Cold weather and HOT DRINKS

Surprise!  It actually does get cold in Laredo (50 degrees F today)  . . .  

 . . . three doves all snuggled together on the patio this morning with their feathers fluffed up as high as they would go.

Even in her pink sweater, Maybelle was shivering . . .

and, at night, snuggling under our quilt (a gift from my mom).

So, the other night, Nicole whipped up some cream and laced our Hot Chocolate with  Kahlua and Absinthe.

Tonight’s delicious Café Prado J

The Heritage of America Cookbook gave us still another delightful warmer:

 HOT BUTTERED CIDER SIPPER

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Heritage of America Cookbook 1993

12 oz apple cider

2     tablespoons liquid honey

The juice of 1 lemon

¼ tsp ground cloves

1     teaspoon whole allspice

4     inches cinnamon stick (broken)

       1 to 2 ounces  brandy per person

1         teaspoons butter or margarine

6     whole cinnamon sticks  (optional)

In a medium saucepan combine apple cider or apple juice, honey, and lemon juice.

 place the cloves, allspice, and broken stick cinnamon in cider mixture.

Cover saucepan, and heat cider but do not boil.                                                                                                                                                                     

Strain out spices and stir in brandy.

Ladle the hot cider mixture into mugs. Float about ½ teaspoon butter or margarine atop each serving.

If desirable, serve the cider with cinnamon sticks as stirrers.

Makes 6 (6-ounce) servings.

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P. S.  The HERITAGE OF AMERICA COOKBOOK is available online for only one penny!