‘Tis the season for soirees! 74% of people think they have too many parties to attend during the holiday season. Make your party stand out!
The holidays are notorious for nostalgia — from party-packed finger foods to must-watch movies. Combine the 2 classics to keep the cinema rich, and the food light (but just as delicious!).
Make new memories with these movie-inspired munchies.
Perfect Pairing Inspired by A Christmas Story
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may work as a natural tooth whitener. And, if anything can make a cocktail healthy, it’s ACV. It regulates blood sugar and helps with digestion.
Ingredients
2 cups cranberry juice
3 cups water
4 ounces of vodka
6 tablespoons honey
6 tablespoons ACV
Fresh thyme to taste
In a medium saucepan, add the ACV, honey and 1/2 cup of the water over heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and turn off heat. Add herbs and let sit for a few minutes. Drain. Add the rest of the water, cranberry juice and vodka. Mix and then serve over ice.
Only I Didn’t Say Fudge
This mock-fudge recipe is so delicious; you’ll think it’s the real thing.
Ingredients
1 cup low-fat milk
3/4 cup raw cocoa powder
5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (5 packages)
1 cup water
¼ cup agave
1 teaspoon brandy extract
In a small saucepan, combine milk and cocoa. Whisk over medium heat, stirring until thick. In another small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water; let soften for a few minutes. Stir over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Whisk into cocoa mixture. Stir in agave and remove from heat. Pour into a square baking dish. Let stand at room temperature several hours until firm. With a sharp knife, cut evenly into squares. Place in a container, cover and refrigerate.
Party Pairing Inspired by ELF
World’s Best Cup of Coffee
Not only is it the world’s best, it’s the world’s healthiest — for your teeth, anyway.
Mix 8 ounces of coffee brewed with ½ cup low-fat milk. Milk contains vitamin D and calcium, which strengthen teeth and bones, preventing tooth loss. Top with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices add flavor, reducing or replacing sweetener in your drink.
Chocolate is one of the best sweets for your teeth. The flax seeds and prunes are secretly stashed into these decadent delights.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons low-fat milk
1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoons flax seed
1/2 cup pureed prunes
1/2 cup flour (almond, all-purpose, or your choice)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons xylitol
2 tablespoons agave
1/4-cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 F, and grease a standard-sized muffin pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and whisk. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix. Distribute batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Bake 12 minutes. Cool 5-10 minutes before removing from the muffin tins.
Party Pairing Inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Hearts 3 Sizes to Small Melon Kebobs
The grins will be stealing Christmas this year! Melons are low in sugar and contain 90% water.
Ingredients
2-4 of your favorite melons (try watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew)
3 small heart cookie cutters (various sizes)
Wooden skewers
Use cookie cutters to cut melons. Place 3 different-sized heart melons onto skewers.
Use completed kabobs as a garnish to the Pome-Grinch (below).
Pome-GRINCH
Pomegranate juice is an effective means against dental plaque microorganisms, according to new research.
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups pomegranate juice
2 ¼ cups vodka
1 cup lime juice
¼ cup ginger
2 tablespoons agave
Mix ingredients well. Store in fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.
After your guests leave and before you clean up, remember to book it to the bathroom for a seasonal brush session.
Happy hosting!