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White Russian Hot Chocolate

Dec21

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

White Russian Hot Chocolate

White Russian Hot Chocolate

When the landscape glistens with new-fallen snow, it’s time to gather with family and friends and have a cup of cheer.

The perfect potion on a cold winter’s day, this seasonal sipper will warm everyone’s spirits. Of course you can leave out the alcohol and just enjoy the creamy hot chocolate instead, if desired.

Whichever way you prefer, here’s wishing you a holly, jolly Christmas—this year. Cheers!

For more tasty tidbits, cozy concoctions, and easy diy ideas, pick up a copy of my latest book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

WHITE RUSSIAN HOT CHOCOLATE

2 cups half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
1 1/4 cups milk
1 (4-serving size) package cook-and-serve chocolate pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
1/4 cup vodka
Fresh, lightly whipped cream
Chocolate shavings (optional)

In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together half-and-half, milk, and pudding mix. Microwave on HIGH until hot and slightly thickened, 7 to 9 minutes; whisk in coffee liqueur and vodka until well blended. Ladle into mugs; top with lightly whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Homemade Bottles of Creme de Menthe

Dec15
Homemade Bottles of Creme de Menthe

Homemade Bottles of Creme de Menthe

Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe make ideal holiday gifts from your kitchen. Perfect for when friends come to call, you can share some of this seasonal sipper with them and then send them home with a bottle too.

You can pick up small glass bottles that are just right for storing this yummy drink at places like Target. Simply attach a tag noting that refrigeration is required.

And if you like making holiday goodies to share with those near and dear then pick up a copy of my latest book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

In it you’ll find easy to make recipes and project ideas to take you through all the seasons of the year. Here are some easy yet elegant holiday ideas featured in the book:

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Christmas Ornament (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Christmas Ornament (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Winter Centerpiece (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Winter Centerpiece (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Here’s to a happy holiday season. Cheers!

Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups fresh mint leaves, torn, divided
Cheesecloth
1 1/4 cups vodka
3 to 4 drops green food color (optional)
Glass bottles such as small milk bottles

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and 1 cup mint leaves. Heat over medium heat until sugar has dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in the remaining 1 cup mint leaves. Let stand four hours, stirring occasionally.

Place a strainer over a pitcher; cover strainer with cheesecloth. Pour mixture into cheesecloth; use a wooden spoon to press on mint. Squeeze cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible Remove strainer and cheesecloth. Add vodka and food color, if desired. Stir to combine. Pour into bottles. Cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Makes 16 servings

Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Nov22
Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Warm up a chilly afternoon by indulging in a decadent drink overflowing with flavor. A seasonal potion perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe mingles cranberry juice cocktail with seasonal spices for the ultimate in aromatic cozy goodness.

Add a splash of rum to each serving, if desired.

5 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup orange juice
1 cup water
3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
2 (3- to 3 1/2-inches each) cinnamon stick, plus more for serving (optional)
8 whole allspice berries
8 whole cloves
1 star anise, plus more for garnish (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, water, brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes; remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour cranberry juice mixture through a strainer; discard cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. Serve with cinnamon sticks and float star anise, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

May8
Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

DIY recipes like this one that make good use of sliced fresh strawberries, a touch of strawberry jam, and a splash of prosecco help make every occasion extra special.

Ideal for spring and summer celebrations, these refreshing strawberry cocktails are brimming with effervescent goodness. Whether it’s to honor Mom on Mother’s Day, to sip during the warm months, or whenever you need impressive holiday recipes, these vibrant cocktails are sure please.

So raise your glass and toast to crowd-pleasing cocktails overflowing with a fresh taste of the season. Cheers!

STRAWBERRY JAMMER COCKTAILS

2 cups sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Prosecco, chilled
Fresh strawberry slices (optional)
In a blender or food processor, combine sliced strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice; process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard seeds. Divide puree into six champagne glasses; slowly add prosecco. Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Cosmo Mojito

Aug5

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cosmo Mojito

Cosmo Mojito

Cosmo Mojito

By combining the ingredients of a minty mojito along with the key ingredients of a colorful cosmopolitan, it’s easy to stir up a fresh-tasting beverage brimming with flavor.

A timely indulgence, this icy drink is a fabulous choice when it comes to beating the heat of summer. One thing is certain: enjoying this seasonal sipper at any hot-weather gathering is sure to make a splash.

Cheers!

COSMO MOJITO

4 fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons light rum
1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur, such as Triple Sec
Crushed ice
1/4 cup cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
Lemon-lime soda or club soda
Lime slices (optional)
Mint sprigs (optional)
Place mint, sugar, and lime juice in a tall glass. With a muddler or back of spoon, crush mint until sugar has dissolved. Stir in rum and orange-flavored liqueur. Fill glass with crushed ice; pour cranberry juice cocktail into glass; top with soda. Stir drink well. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs, if desired. Makes 1 serving.

