Let's Talk Food Storage Temps (+ A Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe!)

Thank you Electrolux for sponsoring this post. Visit www.livelovelux.com to enter the perfect temp sweepstakes through 8/22 for a chance to win an Electrolux French Door Refrigerator and a trip to the Bahamas!.

If you read the title and are wondering what's up with me devoting a post to talking about food storage temperatures, here's the thing.  When it comes to the kitchen, I'm one of those people who tends to make little mistakes that end up costing me down the road.  This often pertains to failed attempts at cooking, but it's also happened more than once with storing food.  I can't tell you how many times I've gone on a produce spree, spending more than I should on organic fruits and veggies in bulk, only to have them go bad because my fridge wasn't the right temperature.  It may sound silly, but I have learned a valuable lesson: finding the right temperature to store your food is actually pretty important. 

Back in the spring, I teamed up with my pals over at Electrolux to share my dream kitchen spaces with you guys.  And today, I'm partnering with them again - to talk to you a little about food storage, yes, but also to share a pretty incredible recipe for strawberry basil margaritas.  (Which sadly, as a pregnant lady, I cannot currently enjoy.  But my sister and friend said it's their new favorite.)

So first, let's talk for a minute about the whole fridge food storing thing.  See, I'm a fan of Electrolux refrigerators for many reasons.  They have great style, they're eco-conscious, and they're affordable for all the features they have to offer.  But I have to admit that this whole 'perfect temp' thing might be the biggest reason for me.  The Electrolux French Door Refrigerator features something pretty innovative called the 'Perfect Temp Drawer with Luxury-Close.'  It provides ultimate control with a customizable, versatile temperature zone designed to store a variety of foods and beverages at the ideal temperature.  Pretty cool, huh?  The refrigerator's adjustable, humidity controlled Crisper Drawers also keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer, with self-closing drawers that provide a tighter seal to lock in freshness.  I really need to get my hands on one of these.  Mass produce fails, you might just be a part of my past.

And now for the margarita recipe!  Please let me know if you make this, and don't leave out any details.  I'll be living vicariously through you and all of my fellow margarita lovers until this little one is born.  This recipe was actually contributed by Kelly Ripa (yes, that Kelly Ripa) via Electrolux.  So awesome.  Kelly says, "My go-to cocktail for outdoors summer soirees is the Strawberry Basil Margarita.  No one can resist this amazing drink with its delicious blend of ingredients; the black pepper and basil really bring out the sweet flavor of the strawberries."  I'm sold.

Serves 1

• Place one strawberry and two basil leaves in a rocks glass.  Then, using a muddler, press down lightly on the leaves and give a few gentle twists.
• Add remaining ingredients and stir together (one oz. silver tequila, 1/2 oz. strawberry liqueur, 1/2 oz. triple sec, one oz. fresh lemon juice, dash of black pepper)
• Top with ice and garnish with a strawberry and a basil leaf. 
• Keep ingredients and garnishes fresh at the ideal temperature (I use my adjustable, humidity-controlled Crisper Drawers, which keep fruits and vegetables their best, with self-closing drawers that lock in freshness.)

One more thing:  Now through August 22, visit www.livelovelux.com and enter the Electrolux Perfect Temp Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win your own Electrolux French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator and a trip to a climate with a perfect temp - the sunny Abaco Islands in The Islands Of The Bahamas!  And if that wasn't rad enough, for every entry and share, Electrolux will donate $1 to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) with the goal of reaching $125,000. 

Any other food temperature control freaks out there?  Got any other weird kitchen quirks you'd like to share?

Thank you for supporting Bubby and Bean by allowing me to post occasional sponsored content. All sponsored posts feature products or services that I genuinely feel would be of interest to you. 
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.