Spirits, Sweets & Other Treats for Holiday Parties

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Champagne glass with a Christmas tree in the backg - Michael Keen

Christmas is the season for parties galore - at the office, at home, with friends and family.

Are you tired of showing up with the same dish every year or serving the same drinks year after year? Chex Mix drizzled with caramel, and eggnog spiked with rum are favorites at every holiday get-together for sure, but why not do something different this party season?

Try one of these simple and quick recipes and you'll be sure to make a great impression on your guests or fellow holiday revelers!

Candy Cane Cocktail

• Mix equal parts vanilla rum, peppermint schnapps and white chocolate liqueur in a pitcher of ice.
• Strain out ice.
• Serve in a champagne flute garnished with a candy cane.

Gingerbread Man Cocktail

• In a pitcher or shaker of ice, mix equal parts vanilla vodka, Frangelico or hazelnut liqueur with ½ part butterscotch schnapps.
• Stir and strain out ice.
• Fill half the glass. Add a bit of dark rum and a splash of ginger beer.
• Garnish the glass with a small gingerbread man.

Candy Cane Fudge

Ingredients:

• 1 package vanilla milk chips
• 1 can creamy or whipped vanilla Icing
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 4 drops red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons of peppermint candy canes (chopped or crushed)

Directions:

1. Melt vanilla chips in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Add the icing to the pan and continue stirring until icing is melted.
3. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract, stirring until dissolved.
4. Pour mixture into a 9x9 pan.
5. Add one drop of food coloring to each corner.
6. Using a butter knife, swirl the food coloring into the fudge.
7. Top with peppermint candy.
8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until the fudge has hardened.
9. Cut into small pieces.

This fudge has a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pan. I suggest lining the pan with foil before adding the mixture and cooling. You will be able to lift the fudge out by the foil, cut it and put it in a separate dish.

Meaty Velveeta Salsa Dip

Ingredients:

• 48 oz. (1 1/2 boxes) Velveeta, cubed
• 16 oz. (1 jar) chunky salsa
• 1/2 lb. hamburger
• 1/2 sausage
• 1/2 lb. hot sausage

Directions:

1. Melt the Velveeta in the microwave, stirring every minute to prevent burning or scorching.
2. Brown and drain the hamburger and sausage. Crumble the sausage.
3. Combine Velveeta, salsa and meat in crock pot on low.

Serve dip warm with tortilla chips.

Megan Abrams - I have lived with the effects of a childhood stroke for more than half my life and offer a uniquely personal perspective on disability.

• Holiday
• Entertaining
• Outdoor/Backyard
• Large Scale
• Cocktail Parties
• More