Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things You Love to Eat/Drink During The Holidays

Since there is no official Ten on Tuesday topic this week, Carole and Hillary have decided to talk about their favorite holiday foods and drinks.  Sounds good to me!

1.  Sailor Duff - This is a steamed pudding (cake) that is covered with warm vanilla sauce and whipped cream.  My grandmother made it and I think of her every single time I make it.  The recipe is even in her own handwriting and I feel blessed to have it. 

2.  Sauerkraut - Because of my German heritage, we eat sauerkraut for good luck on New Year's Day.  This is the only day of the year that I get to sit down to a serving of sauerkraut.  Yum!  (On a side note, I had the best dip at Saturday's party.  It was like eating a reuben sandwich.  I'll share the recipe with you when I get it.)

3.  Stuffed shells - And because of my Italian heritage, we have Italian food for Christmas Eve each year.  My favorite is stuffed shells.  The best part is having leftovers the next day.  It's always a relaxing Christmas day!

4.  Spiced anything - I love the taste of spiced cider/apple juice/whatever.  Here's a recipe I don't make very often but I love to drink:

Hot Cranberry Punch

2 tablespoons whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole allspice
12 inches stick cinnamon, broken
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 cups hot water
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups canned unsweetened pineapple juice
2 1 lb cans jellied cranberry sauce
a few pats of butter

Tie cloves and allspice in cheesecloth.  Combine spice bag, cinnamon, brown sugar, 1 cup water, and salt.  Bring to a slow boil.  Add juice and 3 cups of water.  Crush cranberry sauce with fork (or put in blender with some of the water).  Add to mixture and bring to boil again.  Simmer 5 minutes.  Remove spices.  To serve, put in warmed punch bowl and float butter on top.  Decorate with clove-studded orange.  Serve with stick cinnamon.

When I make it, I skip the punch bowl, butter, and clove-studded orange.  And I don't serve it with stick cinnamon.  I usually let it simmer on the stove but a crock pot would work great, too.

5.  My grandma's candy - This is something I don't get to eat anymore.  My grandma's family had a candy factory when she was young and she was well versed in how to make hand dipped chocolates.  When I was little, she would make and sell her candy at Christmas.  Our family would get a box of it for a present.  My favorites were the chocolate covered cherries and the peppermints, but it was all the best candy I've ever eaten.

6.  Microwave toffee - This recipe came from Southern Living  magazine many years ago.  It's easy and delicious!

7.  Peppermint stick ice cream -  So delicious!  Since I can only find it this time of the year, I stock up on it.  But with Emma also loving mint, the ice cream doesn't last as long as I'd like.  :)

8.  Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's - These are fabulous!  I love the minty taste of the cream filling.  And they're more like DoubleStuf Oreos because they have lots of the filling.

9.  Candy Canes - I only like Bob's.  Other kinds don't taste right to me.  Do you know that fake peppermint taste?  Hate it!

10.  Christmas cookies - It wouldn't be the same without some Christmas cookies.  And they can be so pretty!  I'm not even sure that I have a favorite because they are all so good.  What's your favorite?

Comments

[Carole]

Excellent list. I love peppermint stick ice cream, too!

[jingle]

Hello:

you are capable of almost anything, now yummy food items, make me feel hungry even I have already had breakfast.

Keep inspiring!

[greetingarts]

You're the second person I've noticed in the past two days who's mentioned Bob's candy canes... I'm going to have to pay more attention to what brand of candy cane I'm eating!

[keri]

I second the peppermint stick ice cream! Darn you, now I have a craving for it! =)

[Leslie]

I just might have to try the toffee recipe. And ditto on the peppermint ice cream.

[Robin]

Yes. Bob's are the best. Hands down. (Looking forward to that dip recipe!)

[km]

I think we must be missing out by the comments. I haven't seen Bob's candy out here. I LOVE the pepermint stick icecream and Joe-Joe's too.

[Sheepish Annie]

Um...how did you know I was looking for that toffee recipe? it's on my old computer and I was too lazy to go dig it out. You are my hero!!!!!!!!!!!