Bringing You Holiday CHEERS!
Hi Friends!
So tell me how was your Thanksgiving and did you shop the sales happening all weekend long!? That’s what I really want to know…what are the number one items on your holiday list? I am proud to say I am ALL DONE with my Holiday Shopping! ????????
Did you eat all weekend long? I did that too and I don’t feel bad about it. Not one bit. Guilt free indulgence. We went to visit my mom in Arizona and she cooked up a storm. Just like when we were kids. Turkey with all the fixings and three pies. She also had her house all decorated for Christmas, which inspired me to share a few of my favorite holiday cocktails and easy appetizers to enjoy with your family. My kids love apps. Since COVID we’ve made it a thing. Glass of wine and some appetizers.
PS – I also included a delicious hot cocoa recipe to set up for the kids to enjoy. YUM Cheers and Happy Holidays!
XO-CALYgirl
POMEGRANATE GINGER PALOMA
Ingredients
Ginger Syrup
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 inch fresh ginger chopped
– 8 leaves mint
Paloma
– crushed ice
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/3 cup grapefruit juice
– juice of 1/2 a lime
– 2-4 tablespoons ginger syrup
– 2-3 ounces tequila
– ginger beer or sparkling water for topping
Directions
Ginger Syrup
Bring 1/2 cup water, the honey and ginger to a boil over high heat. Once boiling simmer, 1-2 minutes and then remove from the heat. Add the mint, cover and steep 10-15 minutes. Strain out the ginger and mint. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Paloma
Fill your glass halfway with ice. Add the pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup, and tequila. Stir to combine and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint. enjoy!
Recipe and photo courtesy of Half Baked Harvest.
Cheers!
HOLIDAY CHEESE BOARD
Ingredients
– 8 ounces brie
– 8 ounces manchego cheese, thinly sliced
– 6 ounces smoked provolone, thinly sliced
– 6 ounces Pepper Jack, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 1 (6-ounce) package rosemary artisan crackers
– 1 (5.3-ounce) package Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps, Fig and Olive
– 10 baby apples
– 1 cup grapes
– 1/2 cup cherries
– 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
– 1/2 cup pistachios
– 4 figs, halved
– 4 sprigs rosemary
Directions
Arrange cheeses, crackers, Raincoast Crisps, apples, grapes, cherries, pomegranate, pistachios and figs on platter or wooden cheese board. Garnish with rosemary, if desired.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Damn Delicious.
Enjoy!
HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
– 4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
– 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling). Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk. Whisk in vanilla extract, serve immediately.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Celebrating Sweets.
Enjoy!
Please tag @calygirlstyld and #what’scookingwithcalygirl when you make yours!
