Ginger custard with orange marmalade recipe

Vintage Recipe Thursday is meant to preserve your own original vintage family recipes, or out-of-print, copyright-free recipes from old cookbooks, magazines, newspapers, and postcards. You're invited! Get the details by clicking to the Vintage Recipe Thursday Homepage. I post recipes from the Household Searchlight Recipe Book, first published in 1931. My 16th printing is from 1943. What will

12 Party Tops to Party in the New Year

Not a fan of dresses, you can still look fab come New Year's Eve with Party Tops. Who doesn't love 'em. Whether they're sophisticated and elegant, bold and daring or pretty and posh, there are so many options to choose from. No matter if paired with a great pair of pants, jeans or a skirt you're going to look fun, flirty and fabulous.Tube Bra Top with Sweetheart Neckline $19.50 sale Victoria's

12 New Year's Eve Party Dresses

I hope everyone had a happy holiday, spending time with family and enjoying good food (hopefully you didn't overeat, which most of us probably did).Now, is the time to get ready for New Year's Eve and here to get you started are 12 sexy party dresses that will have sparkling at the end of the year. Tomorrow I'll post party tops followed by bags and shoes.It's also a great time to find amazing

Vintage Christmas pudding recipe

Vintage Recipe Thursday is meant to preserve your own original vintage family recipes, or out-of-print, copyright-free recipes from old cookbooks, magazines, newspapers. You're invited! Get the details by clicking to the Vintage Recipe Thursday Homepage. I post recipes from the Household Searchlight Recipe Book, first published in 1931. My 16th printing is from 1943. What will you post?


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Musuem Find: Fruit Bowl

There is just something so sleek and cool about this fruit bowl. It's simple and polished. It's a stylish way for kids to grab a piece a fruit or for us busy gals on the go to snag a piece a fruit as we go out the door.Fruit Loop Bowl created by Daniel Black and Martin Blum$42.00 Museum of Modern Art (momastore.org)* Chromed-steel wire * Hand-wash only

What to Wear: For Pre-holiday Date

You have a date scheduled for Wednesday night right before Christmas Eve and with all the holiday stress you don't feel like going all out for the night. No worries just find a sexy but easy to wear dress. You can't go wrong with a black dress it's stunning and you can get away with a lot. Style it with killer heels and amazing accessories (but not too much, you want to keep the attention on you)

Food Pick: NewTree Chocolate Bars

It's no secret that I love chocolate but I try not to over do it. Just a little bit every now and then. We all know how much those luxe chocolates can cost so here's a delicious and affordable food find: Chocolate Bars from NEWTREE. Each chocolate bar has a interesting name like Sexy, Crave, or Pleasure and includes some equally interesting ingredients like Coffee, Blackcurrants, or

'SNL' Brittany Murphy parody removed from the Web

** Style and Focus PR would like to send out condolences to the family of Brittany Murphy.It's been such a long time since I've watched an episode of Saturday Night Live. I stopped watching because I no longer found it funny. There's no original material like with the old skits. Lately, the show just seems to be anything but funny especially doing a skit on an actress who was allegedly taking

Tasting Table 'NY Specials Edition' Debuts January 2010

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 -- Tasting Table, the free daily epicurean email, will launch its "NY Specials" edition this January. This new weekly email will offer subscribers special access to the city's tastiest food-centric happenings, from delicious deals to exclusive tables at restaurant openings.Beyond just discounts, NY Specials will also connect readers to Tasting Table-approved restaurants, bars,

Beauty Gift: M·A·C 'Lipglass & Lustreglass' Set

A beauty gift that's sure not to be returned is the M·A·C Mini 'Lipglass & Lustreglass' Set ($29.50, Nordstrom). This holiday find is perfect for your sister, best friend or a little something glam for yourself. These mini glosses will take the gift girl straight into party season.Available in three sets: Sexy Shenanigans (above), Frisky Business, and Models Misbehaving.Frisky BusinessModels

Vintage coconut cookie recipe

Vintage Recipe Thursday is meant to preserve your own original vintage family recipes, or out-of-print, copyright-free recipes from old cookbooks, magazines, newspapers. You're invited! Get the details by clicking to the Vintage Recipe Thursday Homepage. I post recipes from the Household Searchlight Recipe Book, first published in 1931. My 16th printing is from 1943. What will you post?


