Recipe: Golden Rum Molasses Apple Compote

This perfect fall dessert recipe makes a warm, light, end to an autumn evening meal, filled with the fragrances of fall. Apples and spices pair with rum and butter to to bring all the flavors of the season to your plate. Try this one with fresh apples from the farmer's market, or pick them yourself!

Golden Rum Molasses Apple Compote

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp light rum
3 apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp molasses
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
dash of grated fresh nutmeg
pinch of kosher salt

Directions:

• Put the ingredients in a large saucepan; stir to combine.
• Place saucepan on low heat, set the pan cover on, tipping slightly to allow some steam to escape.
• Simmer very slowly for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring a few times while cooking.
• Serve over rich vanilla ice cream in small dessert bowls or in the bowl with a dollop of whipped cream.

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.