Holiday Party drinks.....

Warm drinks in the MN winter is not only comforting but a great way to heat up a party.....

(My morning coffee... yum!)

Hot Spiced Cider

8 cups of apple cider or apple juice

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

6 inches stick cinnamon

1 tea whole all spice

1 tea whole clove

1 tea shredded orange peal

8 thin orange wedges

*In large saucepan combine cider and sugar. For spice bag, place cinnamon, allspice, the 1 teaspoon cloves and the orange peel in center of 6 in square of 100% cheese cloth. Tie closed with clean string. Add spice bag to saucepan with cider mixture. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 mins.

Raspberry Tea

2 cups fresh or frozen red raspberries

4-5 tea bags

5 cups of boiling water

ice cubes

*Please raspberries and tea bags, in a glass bowl. Pour boiling water over raspberries and tea bags. Cover and let stand for 5 mins. Remove tea bags, discard. Strain berries from tea. Cool for several hours and chill.

Cranberry Tea

3 cups water

4 green tea bags

1 mint tea bag

2 cups cranberry juice, chilled

Fresh mint leaves or fresh cranberries

*In a med saucepan bring water to boiling. Remove from heat. Add green and mint tea bags. Cover and let stand for 10 mins. Remove tea bags and discard. Cover and chill for 2 hours. Transfer the tea into pitcher; stir in the cranberry juice.

Serve over ice cubes. If desired, garnish with fresh mint or cranberries.

Easy Party Punch:

1 12 oz can frozen citrus blend juice, thawed

1 12oz can frozen berry blend juice, thawed

2 2 liter ginger ale, chilled

*In large punch bowl combine juices. Add ginger ale and ice or ice ring. Garnish with orange slices or fresh berries.

(recipes from BH&G cookbook)

Keep on Cooking!!