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Add to Christmas gift list: Chocolate, A Love Story

Chocolate, A Love Story: 65 Chocolate dessert recipes from Max Brenner's Private Collection is the latest toy to consummate your love affair.There's even a 66th bonus recipe, and don't expect this cookbook to follow trends with visual "food porn" or other cookbook conventions.Brenner has taken the lead. He shuns food styling and photography for original work by his friend, Israeli artist Yonatan

Study says the Smell of Chocolate Helps You to Relax

According to a study, the smell of chocolate helps you to relax. The smell seems to remind you of happy memories resulting in you becoming more calm. For a guilt-free way to relax without hitting the frige, try lighting a chocolate-scented candle. To highten the effect, light a cocoa scented candle while snuggling up on the couch.Shown: Godiva Set of 2 Chocolate Scented Candles $29.96 qvc.com

Give the Gift of Life This Holiday With Fashionable Medical ID Jewelry

-Lauren's Hope Says Vanity Is No Reason to Risk a Life-KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 14 -- It's statistically proven that medical identification (ID) tags save lives. Medical ID tags should be worn by the millions of people suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiac issues, asthma, allergies and other conditions that require special medical treatment. Yet only a small percentage of

Museum Find: Espresso Set

Espresso Set created by Fellina Sok-Cham $45.00The Museum of Modern Art (momastore.org)This espresso set would be great for the friend who loves to entertain, the nester who longs for a quiet evening at home or for someone who loves simplicity. For the entertainer, this kitchen accessory can also be used for serving appetizers, soups and desserts. This is so interesting because you can get

BROWNIES, BROWNIES & MORE BROWNIES!!!

I have made all of these brownie recipes and they are to die for...If you love BROWNIES, then these recipes are for you!!!

PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLE BROWNIES

Craving chocolate and sweet peanut butter all wrapped up into one indulgent bar? Start with a no-fail brownie mix, then add layers of peanut butter and melted chocolate chips. Yum.

INGREDIENTS:
Brownie Base
1 box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box

Filling
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk

Topping
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray or shortening. (For easier cutting, line pan with foil, then grease foil on bottom only of pan.)

In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, pouch of chocolate syrup, water, oil and eggs until well blended. Spread in pan. Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

In medium bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over brownie base.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave topping ingredients uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds; stir until smooth. Cool 10 minutes; spread over filling. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. For brownies, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator

PEANUT BUTTER RIPPLE BROWNIES

Crave the classic chocolate and peanut butter flavor combo? Here it is in brownie form, frosted of course!

INGREDIENTS:
Brownies
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
Chopped peanuts, if desired

Peanut Butter Frosting
1 cup vanilla frosting (from 1-lb container)
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 to 3 teaspoons milk

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan. In small bowl, beat sugar, 1/2 cup peanut butter, the flour and 2 eggs with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes; set aside.

In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, pouch of chocolate syrup, oil, water and 2 eggs until well blended. Spread in pan. Drop peanut butter mixture by tablespoonfuls onto batter. Swirl through batter with knife.

Bake 40 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

In medium bowl, stir all frosting ingredients, using spoon, until smooth and spreadable. Spread frosting over brownies; sprinkle with peanuts. For brownies, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows

ULTIMATE TURTLE BROWNIES

Make the ultimate! Indulge brownie mix with extra caramel, nuts and chocolate.

INGREDIENTS:
1 box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
1 bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 bag (11.5 oz) semisweet chocolate chunks (2 cups)
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, pouch of chocolate syrup, water, oil and eggs until well blended. Spread 1/2 of batter (about 1 1/2 cups) in pan. Bake 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large microwavable bowl, microwave caramels and whipping cream uncovered on High 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth.

Pour caramel over partially baked brownie; spread to edges. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup of the pecans. Drop remaining brownie batter by small spoonfuls onto caramel layer. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup pecans.

