Drinks: Mulled Cider Spritzers

I saw these on a segment of Studio 5 and new I needed to try them for a party. It was a hit. The smell is also an added bonus! :) For the segment and all the variations of the recipes, you can check it out here. I did alter my drinks (slightly) and wanted to make a few suggestions on some of the ingredient locations) so I shall give you my details.

{ingredients}
2 c. apple cider
2 c. Cran, Blue Blackberry juice (there were lots of options of cranberry juices at the store. I chose to go with the same one she used. But I would love to try the Cran-pomegranate... I think it will taste lovely)
2 Cinnamon Sticks, crushed (break it in half and smash it with the side of your knife... hard)
2 slices fresh orange peel slices, diced (small)
1 tsp. Whole Allspice
4-5 whole cloves
1/4 tsp. crystallized ginger pieces (I found some in the bulk section at the whole foods store. I got a couple of pieces for pennies and diced them up myself. It beats buying the expensive bottle.)
1/4 tsp. dried lemon peel (I bought a lemon, prepared to leave the peel out overnight, but found a bottle of it. I don't know if it makes much of a difference, but it was more difficult to track down.)
Ginger Ale (or Club Soda. I did use Ginger Ale)

{directions}
Place spices, ginger, and lemon peel into a muslin tea bag (you can purchase reusable muslin tea bags at a whole foods store).

In a medium saucepan, heat apple cider, berry juice, and tea bag to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Refrigerate until ready to use. (The juice comes in the perfect amount to double the recipe. It goes a rather long way though...)

To serve, place crushed ice into glasses. Add a splash of ginger ale. Pour cooled cider over the top. Lightly stir and garnish.

Makes 4 servings (though I would say, People like to sip cider so they can taste all the flavor, so I noticed that it makes more than that. Another tip is to use smaller glasses, it will last a little longer.)

Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

My Brother-in-law and his wife recently went on a trip to the east coast where they went to the famous Serendipity to experience their signature Frozen Hot Chocolate. They brought the recipe home with them and made it for us while we were up in Park City. We recently made it ourselves. It is relatively simple and oh so soothing and refreshing. :) So here it is! Sorry for no picture as of yet...

And I am adding my own commentary to the process...
{ingredients}
6 pieces (1/2-ounce) chocolate , a variety of your favorites {or half a bag of chocolate chips}
2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate mix
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk -divided
3 cups ice {pre-crushed}
Whipped cream {Technically optional... we didn't have any and didn't feel we needed it...}
Chocolate shavings {also optional}

{directions}
1.Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Place it in the top of a double boiler {or a metal bowl that fits your pan} over simmering water {careful to not let the water touch the bowl or the chocolate}. Stir occasionally until melted. Add the hot chocolate mix and sugar. Stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and slowly add ½ cup of milk until smooth. Cool to room temperature {the milk pretty much does that automatically...}.

2. In a blender, place the remaining cup of milk and ice. Pulse until the ice is broken into smaller chunks for a smooth finish, then add the room-temperature chocolate mixture. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Pour into a giant goblet and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. {or into some mugs and sip away your troubles... :) }

Brazilian Lemonade

4 limes (the best ones for this recipe have thin, smooth skins)

1 c. sugar

6 c. cold water

6 T. sweetened condensed milk

Mix cold water and sugar very well and chill until ready to use. Wash limes thoroughly. Cut the ends off the limes and then cut each lime into eight pieces. Place 1/2 of the limes in your blender. Add 1/2 of the sugar water. Place the lid on your blender and pulse 5 times. Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer over a pitcher. Use a spoon to press any remaining liquid out of the blended mixture. Repeat with remaining limes and sugar water. Add sweetened condensed milk to the blended mixture. Throw away the pulp in the strainer. (Taste test the mixture before serving. If it's bitter, add a little more sugar and/or condensed milk)

Holiday Hot Wassail

{i learned this recipe last year at a Macey's cooking class from a favorite teacher there. i am not one for hot wassail... but this recipe is absolutely wonderful! there is a mouthful of different flavors in every sip and its never boring! added bonus: *insert heavenly, cozy smell here* you really need to try it out, even if its just to smell the citrus-cinnamon-clove-ginger smells that emit from this delicious drink!}


{ingredients}
1 qt. orange juice
1 qt. apple juice {or apple cider}
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. lemon juice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon {i like to put in a couple of cinnamon sticks as well, adds a little texture to the display and a great scent in the house.}
1/8 tsp. ground cloves {you can also add a few whole cloves if that's what you like, just make sure you don't serve them up in the glasses.}
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 orange- cut into thin slices
4-5 thin slices fresh ginger root {secret ingredient}

{directions}
in a large pot, add all the ingredients and heat at a low simmer {not boil} for about 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
{or}
in a crock pot add all ingredients and cook on low heat until warm.

**Here's the recipe in cute form! :)

{any of the seasonings are optional if you so desire, but it is a very different experience without it. the ginger might dissuade people, but its simple and really makes a huge difference! this recipe can be reheated for about a week so leave it on the stove, or in the pot and heat it up when you'd like a little bit of liquid heaven...}