••••MULLED WINE RECIPE••••

*CHRISTMAS COLLECTION*

•32 oz. cranberry juice cocktail

•12 oz. apple cider

•12 oz. dry red wine

•1/4 cup light brown sugar 

•1/4 cup apricot flavored brandy

•1 oz. (generous 1/4 cup)

•+Mulling Spices

Stove Top or Crock Pot Method

•Combine the cranberry juice, apple cider and red wine in a large crock pot or large sauce pan. Add the brown sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Place spices in a muslin bag provided. Close the bag by pulling the strings and tying them in a bow. 

•Place the bag of spices into the juice and wine mixture. Cover the crock pot or sauce pan and heat the mixture until hot over a medium setting on your crock pot or medium heat on your stove top. Do not boil. 

•Reduce the temperature to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the brown sugar has dissolved completely. Taste the mulled wine occasionally. Remove the spice bag when the desired amount of "spice" is reached. Just before serving add the apricot flavored brandy and stir until combined. Ladle the hot wine into mugs and serve with a cinnamon stir stick. Makes seven 8 ounce cups.

*Save the muslin bag for future batches of wine. Discard the spices, rinse the bag and let it hang to dry.

(Source: Bisschopswijn.com/recipes & google+ photo)

••••HOMEMADE EGGNOG :)••••

*CHRISTMAS COLLECTION*

•2 pasteurized eggs

•One shake of salt

•2 teaspoons vanilla

•2 cups milk

•Beat eggs until fluffy. Add salt and vanilla, beat until very thick, add milk, beat. Chill if desired, garnish with nutmeg and serve. Makes two servings.

(Source: Regina Johnson-Dahlberg (family cookbook) & google+ photos)

(photo-kappboom wallpaper & Matthew Greer Xmas card)

••••HOLLY COOKIES :)••••

*CHRISTMAS COLLECTION*

•My mother-in-law Elizabeth would always make these every year as CHRISTMAS gifts!!!

•30 marshmallows

•4-1/2 cups Corn Flakes

•1/2 tsp vanilla

•1 cube of margarine

•1-1/2 tsp green food coloring

•Cinnamon red candies

•Melt marshmallows and margarine, add vanilla and food coloring, then stir in corn flakes until covered. Drop on globs on wax paper, add red candies, while hot.

•Can be shaped into wreaths by buttering your hands and working quickly.

Variation: Press warm cereal mixture into buttered 5-1/2-cup ring mold or shape into ring on serving plate. Remove from mold and dot with red candies. Slice to serve.

(Source: Elizabeth (Betty) Greer from a family cookbook & Publications International, LTD. & google+ photo)

••••GUM DROP COOKIES••••

*CHRISTMAS COLLECTION*

•1 cup shortening or butter

•1 cup white sugar

•1 teaspoon baking sods

•1 teaspoon vanilla

•2 cups oatmeal

•1 cup chopped gum drops

•1 cup brown sugar

•2 eggs

•1 teaspoon baking powder

•2 cups flour

•1 cup coconut

1. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla. Mix dry ingredients, add a little at a time until well mixed. Drop by teaspoon on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 9-10 minutes.

(Source: Marilyn Olson (family cookbook), Originated from a radio program in the "30"'s. & kappboom wallpaper photo)

••••SPINACH-TOMATO SALAD••••

*CHRISTMAS COLLECTION*

•1 package (8 ounces) Complete Spinach Salad

•2 medium tomatoes, halved and cut into thin wedges

•1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced

•1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

•1 can (14 to 16 ounces) low-sodium kidney or garbanzo beans, drained

•Toss spinach, croutons and bacon from salad bag with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and beans in medium serving bowl.

•Pour dressing from packet over salad; toss to coat evenly.

Makes 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

(Source: Publications International, LTD: Favorite Brand Name Best-Loved Holiday Recipes & photo also)

••••EVANA'S SANDWICH SURPRISE••••

*CHRISTMAS COLLECTION*

My friend EVANA found about this sandwich from a sandwich place that closed down :( This is her favorite sandwich HANDS DOWN!!!

•Use French or Hoagie Rolls-toasted

*Layer ingredients in order:

•Mozzarella

•Pepperoni

•Pizza sauce

•Mozzarella

•Black Olives

•Mushrooms

*Put sandwich together, lay open faced in oven, toast until cheese is melted. Put it together, slice in 2 inch slices. Can be used as an appetizer for the holidays.

*Can add any ingredients that you choose, just make sure pizza sauce is in the middle so it doesn't get the bread soggy.

(Source: EVANA & google+ photos)