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Egg Nog – How We Love Thee

Oh, eggnog…how we love thee! It is that time of year again. I bought our first carton of the year this week! Of course we drink this rich, sweet treat…but, try making drinks or baking with it too!

Eggnog Facts:

  • Eggnog is made from: milk, cream, sugar, eggs (beaten), cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Eggnog is thought to have come to us from England.
  • Eggnog is typically served in the United States and Canada

Eggnog Options:

Ways to Use Eggnog

Mix-in Eggnog:

  • In an 8-ounce glass, pour in 3 ounces of eggnog and 4 ounces of Sprite or Ginger Ale. They balance each other out wonderfully!
  • How about using it as creamer in your coffee?
  • Eggnog smoothie? Try mixing 1 banana, ½ cup eggnog, ½ cup milk and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and mix in a blender.

Bake With Eggnog:

  • Try using eggnog in the place of milk in some of your favorite Holiday recipes. Try it in cookies, cakes, pies, and puddings.
  • Make Eggnog Crisps

Recipe for Eggnog Crisps

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 ½ cup cake flour
  • ½ cup ground pecan
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (I like Badia)
  • ¾ cups M&Ms, minis (If you do not have M&M minis, you can use regular-sized M&Ms in this recipe or chop up regular sized M&Ms)

Instuctions

  1. Preheat oven to 350*.
  2. Line 2 cookie sheets with no-stick foil.
  3. Cream butter and sugar.
  4. Add egg and vanilla.
  5. Combine flour, ground pecans and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
  6. Add to creamed mixture.
  7. Add M&Ms.
  8. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto prepared sheets.
  9. Press down gently.
  10. Bake for 9-11 minutes,until edges are lightly golden.
  11. Should make about 3 dozen cookies


Morning Joe Opt

Morning Joe- A Poem and Recipe

Morning Joe- A Poem and Recipe

By Author Jill Sharon Kimmelman

When it comes to our morning cup of joe
it seems that everyone has an opinion and no two ever agree 
even a few self-proclaimed purists have been known to
eagerly request second mugs of my celebrated…
cobbled-together…bordering-on-celestial…coffee creations

Perhaps it is the absence of foam…in its place
a glorious impossible-to-resist-infused-whipped cream: 
a tower of infinite taste possibilities 
or 
possibly it is the scent of freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon
that promises and delivers an accomplishment…both sweet and mellow

The kind of mellow that happens only 
when white sugar is replaced by fine Madagascar vanilla 
drizzled slowly over warm brown sugar
it could be that such unexpected subtlety is the key to
achieving and delivering those first to last decadent swallows

For every empty out-stretched cup
I am your friend with a smile…who fills them all up

It is always on the menu…never ever pushed aside to promote
a-rising-star-heavily-touted-decaf-instead-flavor-of-the-month
my coffee creations come in comfortable mugs with little fanfare and 
come-on-in-and-rest-a-while-welcome-smile!

Notes For Jill's Coffee

  1. When you put your coffee in the filter, add a pinch of cocoa powder (Dutch-process if you have it, if not, regular is fine) and a sprinkling of some Saigon cinnamon
  2. While your coffee is brewing, pour the half and half into your mug ( if you want it to be more like a latte, pour about 1/2 mug, if you prefer darker, use whatever amount you wish )
  3. To your half n half, add a capful of Madagascar bourbon vanilla, a heaping tablespoon (to taste) of light brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, a dash of cocoa powder. If you like nutmeg, use just a tiny bit because it goes a long way and too much can overpower the taste of your delicious coffee
  4. If you choose, take a piece of good dark chocolate (keep it in the freezer) and grate as much as you wish.
  5. Heat your half n half mixture in a mug in the microwave (stir well so the brown sugar doesn’t get stuck at the bottom of your mug) until steaming. Note: I usually like to heat it for 80 seconds 
  6. Add coffee to your steamed half n half
  7. Add fresh whipped cream, if you wish (I do not), and sprinkle the reserved grated chocolate on top. You can always add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you wish

Note: when I purchase my fresh roasted beans, I read the “tasting notes” on the bag. Based on the flavors that complement the beans, I adjust what I add or use less of.

Example: The coffee I have in my refrigerator right now has tasting notes that include, vanilla, mango, and coconut. When I saw that, I decided to use about 3/4 tsp of coconut extract to enhance the tropical taste of the blend.

Have fun…play w/things like almond extract,  if you like that, ( use it sparingly because a little goes a long way ), raspberry liquor is another excellent complement that I use frequently, especially, if the infused whipped cream has some creme de cassis, white chocolate, peach nectar or fresh berries.

