A Berry Holiday TreatWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
A tiny berry and so traditional! Its very color is perfectly suited to all Holiday mealtimes and home decor as well. A string of cranberries mingled with popcorn, dried frui, baubles, and sprigs of holly or evergreen add a nostalgic touch to your home. Dried cranberries are fragrant and emit an essence that reminds everyone who enters your home that true Holiday spirit is here and is being celebrated. ** A quick idea: put cranberries into water in a clear vase before adding your flowers and greenery-instantly you have a Holiday accent. ** There is very basic cranberry sauce: 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, l lb. (4 cups) fresh cranberries Combine sugar and water in pan; stir to dissolve sugar. Heat to boiling; boil 5 minds. Add cranberries; cook till skins pop, about 3 minds. Remove from heat. Serve sauce warm or chilled. Basic, beautiful and a decorative touch of Holiday Cheer to mealtimes! ** Add a historical accent to your holiday meals with a colonial drink called a shrub. Pilgrims were proud to serve this beverage and so should you -
| | Beverages to Toast the Holiday SeasonWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
Winter winds, crunchy snow, sledding, skiing, or whatever your cold weather activities are - nothing warms you and gives your body a lift like an aromatic hot beverage - sipped by an open fire, sitting in a cozy chair near fireplace, or by a window watching snow fall - *** Holiday Coffee: 2/3 cup cocoa, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. salt, 2 14-oz. cans sweetened condensed milk, 8 cups water, 3 cups strong coffee, cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg Combine cocoa, cinnamon and salt in a large pot. Add sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth. Place pan over medium heat; gradually stir in water and coffee. Heat thoroughly but do not boil or milk will curdle. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and sprinkle with nutmeg. Refrigerate leftovers if there are any. Add 1 cup brandy and 1/2 cup light rum along with water and coffee if desired. A touch of warmth - a bit of spice! *** Hot Buttered Rum: 1 cup butter, softened, 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened, 1-3/4 to 2 cups light rum, 7-1/2 cups boiling water, whipped cream, ground nutmeg, cinnamon sticks Combine butter, sugar, and cinnamon; beat until light and fluffy. Add ice cream, stirring until well blended. Spoon mixture into a freezer container; and freeze until firm. To serve, thaw mixture slightly. Combine butter mixture, rum, and boiling water; stir well. Top each serving with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve with cinnamon stick stirrers, if desired. An old-fashioned trip to flavor!
|
