Well Seasoned Blog

My friend Bryan from Trail asked me tonight for some beverage ideas for his upcoming festivus celebrations…I went deep into the archives for these…almost forgot how good they were !!

Mulled Cider with Jack Daniels
Really good quality apple juice (the not from concentrate in the refrigerated section is best – I think it is Tropicana) heated on the stove in a large pot with whole star anise, candied ginger, cinnamon sticks, dried figs, all spice berries, cloves, dried cranberries. Heat until you have as much flavour out of the spices/fruit as you want….if you leave it too long it will start to get bitter – strain and transfer to a crock pot. Add JD about 1 750 ml. Bottle for 6 litres of juice but you can make it your own strength preference. Let it sit in the crock pot on low to keep warm for your guests to enjoy. You can add a bit of honey if you like but I find the apple juice sweet enough.

Coconut Hot Chocolate for Grownups.
One 13.5 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup sugar
1 ¾ cups heavy cream
1 cups whole milk
3 cups bittersweet chocolate
Marshmallows, for serving
8 oz coconut rum

In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar and heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar; keep warm. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream and whole milk and bring to a simmer. Add the chocolate chips and remove from the heat. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted; whisk until smooth. Pour 1 oz of rum into each mug (8), then add the chocolate and spoon some of the coconut milk on top. Garnish with the marshmallows and serve.

Affogato an “Angie” spin on an Italian classic
1 pint of best quality chocolate ice cream
8 tablespoons finely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
8 shots of hot freshly brewed espresso coffee
8+ ounces Van Gogh espresso vodka
Divide ice cream among 8 large coffee cups. Between the 8 servings spoon over the chocolate, the espresso, and vodka – serve immediately.