Bon Appetit’

@Jill Sharon Kimmelman
Autumn 2020

Tart Cranberry Smoothie

Cranberry Smoothie

Cranberry Smoothie

Wait, don't throw away that cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving Dinner table! Especially if you made our Easy 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe These little berries are too good and too healthy for you to throw away. Instead, freeze that cranberry sauce in a baggie and make a smoothie from it later. This drink is for the cranberry lover who does not want an overly sweet smoothie,

Ingredients
  

  • Cup Leftover Frozen Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
  • ¼ Cup of Frozen Pineapple
  • ¼ Cup of Orange Juice
  • of a Ripe Banana
  • 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in the blender and mix until smooth

Notes

It is refreshing and tart, but not too bitter. If you are looking for a more kid-friendly version we have a recipe for a Sweet Cranberry Smoothie also made from leftover cranberry sauce.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Wait, don’t throw away that cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving Dinner table! Especially if you made our Easy 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe These little berries are too good and too healthy for you to throw away. Instead, freeze that cranberry sauce in a baggie and make a smoothie from it later. This drink is for the cranberry lover who does not want an overly sweet smoothie, It is refreshing and tart, but not too bitter. If you are looking for a more kid-friendly version we have a recipe for a Sweet Cranberry Smoothie also made from leftover cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Leftover Frozen Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
  • ¼ Cup of Frozen Pineapple
  • ¼ Cup of Orange Juice
  • ⅓ of a Ripe Banana
  • 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Yogurt

Instructions

  1. Place all the ingredients in the blender and mix until smooth
Cranberry Smothie

Sweet Cranberry Sauce Smoothie

Sweet Cranberry Smoothie

Don't ditch that leftover cranberry sauce on the trash, especially if you made it from scratch. Our homemade cranberry sauce was such a big hit this year that we hated to throw it out! Instead, I froze it until I could think of something to do with it. One Sunday morning I was rifling through my freezer to find ingredients for smoothies and there sat that frozen bag of cranberry sauce just begging to be tested in the blender. We tried a couple of concoctions, one was sweet and kid-friendly, which is this recipe and we also made one that is a bit more grown-up tasting because it is more tart. Both are delicious and made from the leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.

Ingredients
  

  • ½ Cup Leftover Cranberry Sauce Frozen
  • Ripe Banana Frozen
  • 1 Peeled and Sliced Apple
  • 2 Seedless Tangerines or Cuties
  • ¼ Cup Orange Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Teaspoon Honey

Instructions
 

  • Blend all the ingredients if its, is too thick add a smidge of water
  • Adjust the honey and vanilla to taste
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Don’t ditch that leftover cranberry sauce on the trash, especially if you made it from scratch. Our homemade cranberry sauce was such a big hit this year that we hated to throw it out! Instead, I froze it until I could think of something to do with it. One Sunday morning I was rifling through my freezer to find ingredients for smoothies and there sat that frozen bag of cranberry sauce just begging to be tested in the blender. We tried a couple of concoctions, one was sweet and kid-friendly, which is this recipe and we also made one that is a bit more grown-up tasting because it is more tart. Both are delicious and made from the leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

  • ½  Cup of Leftover Cranberry Sauce Frozen
  • ⅓ of a Ripe Banana Frozen
  • 1 Peeled and Sliced Apple
  • 2 Seedless Tangerines or Cuties
  • ¼ Cup of Orange Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Teaspoon of Honey

Instructions

  1. Blend all the ingredients if its, is too thick add a smidge of water
  2. Adjust the honey and vanilla to taste

new Bacon infused burbon jello shots opt

Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Jello Shots

Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Jello Shots

You had me at bacon, however, add in fall apple cider and bourbon and I want to scream, Yes, Please!
I made these for our adult Halloween Trick or Treat event in our neighborhood and it went over really well. Rumor had it that my jello shots were the hit of the hood. Try it for your next Autumn event this is perfect for Friendsgiving!

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 Ounces of Good Bourbon I used Makers Mark
  • 1 Package of Unflavored Gelatin
  • 1 Cup Apple Cider
  • 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Cold Water
  • 1/2 Cup Boiling Water
  • 4 Slices Bacon for infusing the Bourbon
  • 3/4 Pound Bacon Thick-Sliced Quality bacon for candying see our recipe for Candied Bacon, this will be used for the tasty garnish on the top of the jello shot.

