Day 2! Yummy Drink Recipes!

Today's offering is a few recipes that you can use to make some drink mixes, either to share as gifts with others, to serve at a gathering, or just to comfort yourself when you need a warm, yummy drink. And really, who doesn't occasionally need something warm and comforting, even during the dog days of summer. Did you know that drinking a warm drink on a hot day can actually make you feel cooler? Yep. It's true...something about making your body sweat more, which in turn cools you ...I don't know. I just know that I love me a warm yummy drink any time of the year!


My favorite centerpiece ever! And so very easy...just a
pedestal cake plate, a crystal bowl (given to me by a close
friend on my very first Mother's Day) and some gold and
red glass balls, all plunked down in a pair of weaths-a faux
evergreen and a red berry one. Easy, peasy!! But soo pretty!

So, here's a few drink recipes that you might enjoy!

Christmas Morning Cappuccino Mix

2/3 c. instant coffee granules
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. powdered non-dairy creamer
1 c. chocolate drink mix
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 t. cinnamon
3/8 t. nutmeg
2 12 oz jars and lids

Blend coffee granules until fine. Place in a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Stir until well mixed. Divide mixture between the 2 jars; secure lids and attach instructions. Makes 2 jars.

Instructions:
Mix 3 Tablespoons cappuccino mix with 3/4 cup hot water or milk. Makes one serving.

Note: I made this a few years ago for my Bunco friends as part of as small gift basket. It got rave reviews. I believe you could use any flavored non-dairy creamer you choose to change up the flavors some. This is nice paired with a mini loaf of quick bread or a small bag of muffins.

And here's another one!

Chocolate Coffee
1/2 c. instant coffee
1 1/2 c. powdered creamer
1/2 c. chocolate flavored powdered drink mix
1/4 c. sugar
dash of salt
1/2 t. nutmeg

Mix ingredients together in a blender. Add to cup of hot water according to taste.

And one more...

Mocha Nog
1 T. hot water
1 qt. dairy eggnog or 32 oz. can
1/2 c. chocolate flavored syrup
2 t. instant coffee
1/2 pt. whipping cream
ground nutmeg

In a large bowl, stir hot water and instant coffee together until dissolved. Stir in eggnog and chocolate syrup until well blended. Chill at least 2 hours. To blend flavors, just before serving whip the cream and fold into mixture. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Serves 6.

Now doesn't that make you feel better already?

I am planning on sharing ideas and recipes for an entire meal, one course at a time. Today's offering: Appetizers!

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

2 lbs. ground beef
3 eggs
1 1/2 oz. pkg. onion soup mix
1 c. bread crumbs
1 1/2 c. chili sauce
1 1/2 c. water
2 c. sauerkraut
2 c. cranberry sauce
1 c. brown sugar, packed

Mix together ground beef, eggs, soup mix and bread crumbs. Form mixture into one inch balls; arrange in an ungreased shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until cooked through; drain well. Combine remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl; pour over meatballs and continue to cook at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Makes 5 dozen.

And you gotta have a good dip! Here's two you might enjoy!

Hot Reuben Dip

14 oz. can saurkraut, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese
1 c. corned beef, chopped
1 c. mayonnaise

Pat saurkraut with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Spread in an ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with sliced rye or baguette bread. Serves 15-20.

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

2 15 oz. cans artichoke hearts
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. Parmesan cheese
2 t. garlic powder
8 oz. pkg, shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish: paprika

Drain artichoke hearts and squeeze between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop artichokes and blend with remaining ingredients. Spread mixture in a greased 9" round baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Sprinkle paprika over top. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips. Makes 10-12 servings

Note: All recipes are from Gooseberry Patch Merry Christmas and Old Fashioned Country Christmas cookbooks. Love those books!!