Cranberry Sangria

This year I thought I was really on top of things, and then it happened.

Christmas totally snuck up on me!

I don't know if it was because Thanksgiving was so late, but I feel like it is way too soon for the holiday to be upon us.  How is it only 3 days away?

I'm thinking this whole working thing is really starting to get in the way of my personal life.  Too bad I only have, oh, about 40 more years to go.

Speaking of work, last weekend I hosted a brunch with my girlfriends from my first job out of college.  Hard to believe that was almost 9 years ago already!  We try to get together at least once a year around the holidays, and if possible once in the summer.

The weather was, shall we say festive... a pretty dusting of snow, that held off enough to allow for their safe travel from New York and North Jersey.  We enjoyed a nice spread of coffee cake, pumpkin muffins, quiche, maple-coated bacon, and chopped greek salad.  Not to mention cranberry sangria.

I'm not a big drinker but I am usually a sucker for  a good margarita, and a good glass of sangria.  I like that this one had cranberry for the holiday.  Not too sweet or heavy, but it will still put a little jingle in your bells.

I totally could have used a glass (or three) of this a few weeks ago, when I was trying to get a photo of Mini for our family Christmas card.

This child does not sit still - not for one second.  True definition of "Ants in the Pants."

I need one of those high-speed cameras just to have a prayer of getting a shot that is not a complete blur.

Somehow I managed to capture a few gems - but it certainly wasn't easy!

In any event, amidst all the craziness that often accompanies this season, I hope you can take some time to relax (preferably, with a glass of cranberry sangria.)  Whatever you do - please, please, please just enjoy your holidays!!

Cranberry Sangria

• 1 bottle (750mL) dry red wine
• 1 C. cranberry juice
• 1 C. orange juice
• 1/4 C. brandy
• 1/3 C. Triple Sec
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 1/3 C. fresh cranberries, some crushed

Combine all liquid ingredients in a large glass pitcher.  Add fruit.  Chill 2-8 hours before serving.

Recipe Adapted from the Editors of Publications International, Ltd..  "Cranberry Sangría"  31 August 2006.  HowStuffWorks.com.

Apple Cider Ginger Punch

I know I just posted an apple-related recipe, but let's be honest.

Fall is my favorite season, and I have no self control.  

I heard a commercial for Dunkin' Donuts' pumpkin products on the radio the other day that made me laugh.  This guy goes to order, and finds out the pumpkin flavor is only available for a limited time during fall.  So he wants to load up on pumpkin donuts & muffins... in some random lady's purse and also some other guy's briefcase.  Plus a dump truck for the coffee.

You kinda have to hear it to find it amusing, but I was thinking OMG, that's so me.

I tend to go a little overboard during fall.  I want to make everything pumpkin & apple.

I've been able to restrain myself fairly well thus far, but I can't sit on this drink any longer.  It's too good.  

If you've never had ginger beer, it's a non-alcoholic beverage that's really just ginger ale with lots of ginger.  My dad & my stepmom introduced me to it, apparently it's popular in Bermuda.  I found this Jamaican kind in our local grocery store.

I was having trouble deciding if I liked this better with vodka or spiced rum, though.  I eventually decided on vodka.  But tell me what you think?

Apple Cider Ginger Punch

• 2 oz. good-quality vodka 
• 2 oz. apple cider
• 4 oz. ginger beer
• club soda (I actually used unsweetened pomegranate seltzer) 
• apple slices (optional)

Combine vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer.  Pour over glass filled with ice.  Top off with club soda & apple slices, if desired.  Makes one drink.

Adapted from Drinksmixer.com