The Everything Family Christmas Book (66 page)

Cranberry Glogg

A New England favorite. It’s funny to say, great to drink. This is a warmhearted cup of holiday cheer guaranteed to start even the coldest evening off right.

6 cups cranberry juice cocktail

6 whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon schnapps to taste

1. Combine juice, cloves, and cinnamon in a large saucepan.

2. Warm over medium heat for 15 minutes. Reduce heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves.

4. Pour into mugs.

5. Add schnapps as desired, depending on the amount of warmth you have in mind.

Homemade Coffee Liqueur for Christmas, Begun in November

The stuff you buy in the store is pretty good, but our guess is you’ll get more of a kick out of putting this variation together yourself. Try it: It takes some time, but it’s worth it. You may never go back to the labeled version again.

4 cups granulated sugar

2 ounces instant coffee crystals

2 cups water

3 cups vodka

1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

1. Mix sugar and coffee in the bottom of a large pitcher.

2. Add water.

3. Chill for 90 minutes, then add vodka. Mix well.

4. Drop the vanilla bean into an empty half-gallon bottle with a screw top.

5. Pour the coffee mixture into the bottle, seal, and store for 30 days in a dark place.

Hot Candy Cane in a Holiday Mug

An inspired twist on a peppermint theme.
(Note: Cocoa made from scratch is best, but prepared mixes to which you add boiling water will serve, too.)

2 cups hot cocoa

Peppermint liqueur

Whipped cream

2 red maraschino cherries, halved

2 green maraschino cherries, halved

1. Pour hot cocoa into 2 large mugs.

2. Add peppermint liqueur to taste.

3. Top with whipped cream and red and green maraschino cherries.

Hot Cinnamon Stocking

The perfect drink for Christmas Eve.

2 cups hot cocoa

Cinnamon-flavored liqueur

Whipped cream

2 red maraschino cherries, halved

2 green maraschino cherries, halved

1. Pour hot cocoa into 2 large mugs.

2. Add cinnamon-flavored liqueur to taste.

3. Top with whipped cream and red and green maraschino cherries.

Perfect Egg Nog

Forget the store-bought stuff; the real thing is easy to make and much, much better.

6 large eggs, separated

½ cup granulated sugar

1 pint heavy cream

1 pint milk

1 pint whiskey

2 ounces rum

1. Place egg yolks in a large bowl.

2. Add sugar to the yolks, beating at medium speed.

3. After the yolks have been beaten very stiff, mix the egg whites with the yolk mixture.

4. Stir in cream and milk.

5. Add whiskey and rum. Stir thoroughly.

6. Chill for 2 hours. Serve with grated nutmeg on top.

Merry Mocha Coffee Mix

Coffee lovers take note: This is a delicious holiday treat you will not soon forget!

16 ounces instant coffee

2 cups cocoa powder

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Water (amount will vary depending on number of cups you are preparing)

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together dry ingredients.

2. Boil required amount of water in a kettle, then pour into medium-sized mugs.

3. Add one spoonful of mixture to each mug—or more or less, according to taste.

Unforgettable Christmas Irish Cream

Here’s something to lift your spirits on a cold holiday night!

1 (12-ounce) can condensed milk

8 ounces Irish whiskey

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon chocolate syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1. Mix all ingredients together in a blender.

2. Chill for 1 hour and serve.

Wassail

The classic recipe. This drink has warmed many a holiday heart, and will likely be popular for years to come.
(Note: A teaspoon of honey may be substituted for the cloves.)

2 quarts apple cider

2 cups orange juice

1 cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon cloves

Cinnamon sticks

1. Put apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice into a large saucepan. Add the cloves and two cinnamon sticks; warm over medium heat for 20 minutes.

