Cherry & Bourbon Bites

These little candies are super easy to make and are perfect for the holidays

because you make them about a week or so ahead of time. 

I used Old Granddad's Kentucky Bourbon but you could easily substitute rum.

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. bourbon

1/4 c. corn syrup

3 c. finely chopped vanilla wafers (make it easy, do it in the blender)

1 1/2 c. ground pecans (same here - blender)

24 candied cherries, halved

1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

1. Melt chocolate chips, in microwave or over double boiler, stirring occasionally until smooth.

2. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and corn syrup.

3. In a medium bowl, toss together the vanilla wafers and nuts.

4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crumbs in the bowl and blend well using your hands.

5. Shape into 1-inch balls and press a cherry half into the center of each one. Roll each cookie in confectioners' sugar to coat.

6. Store in an airtight container.

These are pretty tasty right away but the flavor improves
over a few days.

Dirty Bedtime Story

There is supposed to be something
magically relaxing about warm milk.

Maybe it depends on what you add to it!  ;) 

1/2. milk

2 tsp. chocolate syrup

1 oz. amaretto liqueur

1 oz. Irish cream

1.  Combine all ingredients.

2.  Heat in microwave 30 seconds.

I just like to just take the chill off the milk but you could absolutely make it warmer.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes -  just couldn't resist the name!

Wine Cake

This cake was made with a chardonnay and it's delicious! 

As always, you should use a wine you will actually drink. 

However, because you're pouring 3/4c. of it into this batter, I say don't use the fancy stuff for this recipe. 

Go with your good El Cheapo!  ;)

You will need:

1 box, white cake mix

1 5oz. box, vanilla pudding mix

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

3/4c. vegetable oil

3/4c. white wine

4 eggs

1.  Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix with an electric mixer on Medium for 5 minutes.  Batter will be thick.

2.  Pour into a prepared bundt pan.

3.  Bake at 350* for approximately 50 minutes.  Your house will smell AMAZING!

4.  Allow to cool 10 minutes prior to inverting cake onto a rack.

5.  Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh fruit.

6.  Since you've already opened the white, go ahead a pour yourself a glass!