 

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Jan23
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

A cup of hot chocolate is a delightful indulgence on its own, but the addition of cinnamon makes it extra tasty.

Similar to Mexican-style hot chocolate, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a flavorful beverage with a spicy twist. And it makes good use of pantry staples so there’s no need for specialty shopping or exotic ingredients.

Top with light, freshly whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Whether it’s to enjoy on a snow day or anytime, this soothing sipper will warm you up from the inside out.

CINNAMON HOT CHOCOLATE

3 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine chocolate, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup milk. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk and sugar. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. (Do not boil). Whisk in melted chocolate mixture until well blended. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs; top with whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Come say hello!

February 7, 2015 at 12:30 to 4:30 ~ Meet and Greet ~ Representing the Observer Dispatch’s Entree Magazine ~ Turning Stone Resort and Casino Home Show, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona, NY 13478

Autographed copies of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook: 125 Most Requested Recipes! will be available for purchase

Cranberry Martini

Dec26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Martini

Cranberry Martini

Cranberry Martini

Add an elegant touch to New Year’s Eve celebrations by whipping up a colorful cocktail that will toast the evening in style.

By combining a few ingredients, a refreshing drink can be ready to serve in no time. You also can add a dash of vermouth, if desired. And it’s just as easy to double or triple the recipe. Make it even more festive by adding a skewer of fresh cranberries to the drink.

Sophisticated, romantic, and always in good taste, a martini is a delightful choice when it comes to ringing in the New Year. Here’s wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year. Cheers!

CRANBERRY MARTINI

Crushed ice
5 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
3 tablespoons vodka
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Fill a martini shaker 3/4 full with ice. Add cranberry juice cocktail, vodka, and orange juice. Cover and shake. Strain into a martini glass. Makes 1 serving.

Brandy Eggnog

Nov28

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Brandy Eggnog

Brandy Eggnog

Get into the holiday spirit by indulging in a glass of eggnog spiked with the velvety goodness of brandy. Ideal when friends come to call, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for preparing at the last minute.

For the ultimate in flavor, be sure to whip the cream just until soft peaks form. And use fresh nutmeg, if possible, to grate over the top of the lightly whipped cream.

Whether it’s an impromptu visit from family and friends or a planned celebration, toasting the Yuletide with this time-honored indulgence will help make the season bright. Here’s to a happy holiday season. Cheers!

BRANDY EGGNOG

1 quart regular or light eggnog
1/2 cup brandy
Fresh, lightly whipped cream
Freshly grated nutmeg
In a medium pitcher, combine eggnog and brandy; stir well. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Stir well before serving; top each serving with lightly whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg. Makes 6 servings.

Hot Cocoa

Jan9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

Plummeting temperatures and a nip in the air are constant reminders that winter is in full swing.

While many folks long for the hazy days of summer, why not make the most of what winter has to offer. Whether it’s sledding, skiing, or any frosty activity, now is the time to go outside and enjoy the season.

And when you come in from outdoors, treat yourself to a decadent drink that will warm you up from the inside out. Smooth and soothing, a steaming mug of old-fashioned hot cocoa is something to look forward to after spending time in the great outdoors.

So when chilly winds blow, curl up with a blanket and savor this seasonal sipper. After all, warmer months are sure to come.

HOT COCOA

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
Miniature marshmallows or whipped cream
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add water; bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Add milk and half-and-half. Cook until mixture is thoroughly heated, stirring frequently (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into mugs; top with miniature marshmallows or whipped cream. Makes 6 servings.

Blue Citrus Cocktails

Aug27

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Blue Citrus Cocktails

Blue Citrus Cocktails

Blue Citrus Cocktails

Savor the essence of a tropical island by sipping on a vibrant drink brimming with refreshing citrus flavor.

Quick to prepare and perfect for Labor Day celebrations or any occasion, this swanky drink looks even more dazzling in this Infinity Pitcher from Anchor Hocking.

When it comes to squeezing out every drop of the fleeting days of summer, this colorful drink makes it easy.

Cheers!

BLUE CITRUS COCKTAILS

4 cups lemonade, chilled
2 cups blue curacao
3/4 cup vodka
3/4 cup cold water
Juice of 1 medium lemon
Ice cubes
Tropical flowers (optional)
In a large pitcher, combine lemonade, blue curacao, vodka, water, and lemon juice; stir well. Place ice cubes in glasses; pour lemonade mixture over ice cubes. Garnish with tropical flowers, if desired. Makes 10 servings

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing drinkware