Spiced Christmas Cocktail

 It’s almost Christmas, and we all know ’tis the season for lots of eating and drinking.  And while I love so many holiday drinks, sometimes there is only so much eggnog you can consume before going into a cream coma.  That’s why I love this lightened up Spiced Christmas Cocktail.  It has such a good zip from the fresh ginger and orange juice, and the cinnamon and bourbon make it feel really festive without going over the top.  You can make the infused simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for weeks.  Then it’s just a matter of mixing up a drink for yourself or making a large batch to serve as punch.

 

Spiced Simple Syrup

-1/2 c. sugar

-1/2 c. water

-2 inches of ginger, sliced thin

-1 cinnamon stick

Combine all of the ingredients in a small sauce pot and bring to a gentle boil.  Let it boil for a minute or two, remove it from the heat, and let the mixture completely cool before straining and storing it in the fridge.

 

Spiced Christmas Cocktail

-1/2 part spiced simple syrup

-2 parts bourbon

-2 parts orange juice

-1 part water

Combine all of the ingredients and top with lots of ice.  When making this for a single cocktail, I used a jigger to measure the different parts, but if you want to make a punch (as I’m sure all of those family members staying at your house for Christmas will want you to), just increase the volumes while sticking with this same ratio.  Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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Autumn Apple Oatmeal

Fall is already here and, love it or hate it, so are Uggs, pumpkin spice everything, and your neighbors’ Halloween decorations rearing their scary heads.  One thing I love any time of the year is the classic combo of fresh apples and spicy cinnamon, and this oatmeal definitely reminds me of the kind I had as a kid from the paper packets but with a much needed twist!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

-1/2 c. oatmeal

-1 c. water or milk of your choice

-1/4 of an apple finely chopped

-dash of salt

-dash of cinnamon

-1 teaspoon brown sugar

Add all of the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and cook for about two minutes.  I like to top mine with toasted walnuts or pecans.  Of course, both the apples and the oatmeal can be made on the stove top, and sometimes I like to cook them separately and then spoon the apples over the top to make everything look a little nicer.  But on those busy mornings when the presentation of your breakfast is the last thing on your mind, this recipe can also be easily converted into the perfect overnight oats.  Enjoy!