3 minute read
Taste of Paso: 'Tis the Season for Christmas Spirits
Barbie Butz
Spirits
In doing my research for the columns I write, I often come across some delightful, and sometimes funny little “add-ons” to recipes written by the authors of the cookbooks. In this instance I was scanning through a book simply titled “Christmas.” It includes ideas and musings for decorations, feasts, gifts, and traditions.
In the feasting section, it was suggested that a delicious Christmas drink is mulled cider with Calvados, a dry apple brandy made in France and considered one of the best. Instructions were as follows: “In a stainless steel pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar to taste, a little allspice, and freshly ground nutmeg, 4 or 5 whole cloves, a couple of cinnamon sticks, and a peeled and sliced apple. Simmer this mixture for 15 minutes and add some of the apple brandy to taste. When it’s hot, pour it through a sieve into mugs and enjoy!”
Another offering suggested, “A good Christmas whiskey punch is easy to make. Mix 1⁄4 cup of brown sugar and 2 cups of whiskey. Heat just enough to dissolve the sugar, and pour into mugs. Put a slice of lemon and 3 or 4 whole cloves in each mug and add hot water to taste.
Another book of holiday recipes offered this next recipe for holiday celebrations. Remember, the rule is “everything in moderation.”
Noel Spritzers
Ingredients
• 2 cups chilled dry white wine, nonalcoholic wine or apple juice • 1 cup chilled cran apple juice cocktail • 1 cup chilled sparkling water • Thin apple slices for garnish • Fresh mint for garnish
Directions
Mix wine, juice drink and sparkling water. Serve over ice in a wine glass, a champagne flute, or other small festive glass.
Garnish with apple slices and mint. Makes 6 servings (3⁄4 cup each)
Note
Try your favorite juice flavors, or investigate a more unusual blend such as guava-pineapple in this refreshing mixture of wine and sparkling water. This recipe can be doubled or tripled. Wine is always a year-round favorite. Enjoy it served straight from the bottle, or embellish it with fun results. Try a “wine cooler my mixing equal parts of white wine and fruit juice as suggested in the recipe above, or add a shot of fruit-flavored liqueur. Add honey and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves to red wine, then heat slowly for a mulled wine.
The next two recipes are from an Assistance League of Santa Barbara cookbook titled Victuals and was published in the 60s.
Merry Christmas and happy 2023, Cheers!
Simple Wassail
Wassail is always a popular holiday beverage and can be made a couple of days ahead of a planned gathering
Ingredients
• 2 quarts apple juice or cider • 2 cups pineapple juice • 2 cups orange juice, frozen and diluted • 1 cup lemon juice • 1 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon whole cloves • 1 stick cinnamon
Directions
Mix ingredients and simmer 10 minutes. Pour into punch bowl and serve. Rum or bourbon can be added just before serving. The amount depends on your taste. This is simple, but festive and smells like the holidays! And, how about serving a mango pumpkin smoothie to your holiday brunch guests! Try this recipe and see how easy that would be.
Mango Pumpkin Smoothie
Ingredients
• 4 ice cubes • 1 cup mango juice or other 100 percent fruit juice • 1 cup vanilla yogurt • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened) • 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks or 1 cup frozen mango pieces • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Place all ingredients in blender and purée until smooth. Taste and adjust flavorings if needed. Serve icy cold.
Mulled Apricot Nectar
Ingredients
• 1 (46 ounce) can apricot nectar • 1/2 cup orange juice • 1/2 lemon, sliced • 2 tablespoons honey • 10 whole cloves • 6 whole allspice • 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
Directions
Combine ingredients in large sauce pot; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes. Reheat, strain, and serve hot. Makes 11⁄2 quarts. I wish you and your family a joyous December. Please party smartly and be safe so that you can enjoy all the season offers.
