Christmas Cheer?!?

Well, for some strange reason, I am in the holiday spirit! I know, I know, it's not like me to be this merry so early, but I'm really looking forward to the holidays this year! Crazy, huh? It may be due to the fact that I have gotten a jump on some shopping and I actually know what I want to buy for people this year. It may also be due to the fact that some of us have agreed not to exchange gifts anymore, but take a day and do something fun together that the kids will enjoy and remember more than what present they received from so and so. `Tis the season to start some new traditions, make some great memories and be with family and friends. I've been thinking about the annual open house we usually have for my side of the family since we spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with S's side, and I think this year I may break from tradition and have a friend open house as well. Since I'm party planning, I found these great recipes to try out on some unsuspecting guests:

White Christmas

1.0 oz Godiva Liqueur
1.0 oz Peppermint Schnapps
0.25 tsp Vanilla Extract
2.0 oz Vodka

Mix with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with mint leaves.

Cranberry Snowdrift

• 1 ounce Ocean Spray White Cranberry Cocktail
• 1 ounce white crème de cacao
• 1/2 ounce white chocolate liqueur

Combine ingredients with ice in a cocktail mixer. Shake and strain into a martini glass rimmed with granulated sugar. To garnish, thread whole cranberries onto a cocktail pick; dip in water and roll in decorator's sugar to coat evenly. Perch the pick in the glass, and top the cocktail with shaved dark chocolate.

These recipes are a little different from the candy cane martini I usually serve, but after all, it is about starting new traditions, right? Although, I wish I had a set of 12 of these to use at the party:


It's always more fun in a decorative glass!! Merry Christmas!!