Tuesday, December 4, 2012

'Tis the Season

(*Photo by Rebekah Anderson)

We put up our Christmas tree tonight and decorated for this magical season. I love to listen to Christmas music and sip a warm drink while we deck our halls :) Here is one of my favorite drinks...

Caramel Apple Cider
(Cocoa Latte Recipe Book)

2 cups apple cider or apple juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons caramel syrup
Whipping cream

Combine everything in a cocoa latte, saucepan, or crock-pot  This recipe makes 2 servings. And of course don't forget the whipping cream on top. Alternately you could also drizzle the caramel over the whipping cream for a pretty presentation.

Caramel Sauce
(Better Homes and Gardens 75th Anniversary Edition)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup half-and-half or light cream
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a small pot combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in 1/4 cup water. Stir in half-and-half, corn syrup, and butter. Cook stirring constantly over medium heat until bubbly (mixture might look a little curdled, don't worry!). Cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and add vanilla.