Seasonal Sips
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Image: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
Get into the holiday spirit (that’s the only pun I’ll make, I promise)!
The holiday season isn’t just about buying expensive gifts or having the most lavish display of Christmas lights; it’s also about love, family and giving back to your fellow man in the spirit of peace and goodwill everywhere.
And drinking, of course.
This merriest of seasons gives a great excuse for creating fun and indulgent grown-up treats that will put the Ho Ho Ho! back in your Holidays.
Mulled Red Wine
I love a warm, spiced wine to warm up the hands as well as the stomach. Plus, the spicy, sweet smell will make your house feel festive and welcoming!
Ingredients:
2 teaspoon(s) black peppercorns, lightly crushed
1 teaspoon(s) fennel seeds, lightly crushed
1 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
2 bottle(s) (750-milliliter) Zinfandel or Merlot, or equivalent fruity red wine
3 bay leaves
Zest strips from 1 orange
1 1/2 cup(s) muscovado sugar, or other dark brown sugar
Directions:
Put the peppercorns, fennel seeds, and cinnamon in a large tea ball or wrap them in cheesecloth and secure them with kitchen string. In a large saucepan, combine the aromatics with the wine, bay leaves, and orange zest. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the aromatics and orange zest strips. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Serve warm, in glasses or mugs.
“Healthy” Eggnog
Who doesn’t love a nice, tall glass of frothy eggnog? Nothing says Christmas time quite like it. Check out this revised, healthier version. For my fellow lactose-intolerant foodies, try substituting soy milk or lactose-free milk for regular- it tastes better than it sounds!
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
3 large egg whites
5 1/2 cup(s) low-fat milk
1/2 cup(s) sugar
2 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
Salt
2 tablespoon(s) vanilla
1/2 teaspoon(s) (plus additional for sprinkling) ground nutmeg
1/3 cup(s) dark Jamaican rum (optional)
Directions:
1. In bowl, with whisk, beat eggs and egg whites until blended; set aside. In heavy 4-quart saucepan, with heat-safe spatula, mix 4 cups milk with sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook on medium-high until mixture boils and thickens slightly, stirring constantly
2. Boil 1 minute. Remove saucepan from heat.2. Gradually whisk 1/2 cup simmering milk mixture into eggs; pour egg mixture back into milk in saucepan, whisking constantly, to make custard.
3. Pour custard into large bowl; stir in vanilla, nutmeg, rum, if using, and remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 6 hours or up to 2 days. Sprinkle eggnog with nutmeg to serve. Makes about 6 1/2 cups.
Sparkling Grape Punch
Need a festive, refreshing cocktail to serve at your holiday party? This is always a huge hit- and if you’re anything like me, be sure to make extra frozen grapes for yourself to snack on!
Ingredients:
4 cup(s) seedless red grapes
1-2 cups of frozen grapes for garnish
2 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
2 tablespoon(s) honey
2 cup(s) seltzer
6 ounce(s) (3/4 cup) vodka
Directions:
Puree grapes in a blender. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl or large measuring cup. Press on the solids to extract all the juice. Add lemon and honey to the juice; stir until the honey is dissolved. Add seltzer and vodka. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with whole, frozen grapes.
For more drink ideas like these, check out Delish.com. Eat, drink and be merry this season!
– Jennie Whistler
Tags: Alcohol, christmas, drink, eggnog, festive, food, Gut Check, holiday, Jennie, mulled wine, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, nova mag, party, spirits