Pomegranate, winters jewel! According to Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetite, “the best cocktails are the simplest — two or three ingredients mixed in the proper quantities, with passion.”
Isle of Pines ~ Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!
Christmas
Do You Go a Caroling?
One of the things I enjoy most about the Christmas season is the Carols. Old, new, it doesn’t matter. My husband and I begin the season decorating the tree and singing to all of our favorites. My mother and I knew all the words and my husband, like my father, make up their own words.
That made me wonder; maybe everyone doesn’t remember the old favorites. How many do you remember? Not to worry if you don’t, the answers are at the bottom!
Glühwein aka Mulled Wine – Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!
My husband has requested for many years that we have Glühwein at Christmas so this is the year he will get at least one of his Christmas wishes. This takes him back to the years he spent in Germany as a young teenager. He remembers the smells of pine boughs, candles glowing, and his Mom making this for the family to share.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme – Potatoes!
Just like the song, these potatoes are a medley of flavor notes and textures. Crispy, crunchy on the outside and creamy, smooth on the inside they are a perfect side dish for roasted beef or pork loin entrees for your holiday meal.
Santa’s “Special” Cocoa ~ Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!
“Santa Baby, hurry down the chimney tonight…..” I made this for my Santa to warm him with his favorite flavors. To make sure that you get just what you want from your Santa, ask him what he would like for Christmas in his special cocoa and get creative.
This hot cocoa is definitely a grown-up version, but you can make it kid-friendly too by omitting the liquor. For a special touch, I like to toast the marshmallow topping under the broiler or you can use a mini torch if you have one. Kids will think it is S’mores in a cup! The pinch of chili powder adds warmth and depth of flavor but not real heat. It’s the mystery ingredient that will make you cocoa extra special. The recipe can be doubled, tripled or more to please your whole family. The more the merrier!
Pomegranate Champagne Punch ~ Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!
Punch is like having a team of elves that keep the cocktails flowing. The holiday season is filled with parties, cookie swaps, and the holiday meal with family. Punch is a great way to serve a tasty drink and free you up to enjoy your guests. Add a decorative ice ring to the punch and you have a beautiful display at your holiday table. Cheers to a happy holiday gathering!
Partridge in a Peartini ~ Friday’s 5 o’clock Wet Your Whistle Call!
On the first day of Christmas my true love made with me, a Partridge in a Pear-tini. My husband and I like to experiment with new flavors for cocktails and came up with this festive holiday drink. All the seasonal flavors of winter like citrus, pears and almonds come through as you smell and then sip our pear martini. The chipotle sugar rim adds a hint of heat that “pears” nicely with the clean fruit flavors. The rosemary sprig represents the partridge tail and teases the senses with each sip. So much going on, just like the holidays, but with a calmer satisfaction! Happy Holidays!
Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies – Day 12
When I asked my husband what Christmas cookies reminded him of his childhood years in Germany, he immediately said the “little half moons with powdered sugar”. So I had to track down this recipe just for him.
Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies – Day 11
The rich, gooey filling resembles a truffle with a hint of raspberry flavor. You can substitute your favorite liqueur or flavored coffee syrup like hazelnut to change up the flavor of these little gems. They are rich, so make sure to share with friends!
Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies – Day 10
These little cuties have a minty flavor and an eye catching design. You can use cinnamon oil instead of peppermint or add cocoa powder to the plain dough to give this a twist all your own. Make sure to grab one fast for yourself because they don’t last on the platter for long!
