Fun and Fantastic Holiday Drinks

We all want new flavors for drinks that can make a difference on our holidays. If you are still so engrossed with the ones you've been used to, perhaps a little change this year will make some difference.

Christmas Snow

- 1 oz. light Puerto Rican rum

- 1/2 oz. Galliano
- 1/4 oz. Rose’s unsweetened lime juice
- 1 oz. heavy cream

Mix all ingredients in a shaker and shake well with ice cubes. Serve in claret or large cocktail glass. Sprinkle chopped pistachio nuts on top, or whatever you like.

Enjoy that snowy Christmas creamy drink!

Irish Cheer

- 2 oz. Irish Whiskey

- 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth

Stir well with ice and serve in a cocktail glass. Garnish with lightly cooked cranberries.

Savor that holiday cheers!

Scotch Star

- 1 oz. Scotch
- 1/2 oz. sloe gin
- Dash Angostura Bitters
- Juice of 1/2 lemon

Shake well with cracked ice. Serve in cocktail glass.

Chocolate Mice to Make Kids Jump

After your homemade candies, why not bring out your nuts, raisins, colorful M& M's, and licorice tails and create sweet little mice. Old and young will enjoy these super sweet little mice as they are as much fun to make as they are to eat. I bet something perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
48 dried apricots
Wooden skewers
48 M&M's Minis (or raisins)
Black shoestring licorice
24 dry-roasted peanut halves

Directions:

Put the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and microwave for another minute, them continue stirring until smooth. To make the mice, press together 2 dried apricots. Make a small point to make the mouse' nose, and thread them onto a skewer. Dip them into the melted chocolate and place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet.

Use a second skewer to push the mouse off the first skewer; use your fingertip to cover the hole left behind with chocolate. Add M&M's Minis eyes, a shoestring licorice tail, and peanut ears Refrigerate until hardened. Makes 24 chocolate mice!

From the Family Fun Magazine.

Zesty Vegetable Medley for Your Holiday

If you have a romertopf clay baker, then you can go a zestier holiday with your favorite greens. Surprise everyone with your new easy to prepare, crunchylicious and fat-free vegetable medley.

Ingredients:

- zucchini squash slices
- tomatoes, sliced
- onions, sliced
- salt
- seasoned pepper
- parmesan cheese

Procedure:

Like the same way before using a clay baker, put both pot and cover in water in a clean sink for 15 minutes. After draining, arrange the vegetables and seasonings in the pot. Cover and place in a cold oven. Bake at 450° F for about 30 minutes. If your vegetables are thickly-sliced, you need more baking time.

Arrange your cooked vegetable medley in one of your most beautiful serving platters or bowl and enjoy zestier bites of holiday veggies.

Here's a link from YouTube on how to arrange a beautiful vegetable platter.