Recipe: Cranberry Egg Nog Punch

Merry Christmas! If you're looking for a way to warm up this evening after the kids are in bed, try this holiday-flavored adult beverage for a special holiday treat! It's also a great way to use up leftover eggnog and cranberry sauce - which means fewer leftovers to put away after dinner. :-)

Now, go put the cubes in the freezer for tonight, and enjoy your day, and lots of yummy food!

Cranberry Egg Nog Punch
(Serves 10-18.)

Ingredients:

1 gallon egg nog
1 can (or 15 oz home-made) whole cranberry sauce
1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling apple cider
3/4 cup spiced rum

Directions:

1. Prepare the ice cubes ahead:  Pour 2 cups egg nog and whole can of cranberry sauce into blender and puree until creamy and smooth. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the punch just before serving:  In bowl you're using to serve, pour the remaining egg nog, pour in the sparkling apple cider, stir in the rum, dump in all the ice cubes you made, stir, and serve immediately, making sure you have an ice cube or two in each glass.
3. Makes about 18 small servings of punch.

Christmas Recipe: Eggnog Pancakes

Whether it's a festive "breakfast for dinner" Christmas Eve tradition, or a fun Christmas morning with the kids, these holiday-inspired pancakes are oh-so-special! Use up some of that leftover eggnog to make these delicious breakfast treats. The warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg will put you in a holiday mood all day! For added healthiness, use part whole-wheat flour, or even almond meal. 

'Tis The Season Eggnog Pancakes

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup white, one cup whole wheat)
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups good eggnog
2 large eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Put a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl; put all the dry ingredients in the sieve and shake to sift into the bowl (or use a flour sifter).
2. Add the eggnog and eggs to the dry ingredients and stir together until just combined - don't over mix, you should see some lumps just like any pancake batter.
3. Lightly oil your griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Drop batter by ladle or measuring cup out onto hot griddle, wait until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and brown the other side.
5. Serve warm with maple syrup or fresh fruit topping.