Soul-warming cups

Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider

Ingredients

• 2 quarts apple cider

• 6 cups cranberry juice

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and lemon slices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove cinnamon, cloves, and lemon slices. Serve hot.

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

1. 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 stick.

Amazingly Good Eggnog

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk

• 5 whole cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 12 egg yolks

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 1/2 cups light rum (optional)

• 4 cups light cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.

2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour.

3. Stir in rum (if using), cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Source: allrecipes.com