. Not in sugarfree versions, of course. But all my friends seem to have them. They are even promoting like 25 flavors. Instant deprivation. I have had shake envy.

I just had to find some time to get home and make a healthy protein shake. I mean all that sweet, creamy cold stuff can still be good for us, right? I also have a fond memory of Dr. Pepper floats from Sonic. I opted for a version of that....only with the orange soda I happened to have at home. Yum. The shake tastes like vanilla ice cream, and the orange sodapop adds a fun fizz and citrusy tang. We use our Soda Stream so the beverages don't have aspartame. (just a little in the pudding mix, but that really does add to the flavor and ice cream-like texture. You could leave it out and add in a half tsp of vanilla with a pinch of xanthan gum) If you don't do sucralose either, stock up on some Zevia sodas. This just might get you through the summer. It might taste a bit like an Orange Julius too--you decide.

Fizzy Orange Julie

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup plain yogurt

3-4 ice cubes

1 tbsp sugarfree vanilla pudding mix

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup diet orange soda

Into a blender, add water, yogurt, ice, vanilla pudding and protein powder. Blend well. Pour into a tall glass. Add diet orange soda to top the glass. Drink as is or mix with a spoon.

 The newsletter has some more smoothie ideas. It also has some very interesting ideas for using food processors--Not So "Nuttzo" Butter, Green Gazpacho, and Rainbow Shredded Salad. If you want to order the Diner News, head over to our website. I will try to be a better blogger, I promise!

Red Velvet Smoothie for Valentine Breakfast

As promised, here is my quick version of a special Valentine Breakfast on the run. How about  Red Velvet Smoothies for you and your sweeties? I used my Lorann Red Velvet Bakery Emulsion for authentic flavor, but some red food coloring would probably work also. If you happen to have the emulsion, I promise you won't be disappointed with the flavor. I will put the recipe for one; you can make as many as you prefer.

Red Velvet Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
4 frozen strawberries
2-3 ice cubes
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp Red Velvet Bakery Emulsion
2 packets sweetener (or 4 tsp equivalent)

Blend everything in a bullet blender. Pour into a pretty glass and serve with a dollup of heavy cream or coconut milk.

 You may adjust the sweetener to your preferences. If you don't have the emulsion, just experiment with food coloring until you get to the desired shade.