Bake 33 to 36 minutes longer or until center is almost set. Cool 1 hour at room temperature. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour before serving. For brownies, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store covered at room temperature.
Recipes from Betty Crocker

Gifts: 34 Accessories for under a $100: Pt 2

Crushed Glitter Minaudiere $49.50 J.CrewDisco Trimmed Tear Earrings $3.80 Forever21Erin Satchel $39.90 Alloy.comJewel Eyes Owl Necklace $4.80 Forever21Kate Spade 'Idiom' Thin Enamel Bangle $42.00 NordstromAvailable in 10 different colorsSophia Necklace $19.90 Alloy.comMetallic Shine Wallet $7.50 Forever21Swatch 'Snow Covered' Plastic Watch $55.00 NordstromMinicci 'Dahlia' Wristlet $6.99

The Headwear Association Gives Away Thousands of Warm Hats to Shelters and Non-Profit Organizations Nationwide

Annual 'Headwear for the Homeless' Campaign kicks-off December 10CHICAGO, Dec. 9 -- It's common knowledge that you lose as much as 80 percent of your body heat through your head. As temperatures plummet outside, wearing a hat can be one of the best ways to keep warm. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford proper headwear to protect their head and ears during the long winter months.In an effort to

Vintage graham butter-scotch cookie recipe

Vintage Recipe Thursday is meant to preserve your own original vintage family recipes, or out-of-print, copyright-free recipes from old cookbooks, magazines, newspapers. You're invited! Get the details by clicking to the Vintage Recipe Thursday Homepage. I post recipes from the Household Searchlight Recipe Book, first published in 1931. My 16th printing is from 1943. What will you post?


***

Gifts: 34 Accessories for under a $100: Pt 1

Accessories are a fun way of finding great affordable and stylish gifts. It doesn't matter if your friends or family members are glam, preppy, edgy, trendy, eco-chic, or laid-back you can find accessories that will fit their style personality. Here are a stylish suggestions below:DKNY 'Color Bar' Patent Leather Watch $85.00 NordstromHobo International patent Leather Wristlet $68.00 NordstromBP

Beauty Pick: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula

Clinque 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula $18.00 (3.4 fl oz) clinique.comKeeping our skin gorgeous during the winter can sometimes be a daunting task. It doesn't have to be, instead think easygoing beauty. With this easy to use scrub, you only need to use a little bit to buff away dull skin and leave you with softer smoother skin. It's designed to work for all skin types.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TORTE, EASY BERRY FRUIT TART & PEPPERMINT CANDY TARTS!!

Please, Please check the top two items on the right side of my blog and lets help FEED AMERICA!
It is just a few clicks and a few minutes of your time to help others in this Holy Season!!!

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TORTE

At 16 servings, this easy-to-make torte is a great choice to serve the crowd at your next gathering!

INGREDIENTS
37 vanilla wafers, divided
4 squares Baker's semi-sweet chocolate, divided
2 pkg. (3.9 oz. each) chocolate instant pudding
2 cups plus 2 Tbsp. cold milk, divided
1 tub (8 oz.) cool whip, thawed, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh raspberries

DIRECTIONS
Stand 16 wafers around inside edge of 9-inch round pan lined with plastic wrap. Melt 3 chocolate squares as directed on package.

Beat pudding mixes and 2 cups milk with whisk 2 min. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Stir in 1 cup cool whip; pour into prepared pan. Beat cream cheese, sugar and remaining milk with mixer until well blended.

Stir in 1 cup of the remaining cool whip; spread over pudding. Top with remaining wafers. Refrigerate 3 hours.

Meanwhile, shave remaining chocolate square into curls. Invert torte onto plate. Remove pan and plastic wrap. Top torte with remaining cool whip,berries and chocolate curls.

How to Make Chocolate Curls!
Warm chocolate square by microwaving it, unwrapped, on HIGH for a few seconds or just until you can smudge the chocolate with your thumb. Hold the square steadily and draw a vegetable peeler slowly over flat bottom of square, allowing a thin layer of chocolate to curl as it is peeled off the bottom of the square to make long, delicate curls. Or to make shorter curls, use the same technique using the narrow side of the chocolate square.

How to Soften Cream Cheese!
Place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 10 sec. or just until softened. Add 15 sec. for each additional package of cream cheese
Recipe from Kraft

EASY BERRY FRUIT TART

INGREDIENTS:
CRUST
1 refrigerated pie crust (from 15-oz box), softened as directed on box
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

FILLING
1 container (7 oz) crème fraîche
1 container (4 oz) refrigerated vanilla pudding

TOPPING
2/3 cup fresh raspberries
2/3 cup fresh blueberries
2/3 cup fresh blackberries
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 450°F. Make pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell using 9-inch glass pie plate. DO NOT PRICK CRUST.

