Holiday Classics Week 3 – Elf

 

There is no funnier visual than Will Farrell in that green elf costume. I will wait while you try to think of one. His over-the-top comedy is perfectly paired with James Caan’s low key, straight guy aura. The two of them make for one of the best holiday classics out there.  

We came up with this first beverage last season when a little girl in our lives wanted her “kid cocktail” too. A 6 Year old’s palate is similar to ours when we take off the grown up brakes and let our inner kid create beverages. Her mocktail was easily modified to make a grown up cocktail and Smiling’s My Favorite was born! It makes us smile too. For the non alcoholic version, substitute milk for the vanilla vodka.

Son of a Nutcracker was the Make & Muddle take on a classic Italian spritz. The Honey Lavender Elixir balances the bitter of the Cynar and creates a great cocktail. With a fresh mint garnish, it is a fun and festive anytime cocktail. We highly recommend the homemade Caramelized French Onion dip. It is everything you wanted the stuff at the grocery store to taste like, but with real ingredients. Serve it with your favorite ruffled chip.

 

Smiling’s My Favorite

1 pint Chocolate ice cream
.5 c Milk or 4 oz vanilla vodka or
.25 c 7 Syrup
Whipped cream
Cocoa and cinnamon for dusting

Mix everything in a blender. Pour into cups and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa and cinnamon.

 

Son of a Nutcracker

3 oz Prosecco
1.5 oz Cynar
1.5 oz Gin
Splash Honey Lavender Elixir
1 oz Seltzer or lemon Seltzer
Fresh mint and lemon wheel for garnish

Build in a large wine goblet with lots of ice.

Caramelized French Onion Dip

2 Tbs Olive oil
2 Tbs Butter
3 large Vidalia onions, quartered and thinly sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Tbs Fresh thyme, minced
2 c Sour cream
4 oz Cream cheese, room temp
.5 c Mayonnaise
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 
1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
One bunch of fresh chives, chopped finely  

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium until butter is melted.  Add onions and saute, stirring often until golden brown and caramelized, about 30-35 minutes. Add garlic and thyme when onions are browned and cook for an additional minute.  Cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl combine sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce, salt and pepper.  Fold onions into the mixture. Fold in chopped chives.   Season to taste. Chill at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.   Serve with crackers or your favorite Kettle Chips.