This is a basic hot chocolate mix. I always make the first batch of the season as soon as the temperature drops so we are ready for the cold weather. Hot chocolate is also Christmas Eve tradition at our house. An early supper – a lighter meal than dinner – is always planned. Afterwards there is a Christmas Eve play or service to attend. Then back home, still in our finery, we light the tree and some candles in the living room. Bytes and his brother used to beg to open “just one present tonight” and then got to choose which one. They don’t do that anymore. (Although secretly, I think, they still want to!) Mostly we just relax and talk with Christmas music in the background. With hot chocolate in the Christmas mugs, of course. It's a ritual all ages can appreciate! If the ... [Read More]
Beverages
What Shall I Make for Holiday Dinner?
Searching for holiday dinner recipes? Me too! We’re unexpectedly hosting festivities since the originally scheduled host can’t. If you’re in the same boat – vs my usual boat of waiting till the last minute -- here’s a helpful list of some ideas from past A Pinch of Joy posts. You can find more ideas in the index above. Don't forget to pin and share!!! Main Dish Cornish hens serves four Moist and Tender Turkey for a crowd Sides Classic cheesy potatoes -- Everybody loves creamy, cheesy potatoes. Easy to make and transport. Sweet Potatoes A lower carb alternative recipe Sweet potato Struesel topped classic Crunchy struesel topping ( no marshmallows :-) ) Baked Corn Chowder -- Bread, casserole, vegetable, delicious, classic in one dish Vegetables Maple ... [Read More]
Citrus Iced Tea
Summer days so searing you can scarcely breathe when you step outside. We've had several of those already this summer! Even being inside where it is cool can just sap energy. Citrus Iced Tea is so refreshing on those kinds of days! It’s not sweet nor tart – just a balanced blend of tea and citrus that will restore your energy and goodwill. Garnish with a thin and colorful slice of lemon or orange and maybe a sprig of mint to make it pretty to lift your spirits, too. It’s unique flavor is perfect for just warm days, too. In fact, its hint of spiced citrus is good anytime you want a change of pace, for yourself or a gathering of friends and family. Make ahead of time so the flavors have time to meld – so worth the advance planning. I’m known for last minute creations, but this one ... [Read More]
Elegant Eggnog
Eggnog is a perfect drink with it’s richness and creamy spiced flavor. It was a special treat at our house for a couple of weeks around Christmas each year. Wheels especially likes it. And then – carb counting entered the picture. At 35 carbs and 340 calories per serving, eggnog fell off the radar. Normally we use don’t use artificial sweeteners – mostly from personal preference. But when I saw this recipe came in at 9 carbs and 100 calories for a four ounce serving, it immediately popped to the top of my “gotta try this file”. You know -- that messy, horizontal stack of papers by the computer that grows higher and higher. It is truly an elegant drink. Everything you want in an eggnog – smooth, creamy, great flavor. If carb counts are not part of your life, you can substitute ... [Read More]
Simply Strawberry Smoothie
Have to admit I’m slow to the smoothie parade. We’ve always preferred to eat our fruit as fruit (or a dessert with fruit showing – yes!) rather than drinking it. But this entire long weekend we worked hard outdoors --- digging, painting, planting, changing everything around. A cold, fruity nutritious drink sounded like a great idea. I had a big box of strawberries in the refrigerator so I quickly looked at half a dozen recipes online, and mooshed together the two simplest ones. I was tired and didn’t want to hunt for any flavorings so I left them out. And came up with a simply strawberry smoothie. It was perfect. I’m not making any claims for this concoction – other than it was cold, fruity and hit the spot – but it totally revived our spirits and gave us renewed energy. We ... [Read More]
Perfect Punch . . . lemon pineapple punch
Otherwise known as Perfect Punch or Lemon Pineapple Punch, Snappy Punch is the name Wheels gave this refreshing drink,. As in “Got any of that snappy punch left?” There is never any left because everyone loves this golden nectar and it disappears in a flash where ever it is served. I’ve made it for baby showers, teas, wedding and anniversary receptions, girl’s night out and a “ladies who lunch” picnic. It fits all sorts of themes with its golden color and by repeating the recipe goes from intimate gatherings to big celebrations. It’s also perfect to make just because you want to have a drink of snappy punch. I spied a can of pineapple juice in the pantry the other day. Made me remember how Wheels always missed out on the snappy punch so I made some just for him. We had a ... [Read More]
