Cheers!

Well, I'm a little late with this post with all the hustle bustle of the holidays, but it was a great holiday, and we'll drink to that!  This year instead of making dinner, we gals decided to order in, as we made holiday booze-goodies!  A great gift for those who like their alcoholic beverages, and also, great to keep around the house for yourself as well. 

 

Yummy Gummies

Gummy Bears

Vanilla Vodka (or your preferred flavor)

 

Directions:  Soak Gummy Bears in vanilla vodka.  :) 

 I found them to be perfect at about 3 days soaked.

 

 

Apple Pie Liquor

1 gallon Apple Cider

1/2 gallon Apple Juice

1 Cup Sugar

1 Liter Everclear

5-6 Cinnamon Sticks

 

 

Directions:  Bring first 4 ingredients (NOT EVERCLEAR) to a boil.  Then let cool and add the Everclear.  (be very careful:  extremely flammable)  Makes about 2.5 gallons.

 

 

Whiskey Cherries

Maraschino Cherries

Whiskey of choice

 

Directions:  Drain juice from cherries.  Add whiskey in the jar-ro (that was for any Metallica fans).  Let soak several days.  Eat alone, add to cakes, or put in your drink! 

 

Irish Creme

I cup heavy whipping cream OR half and half (we used half and half)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 2/3 cup Jameson Irish Whiskey

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

1 teaspoon vanilla.

 

Directions:  Stir 'em all together!  Makes about 1.5 gallons.

 

Cheers!  And Happy Holidays!

 

 

 



Quiche Night!

Quiche was one of the original Girl's Dinner Night feasts, and it resurfaces in our rotation every few months or so, mostly because of its supreme deliciousness and ability to take on so many different forms. There was only one problem..... It seems as though dastardly gnomes (because we all know gnomes are who grow it) have selfishly hoarded all the baby corn in the country, so Sabrina's delightful Tumbleweed Quiche had to go without. But it was still awesome.

Jim's Tumbling Tumbleweed Quiche (made in memory of my uncle, Jim Otterstrom) by Sabrina

 

-1 can hominy

-1 can corn

-1 small can olives (did not use this time)

-1 Tablespoon sage

-baby corn (not pickled) (did not use/could not find.  hmph)

-5 eggs

-1 1/2 cups milk

-2 cups cheddar cheese (I used a little less than one cup)

-1 can sliced jalapenos 4 oz.

Directions: Whisk together milk, eggs and sage until combined. Layer dry ingredients in pre-made whole wheat pie shell and then pour egg mixture over the top. Bake at 350 degrees 25-30 minutes until set.

This quiche is so good! Plans are to make it again once we can find some baby corn. Damn gnomes!

Carmelized Onion, Bacon and Blue Cheese Quiche, By Kala

-6 eggs

-1 cup half and half

-1/2 cup blue cheese

-5 pieces bacon, cooked

-1 medium onion, cooked 10 minutes in bacon fat until caramel colored and sweet

-1/4 t. salt

-1/2 t. pepper

Directions: whisk eggs and half and half until combined. Spread bacon, blue cheese and onions in pre-made pie shell and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour liquid on top and bake 30-35 minutes, or until set.

This one got a bit dark, but still yum-city! 

Spicy Cheesy Hashbrowns

-1/4 cup vegetable oil 

-3 cups shredded potatoes

-1/2 t. salt

-1/2 t. lemon pepper

-1 cup 3 - pepper cheese

Directions: heat oil in skillet, add potatoes and saute' until brown. Turn off heat and toss in cheese, cook until melted and serve.

Sweet lord, is there anything better than potatoes and cheese? 

The answer is a resounding no. We served this awesomeness with pink champagne mimosas, and were happy as well-fed clams. 

Mama Mia!

Last week we prepared an Italian dinner with spaghetti as the main course, bruschetta salad, and cannolis!  Are you drooling yet?

 

 

Main Course:  Spaghetti and Meatballs

Prepared by:  Stephanie

 

2 cans (23 oz) crushed tomatoes

3 cloves garlic chopped

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb hot italian sausage

 

Directions:  Heat olive oil and stir in minced garlic.  Add all ingredients except garlic cloves and stir for about 20 minutes. (medium to low - medium heat)  Add garlic cloves and simmer for about 25 minutes.  Simultaneously roll sausage into balls, season with salt and pepper to taste.  pan fry till browned on the sides.  Boil noodles as stated on box (we don't make our own noodles.  :)  )

 

 

Side Dish:  Bruschetta Salad

Prepared by:  Sabrina

 

2-3 Cups Romain Lettuce

2 chopped tomatoes

1 cup parmesan croutons

½ cup chopped pepperoni slices (hot and spicy in this recipe)

½ cup fresh mozzarella

1/8 cup chopped fresh basil

Parmesan cheese

Lite Balsamic Parmesan Asiago Vinegarette

 

Directions:  Mix the 1st 6 ingredients together.  Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with parmesan.  Makes about 4 salads.

 

 

Dessert:  Cannolis w/ Reeces

Prepared by:  Kala

 

1 Cup Ricotta

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 Tablespoons amaretto

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

6 premade cannoli shells

Reeces Pieces

 

Directions:  With mixer, mix together first 6 ingredients until thick "whipped cream" consistency.  Pipe into shells.  Add Reeces Pieces to garnish!

 

 

And so concludes another successful dinner night.  Next week:  Quiche!