aprés ski toddy

Now that winter is finally showing us some snow, it's time to hit the slopes. After a day of play in the cold snow try this hot toddy recipe to warm you back up.

• 4 oz Tennessee Honey Whiskey (new from Jack Daniels) or Cinnamon Whiskey (Fireball)
• 2 cups Hot Tea (Good Earth Original has the best spice combination)
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon
• 2 Tbsp Honey

Brew and steep the tea and then combine with the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan until completely dissolved. Serve in 2 mugs and you have the sweetest & warmest drink of the ski season. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or dried clove if you like.

a martini that gives you wings

The Midnight Martini is an perfectly simple cocktail that, when darker liqueurs are used, looks as dark as midnight. It does include a coffee liqueur (coffee brandy can also be used) which could keep you going to midnight if there’s any caffeine in the spirits and better than a Red Bull. Try this one out with Double Espresso Vodka and Kahlua, it’s a perfect match. Midnight Martinis are also often served as a shooter, just shake, strain into a shot glass and go for it.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 oz vodka or coffee vodka
• 1/4 oz coffee liqueur
• shot of espresso (optional)
• blood orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

Pour the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, shake gently and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a slice of blood orange, it will give the effect of a full moon.

Cheers!

a pear you won't soon forget

We've introduced you to various flavor infusions via Vodka, Gin, Whiskey etc, however, infusing vodka is one of the easiest spirits to work with because it's very neutral—making it a wonderful base. Things like fruit, cinnamon sticks, herbs and citrus rind all make for wonderful infusing elements.

Today we're introducing you to our infused Vodka (or Gin) with Pear, Apple and Chai Tea. The Chai gives just that little extra zing making it great for Autumn cocktails that will impress your most discerning guests. Let’s just say you’ll be thanking us next week when you’ve killed the whole bottle.

Ingredients:

• 1 Litre Vodka or Gin
• 2 Jolie Rouge Pears
• 1 Green Apple
• 1-2 Chai Tea Bags

Place vodka in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

Soak the tea bags in the vodka for one hour, then remove and discard. In the meantime, slice up the pear and apple–add to the jar.

Let pears, apples and vodka sit for one week in a closed container.

Once your week is up, your liquor is done infusing. You can strain the pears and apple out of the vodka, and eat or trash, I know what I'd do.

Come back later for a fantastic cocktail recipe using this infusion.

Cheers!

It's not JUST about the cheese...

You've chosen your favorite cheeses to share with family and friends and now the fun part begins.  What will you serve with your cheese?

By choosing wisely you can create a beautiful & care-free buffet meal for your guests using cheese-loving foods such as these:

Bread or Crackers - At least one of these is a must, a selection of a few is even better.  Crackers made with dried fruits & nuts are a trendy selection.

Fruit - Fresh, dried or both; grapes are easy and beautiful, pears with a blue cheese is classic! Triple cream cheeses love dried apricots!

Nuts - Nuts add a nice crunchy texture to the menu; from a simple roasted almond to a candied pecan, choose your favorite.

Charcuterie - cured meats push the buffet from simple appetizer to hearty meal; look for hand made or small batch brands which offer a nice rustic quality.

Something Special - To bring it all together and add some punch, pick one or two special products designed to pair with cheese. Pan Forte, Membrillo, Fig Paste, Fruit Chutney, Pickled Raisins, etc.

Article written by contributing editor Vickie McCorkendale

spiked eggnog = happy holiday

So it's your turn to cook Christmas dinner for 15 of your closest family and friends this year. You're busy with a million different tasks, so allow us to share this really simple, but delicious Spiked Eggnog.

Ingredients:

• Eggnog
• 1 oz Grand Marnier
• .5 oz Crème De Cocao

Grab your favorite holiday glasswear and and pour in some Eggnog. Leave just enough room to add in Grand Marnier and white Crème de Cacao. Garnish with nutmeg. Cheers!