This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rums of Puerto Rico . All opinions are 100% mine.

Sometimes I ask myself why I live in a place where I need to deal with snow.  I’m stuck dealing with shoveling the driveway yet again while my blogging friends over in CA are posting recipes with perfect produce from their backyard gardens.  #jealous

But then it comes to this point in the year.  The weather starts getting warmer, the sun’s rays extend well into the evening, and I’m reminded how much more of an appreciation I have for it because what just came before.  Ah, Spring, how I’ve missed you.

My gardens come back to life.  The grass becomes green again.  And the party moves outside… poolside.  And you know what any outdoor party needs?  Beverages.  Growing up, I remember my mom was always a strawberry daquiri fan. She didn’t drink often, but when she had the seldom urge to enjoy a cocktail… it was always a strawberry daquiri.

Who can blame her… they are freaking delicious.  And sure, I’m man enough to admit it.  I love fruity frozen cocktails in the summer.  That’s right, I said it.  Heck to the yes.

Obviously rum is a welcome party starter at our house during these warmer months.  But then I got thinking… I never have really cooked or baked with rum.  I wonder if any of my good ‘ole trusty blogging friends have used rum in their recipes?  And of course, a quick search of their stunning blogs came through with enough recipes to keep me busy all spring and summer long.  I can’t wait to try them out.  I mean, look how amazing these recipes sound!

CAKES.

Photo Credit: Thalia @ Butter and Brioche 

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Banana and Honey Layer Cake with Salted Rum Caramel by Butter and Brioche

Pineapple Rum Upside Down Cake by Buttercream Blondie

Chocolate Coconut Malibu Rum Cake by Urban Bakes

Toasted Coconut Rum Cake by Spiced Blog

Pina Colada Cake by Smitten Kitchen

Rum Buttercream by Dieter’s Downfall

Buttermilk Rum Cake with Olive Oil Gelato by Confessions of a Chocoholic

Homemade Butter and Buttermilk Rum Pound Cake by Yankee Kitchen Ninja

Other Sweets.

Photo Credit: Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

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Lemon Rum Madeleines by Just Putzing

Honeydew Raspberry Rum Chiller Popsicles by Real Food By Dad

Hot Buttered Rum Bread Pudding by The Wanderlust Kitchen

Rum Infused Mixed Berry Galette by Cooking with Cakes

Chocolate Fudge Rum Balls by Baked By An Introvert

Brown Butter Rum Raisin Banana Bread by American Heritage Cooking

Brown Butter Rum Cannoli by Baker’s Royale

Pecan Belgian Waffles with Caramelized Rum Banana Syrup by No Spoon Necessary

Easy Rum Soaked Grilled Pineapple by Gimme Some Oven

Savory.

Photo Credit: Rebecca @ Foodie With Family

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Maple Rum Sweet Potato Cornbread by Grandbaby Cakes

Roasted Pineapple Rum Chicken by A Beautiful Bite

Coconut Rum Grilled Shrimp by Homecooking Memories

Jerk Chicken Bites with Rum Glazed Pineapple by Foodie With Family

Let’s talk rum.  Did you know that Puerto Rico has been distilling rum for more than 450 years?!  That means that they have been making quality rum for longer than the U.S.A. has been the U.S.A.  I literally had no clue they were the Rum Capital  of the world.  That’s pretty legit!

And to celebrate their rum-tastic heritage, they have created a new web video series called Rum Times, in partnership with HISTORY.COM.  I just watched the first episode and it was pretty cool to see the country and its history in a brand new way (beyond those typical Ricky Martin commercials… know what I mean??).

You can watch the first episode above, where rum plays an important role in the celebration of the invention of light.  I mean, how else would Thomas Edison celebrate?  Whoop whoop, I just invented electric light.  It’s Rum Time!