It’s that time of year again! The temperatures have dropped, and we’ve all ditched our flip-flops for boots. Houses are adorned with Christmas and Hanukkah decorations, and the music playing in every store sounds like the “winter classics” radio station. But maybe we should switch up the treats we eat, too. It’s time to mix it up a bit and get in the holiday spirit with these delectable and festive sweets!
1. Who doesn’t like to sit around the Christmas tree while casually sipping cocktails? Now you can make this the norm with “Santa’s Sleigh Cocktails,” a play on the holiday tradition eggnog. It’s a creamy drink that includes ice cream, nutmeg, amaretto liqueur and brandy that will warm your spirits and give everyone that warm feeling of holiday cheer. Check out the recipe here: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/santas-sleigh-cocktail-recipe/index.html.
2. Here in Florida, snow is a rare phenomenon, making building Frosty the Snowman a distant dream. However, with these cute cupcakes you can make your own snowmen, and unlike snow, they are sweet to eat! It’s simple and quick: make vanilla cupcakes, frost with white icing and dip in sugar crystals. Then make a face, eyes, mouth and a nose with orange and black frosting.
3. The holiday season is a colorful time. Homes and stores are decked out in red, greens, gold, blues and silver which is quite the break away from the normal decorations. It may be time to switch it up when it comes to your classic cookies as well. Red velvet isn’t just for cake anymore; it’s also for cookies! These cookies (www.cookingclassy.blogspot.com/2012/08/red-velvet-white-chocolate-chip-cookies.html) are deep red and spotted with white chocolate chips. The cookies are rich in flavor and shocking with regards to color and would be perfect for any holiday party. For an added twist, omit the chocolate chips and frost with cream cheese to make a cookie sandwich!
4. It’s the time of year where rows and rows of shelves are stocked with candy canes and they come in all different flavors and colors. The classic never fails though: the red-and-white-striped peppermint candy canes will always be a favorite. No winter is complete without one candy-cane inspired snack, and these Candy Cane Peppermint Patties win the award for creativity and deliciousness! The brown chocolate on the outside with a cute snowflake design carefully conceals the vivid red and white striped peppermint cream that is sure to surprise anyone who takes a bite. Check it out: www.hanielas.com/2011/12/candy-cane-peppermint-patties.html.
5. Gingerbread flavor doesn’t just come in the shape of cute little men anymore. This cheesecake is loaded with the sweet spices that every gingerbread lover dies for, and it comes in a creamy consistency. This cheesecake — www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/gingerbread-cheesecake/gingerbread-cheesecake-2/ — goes all out by being cooked in a ginger snap crust. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and molasses will be sure to have everyone rushing back for “just one more” slice.
The holidays are the best time of year simply because there is so much scrumptious food. From eggnog and ice cream cocktails to red velvet white chocolate chip cookies, no other season has these kinds of amazing and adorable treats. So this winter, bake with friends, enjoy a few drinks, and eat all the holiday sweets your heart desires. After all, we have until our New Year’s resolutions to start dieting!