2. When ready to serve, strain off cloves and cinnamon sticks and pour liquid into mugs.

3. Place a new cinnamon stick in each mug and serve.

Appendix A
Christmas Festivals Across North America

M
ost towns and cities across North America schedule annual holiday festivities of one kind or another. What follows is a sampling of festivals: some big-city events; some historically important celebrations; and some smaller gatherings that seemed too interesting to omit. This chapter is not an exhaustive list of all festivals; if you would like more information on seasonal celebrations, try calling the local chamber of commerce or visitor’s bureau for detailed information about holiday events. Your state or province’s tourism office will also be helpful.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Community Scottish Christmas Walk

Alexandria’s Scottish heritage is saluted with a parade through historic Old Town. Special activities include bagpipes, highland dancers, tours of old homes, and children’s events. Early December. Information: 703-838-5005;
www.campagnacenter.org
.

Annual Woodlawn Plantation Christmas

Carolers, musicians, and costumed actors portraying a family from the 1820s welcome you to a Christmas party. Wagon rides, a burning Yule log, and refreshments provide a taste of the old Virginia Christmas. Early December. Information: 703-780-4000;
www.woodlawn1805.org
.

Civil War Christmas Open House

At the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. Mid-December. Information: 703-838-4848;
http://oha.alexandriava.gov/fortward/
.

Aspen, Colorado

Tree Lighting

The annual lighting of Aspen’s tree, at the Sardy House. Early December. Information: 888-290-1324;
www.aspenchamber.org
.

Auburn, California

Auburn Christmas Crafts and Music Festival

Beat the Christmas rush—and still enjoy the carols. Veteran’s Day weekend. Information: 209-533-3473;
www.fireonthemountain.com
.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Harbor Lights Festival

A seafaring holiday celebration. First Saturday in December. Information: 207-633-2353;
www.boothbayharbor.com
.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Sounds of the Season: A Holiday Concert and Tour

Music and celebration at Ash Lawn-Highland. Late December. Information: 434-293-9539;
www.ashlawnhighland.org
.

Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink

Ice-skating fun for the whole family at the McCormic Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink. Beginning in November. Information: 312-742-1168;
www.millenniumpark.org
.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

A sparkling local tradition. On Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. Mid-November to December 31. Information: 312-642-3570;
www.themagnificentmile.com
.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting

The official beginning of the Christmas season in Chicago takes place in Daley Plaza. Late November. Information: 877-244-2246;
www.choosechicago.com
.

Zoolights

Lighting up the night at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Late November/early December. Information: 312-742-2000;
www.lpzoo.org
.

Festival of Lights

A memorable evening at the Swedish American Museum Center. Mid-December. Information: 773-728.8111;
www.samac.org
.

Clermont, New York

Christmas at Clermont Open House

The Livingston family home, a state historic site, is decorated for the holidays and offers music for the season. Early December. Information: 518-537-4240;
http://nysparks.state.ny.us
.

Corona del Mar, California

The Christmas Walk

A street fair with merchants offering lots of free edibles and entertainment. First Sunday in December. Information: 949-673-4050;
www.cdmchamber.com
.

Croton-on-Hudson, New York

Candlelight Tour

A celebration of the early eighteenth-century English Christmas, complete with carolers, musicians, and a bonfire. At Van Cortlandt Manor. In December; dates vary. Information: 914-631-8200;
www.hudsonvalley.org
.

Dallas, Texas

Christmas at the Arboretum

The stately DeGolyer mansion is decorated for the season. Early December. Information: 214-515-6500;
www.dallasarboretum.org
.

The Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children’s Parade

A seasonal parade for all ages. Early December. Information: 214-742-8200;
www.childrensparade.com
.

Candlelight Tour

A candlelight holiday festival set among the Victorian and pioneer homes of Old City Park. Mid-December. Information: 800-232-5527;
www.dallascvb.com
.

Des Moines, Washington

Sounds of the Season

Live holiday music in the tropical setting of the Des Moines Botanical Center. Information: 515-323-6291;
www.botanicalcenter.com
.

East Haddam, Connecticut

Victorian Christmas at Gillette Castle