Our Holiday Open House was this Saturday, and while the cold, cold weather seemed to keep many of our expected guests nestled in their own homes, it was a fun day nonetheless.
I served a big punchbowl of eggnog and a smaller punchbowl of no-sugar-added cran & cream punch for my diabetic friends. Of course there was also hot tea & coffee.
Tabletops in the dining room were covered with edibles galore: fruit, cheeses (including a pineapple-blue cheese spread that was yummy), crackers, sliced sausages, pigs in blankets, chips and onion dip and my famous jerk meatballs.
Sweets included assorted cupcakes (the black-and-white striped cupcakes were sugar-free), assorted candies and petits fours, and ginger snaps with hot apple dip.
Our guests enjoyed everything, and Mr.W and I had a relaxing day at home hanging out with friends.
Eggnog Punch
The best eggnog in town is around $5 per half gallon, so this is a way that I stretch that flavor without compromising taste.
1/2 gallon milk
2 4-serving size packages instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2 gallon store-bought eggnog
1/2 gallon vanilla bean ice cream
ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Pour about 2 cups of milk in the bottom of punchbowl and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding. Once it has thickened, whisk in remaining milk and eggnog. Scoop in ice cream and stir gently. Dust top with cinnamon or nutmeg.
No-Sugar-Added Cran-and-Cream Punch
A tasty alternative for your diet-conscious friends.
1/2 gallon no-sugar-added vanilla ice cream
1 2-liter bottle cranberry flavored lemon-lime soda
Scoop half of ice cream into punch bowl. Add soda to fill, stirring gently to break up ice cream clumps. Add more ice cream and soda as needed to replenish.
Pineapple-Blue Cheese Spread
Oh-so-tasty on crackers and fruit!
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 5-ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained well
3 ounces blue cheese crumbles
chopped nuts
Using a mixer, blend together the cream cheese, butter, pineapple and blue cheese. Refrigerate 1 hour. Spoon half of cheese mixture into a decorative glass. Top with half of the nuts. Gently place remaining cheese on top, and finish with the remaining nuts.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Holiday Party 2008
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3 comments:
It all looks great, I especially love pigs in blankets, yum!
Thank you! It was tasty, tasty. I love those piggies, too.
I find that, here in my hometown, the simple fare is really the best. I love new & unusual flavors, but around the holidays, those familiar flavors really are best.
I made your lemon posset, by the way. It's cooling in the fridge... can't wait to try it!
Mmmm....that's all I need to say.
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