Daily December 8: Holiday drinks

I think a yummy punch or drink makes things extra special.  During the holidays there seems to be no end to yummy drinks you can have.  Here are a few of our favorites.

You just can't beat good hot chocolate.  We have it almost daily at our house in the winter (and in the summer if you are Mr J, he has a cup almost every morning for breakfast).  We actually buy it in bulk in a 25 lb bag, and that lasts us about a year.  I found this new kind at our Wal-mart recently.  It is Stephens brand which I love, but can usually never find in my neck of the woods, so I was super excited when they had it.  If you can find it in your neighborhood, get a can for a cold winter's evening treat.

Cranberry Tea (without the tea) is a drink a dear friend made for us a few Christmases back.  It is nice and refreshing.  It is good either hot or cold.

Cranberry Tea (without the tea)

1 quart cranberry juice

2 quarts water

1 (6 oz) can frozen lemonade (pink or regular)

1 (6 oz) can frozen orange juice

1 cup red hots

1/4-1/2 tes ground cloves

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and heat until red hots are melted.  Keep refrigerated.  Shake well, pour into a mug or pan and heat to desired temperature.  A bit of sugar can be added if you want a sweeter taste. 

Love Egg Nog at our house too, but the calories and price are a little high if you go through it as fast as we do.  I was excited a few years ago when I found this recipe for "Egg" Nog, and it is basically egg nog flavored milk, and really good--a lot less fat and calories and no eggs. 

"Egg"  Nog

3 oz box of vanilla instant pudding

1/3 cup sugar

8 cups milk (skim, whole, 2% whatever you want)

2 tes vanilla

1/2 tes nutmeg

In a large bowl mix the first 4 ingredients until combined.  Stir in nutmeg.  Serve chilled and mix well before serving.