MERRY CRANBERRY MARGARITA & OTHER HOLIDAY TREATS

Here are a few great  recipes to use with family and friends this weekend, and are simple to prepare.

MERRY CRANBERRY MARGARITA
Slice 1 Lime thinly into quarters to make wedges, then divide them along with 1/2 cup frozen or fresh cranberries among 16 molds of an ice cube tray, filling with water to freeze.  

Combine 1 cup Cranberry Juice, 1/2 cup Limeade,(Simply LimeAde is great) 1/2 cup Gold Tequila and 1/2 cup Triple Sec. Place your cranberry ice cubes in the glass, then pour in the drink mixture.  Rim your glass with sugar or salt if you prefer, and place a lime on the glass for decoration. Serves 2

SANDRA LEE'S MAPLETINI
Mix 1 1/2 oz. Bourbon, 1 Tsp Maple Syrup and 1 dash Vanilla extract in a shaker with cracked ice. Strain into a tumbler filled midway with the cracked ice.  Top with 3 oz. Soda Water, and you're ready to serve.

 Rim your glass with cookie crumbs or gingerbread for something different.

CHRISTMAS SANGRIA
Cut 1 Pear and 1 Apple into chunks.  In a pitcher combine 1 bottle White wine, 3 cups Sparkling Apple Cider, 1 cup Citrus Vodka, and 1 cup frozen or fresh Cranberries. Add the apples and pears, then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

 When ready to serve, decorate with a Cinnamon Stick or Candy Cane   (Optional:  add strawberries and oranges)

These are some great flavors to spread on crackers or bagels and are delicious.  Sure, you can just go out and buy cream cheese that's ready made, but would it really be as good as yours? (lol) You and the kids can create different combinations to try too.

JALAPENO & BACON CREAM CHEESE
Stir 2 slices (or more if you like) cooked and crumbled Bacon of your choice (beef/pork/veggie/turkey) & 1 Tbsp Pickled Jalapeno that has been drained and chopped into 1 package of softened Cream Cheese.  You're all set!

MAPLE-WALNUT CREAM CHEESE

Stir 1/3 cup Chopped Walnuts, 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup and 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon into 1 package softened cream cheese.