Thursday, July 2, 2009

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!!












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About Me

I love to cook, decorate, entertain and plan the holidays. I'm wife to one handsome man and mom to three handsome boys, I love God, my family and my country. I'm the one at the small town parade waving the American flag!! Almost all the holidays are celebrated at our house, and we like it that way!!