Instructions
 

  • Start at least 1 day ahead of time by infusing the bourbon. To accomplish this crisp up the 4 slices of bacon and drop into a Mason Jar with the Bourbon.
  • Let it sit on the counter for 2 hours and then drop into the refrigerator until the next day.
  • Remove the jar from the refrigerator and scoop off the bacon fat that has congealed on the top. You now have a bacon-infused Bourbon. (Note that some of the Bourbon may have been absorbed by the bacon, not to worry we took that into account.)
  • Bring a half cup of water to a boil
  • Working quickly, mix the cold water and packet of gelatin together in a bowl
  • Add the boiled water then the brown sugar and lastly the cider, and Bourbon and stir together. (If you want to control the strength of the cocktail for those not quite yet Bourbon fans, you can always pour the bourbon mixture separate and make them a bit lighter.
  • Pour into the Jello Shot cups.
  • Next up is to make the Candied Bacon using our recipe. Cut the bacon into smaller bite-sized pieces before cooking it as this will sit in or on the shot glass. ( I cut my raw bacon in thirds )
  • It is at this stage that you can top the Jello Shot mixture with a piece of bacon. However. for the best flavor, cook the candied bacon 30 minutes before serving and top the cold jello shot with the warm candied bacon. I was unable to do this for the Trick or Treat event, but if I was having an indoor event I would definitely serve them with the bacon warm.
  • Place the filled shot cups in the refrigerator (I like to use shot glasses that have covers so that I can easily stack them in the refrigerator to set the mixture up. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

These will make 12-18 jello shots depending on the size of your cups and how much you fill them
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
4th of July Water

4th Of July Berry Ice Cubes and Water

  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Water

This is a simple way to add to your 4th of July festivities. Kids can make this with the cooled water and it costs very little to make considering you will be likely buying berries anyway,  which are in season this time of year. If you do not have access to fresh berries, you can substitute frozen. 

  1. Boil the water for the ice and let it cool. 
  2. Wash the berries and place 1-2 in each slot in the ice cube tray
  3. Pour the cooled water on top and fill
  4. As the ice melts the berries sink to the bottom of the jar or glass. 

 

Enjoy!

Refreshing Pineapple Water

  • 1 Half of a Fresh Pineapple (skin and spines removed)
  • 2 Quarts of Cold Fresh Water
  1. Add the pineapple to your pitcher in slices large enough so that they will not fall into the glasses when pouring. 
  2. Add the water and let it sit for 24 hours 
  3. You may keep adding water as you need to fill the pitcher throughout the week. 
  4. Discard the water and fruit as it begins to breakdown, usually after 5-6 days. 

 

Iced Tea

  • 2 Family Sized Tea Bags
  • 2 English Breakfast Tea Bags
  • Water
  • Sugar to Taste
  1. Boil a medium pot filled with water.
  2. Tape any tea bags that have a string to the side of a mason jar. (Place any without strings in the jar).
  3. Place the jar in a clean sink and carefully pour the boiling water in the jar.
  4. Only use mason jars that can handle high temps. Do not use cold jars as extreme temperature swings hot to cold or cold to hot can cause the glass to shatter. 
  5. Fill a bowl with cold water and once the mason jar can be handled move it over carefully to the cold water bowl.
  6. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes. 
  7. Fill another bowl with ice and water and move the jar carefully to the ice bowl. 
  8. You can add sugar for sweet tea or leave it unsweetened.
  9. Once the tea is cool, you can move it to the refrigerator. 

Mango Pineapple Smoothie

For a Single Large Smoothie 

  • 1 Cup of Mango Chunks (frozen)
  • 1 Cup of Pineapple Chunks (frozen)
  • 1/2 of a Banana (frozen)
  • 1 and 1/4 Cups of Coconut Water (add 1/4 cup more if you want to drink it with a straw right away)
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tablespoon of Honey (optional)
  1. Blend together, checking the consistency to ensure there are not bits of mango or pineapple. 
  2. Test for sweetness and adjust with honey.

Enjoy!

Hot Cocoa

Hot Dark Cocoa

For 1 Cup of Cocoa

  • 1 Cup of Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons of Sugar
  • 3 Teaspoons of Dark Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract 
  • A Pinch of Salt 
  1. Add a small amount of the milk to the bottom of a saucepan and heat over medium heat. 
  2. Mix in the sugar and the cocoa.
  3. Keep stirring until you have made a syrup.
  4. Add in the rest of the milk.
  5. Add the vanilla and heat all the way through.
  6. Do not boil!