Bring on the rain!

We are getting our first good week of rain this season. It has drizzled a bit here and there but its is supposed to rain for the next 5 days or so. It typically dosnt rain in December for us but since I am 99% done with my Christmas shopping it dosnt bother me! And for those who saved their shopping for the last minute all I have to say is.......HA HA! LOL, I'm kidding but time is running out.

Being stuck indoors does however give us parents the chance to slow down and engage in winter slumber, spend quality time with the family and hopefully continue or start some winter traditions.
I have a sore throat from HELL so I found myself searching for some warm drink recipes that go beyond the boring cup of tea to soothe me. I found some pretty cool ones! There are quite a few for kids.....and some for after the kids go to bed, LOL!

Don't overlook a classic cup of hot apple cider or cocoa (don't forget the marshmellows, they make it so much more magical). Instead of a processed pack of the above mentioned get a little creative. Trader Joe's makes  a great apple cider and mullings spices to add to it!


Egg Nog Chai
Wether you use chair powder or a tea bag.....milk or water, try mixing your chai with egg nog, it has a festive and unique flavor!

Now I dont care for it but a lot of people love some.....

Hot Buttered Rum

Usually served at Christmas, this hot sipper tastes great all winter long.
To make hot buttered rum drinks, you will need:
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup margarine or butter, softened
¼ teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Rum
Boiling water
In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, margarine or butter, lemon peel, cinnamon, and allspice. Beat until well combined. Use immediately or cover and chill up to 1 month. Makes about 1 cup or enough 10, with approximately 6-ounce servings.
For 1 serving, place 1 rounded tablespoon of the butter mixture in a mug. Add 3 tablespoons rum and ½ cup of boiling water. Stir well.

Candy Cane Cocoa

 

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 4 peppermint candy canes, crushed
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 4 small peppermint candy canes

Directions

In a saucepan, heat milk until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and the crushed peppermint candies until melted and smooth. Pour hot cocoa into four mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy cane stirring sticks

 

Hot Toddy 

Hot Toddy
1 ounces Whiskey      1 ounce Honey       ounce Lemon Juice      3 ounces Water (Hot) If you have a microwave, the easiest way to make this drink is to warm the honey and lemon juice for about half a minute and then to add hot water and the whiskey. Otherwise, we recommend that you stir the honey and lemon juice into extremely warm water, allow it to cool slightly, and add the whiskey.