In food processor bowl with metal blade, place almonds and granulated sugar; process with on/off pulses until finely ground. Sprinkle almond mixture over pie crust; gently press in. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until light golden brown. If crust puffs in center, flatten gently with back of wooden spoon. Cool 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir together crème fraîche and vanilla pudding. Spread pudding mixture in cooled baked shell. Top with berries. Refrigerate 2 hours or until serving time.

Just before serving, sprinkle tart with powdered sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.
Recipe from Pillsbury

PEPPERMINT CANDY TARTS

Treat your family & friends to these cute Christmas confections!

INGREDIENTS:
TART SHELLS
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

FILLING & GARNISH
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 or 3 drops red food color
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup crushed hard peppermint candies (about 18 candies)

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms only of 32 mini muffin cups with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in peppermint extract and egg until blended. On low speed, beat in flour, baking soda and salt.

Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Press each ball in bottom and up side of muffin cup.

Bake 9 to 12 minutes until set and edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from muffin cups to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

In small bowl, beat filling ingredients except crushed candies with electric mixture on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/4 cup of the candies. Spoon or pipe 1 rounded measuring teaspoon filling into center of each tart shell. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candies.
Recipe from Betty Crocker

"BARS, BARS & MORE BARS" JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS BAKING!!!

Please, Please check the top two items on the right side of my blog and lets help FEED AMERICA!
It is just a few clicks and a few minutes of your time to help others in this Holy Season!!!

CHOCOLATE & CARAMEL OATMEAL BARS

Transform yellow cake mix into irresistible bars brimming with crunchy nuts and oats as well as creamy chocolate and caramel

1 package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 jar (12.25 ounces) caramel topping (1 cup)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, with aluminum foil. Spray foil with cooking spray.

Beat cake mix, butter and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed about 1 minute or just until crumbly. Stir in oats, using hands if necessary. Reserve 1 1/2 cups oat mixture. Press remaining oat mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown.

Sprinkle chocolate chips and walnuts over hot crust. Mix caramel topping and flour in small bowl; drizzle evenly over chocolate chips and walnuts. Sprinkle reserved oat mixture over top.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

*Hint*
Be sure to check your oats to see if they are the quick-cooking kind. Don't use instant oatmeal, which will become mushy when it's baked in dough. It’s best to bake bars in the exact pan size called for in a recipe. Bars baked in a pan that is too large will overbake and be hard. Those baked in a pan that’s too small can be doughy in the center and hard on the edges

Not a nut lover? Go ahead and leave them out. The bars will be just as gooey and delicious.

PECAN PIE BROWNIES

The best brownies I've ever made or eaten! Moist, chewy, decadent; a very special desert treat. Cut them in smaller squares than your usual brownies as they are so rich.

INGREDIENTS:
Pecan Topping
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Brownies
1 box Betty Crocker's Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
2 eggs


DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray or shortening.

In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and 2 eggs until well blended. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and pecans.

In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, pouch of chocolate syrup, oil, water and 2 eggs until well blended. Spread in pan. Spoon pecan topping evenly over batter.

Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For 36 brownies, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. If desired, garnish each brownie with a pecan half.

BUTTERSCOTCH BARS

Four ingredients are all you need for these delicious bars.

INGREDIENTS:
1 package butter pecan cake mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 jar (12.5 oz) caramel topping

DIRECTIONS.
Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir together cake mix, butter and egg, using fork. Press half of the mixture in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan; reserve remaining cake mixture. Bake 10 minutes.

Pour caramel topping over baked layer. Sprinkle with remaining cake mixture.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered.

FRUIT & NUT SQUARES

Cranberries, apricots and nuts mix up into a rich and delicious favorite holiday bar.

INGREDIENTS:
Crust
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

Filling
1 can (about 9 oz) salted mixed nuts (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup quartered dried apricots
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup flaked coconut
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, the brown sugar and butter with fork until crumbly. Press firmly in bottom of pan.

In same bowl, mix filling ingredients. Spoon onto crust; spread evenly.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely, about 45 minutes. For squares, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows
Recipes from Betty Crocker.

Corn syrup "more deadly than terrorism"; eat maple

Vintage Recipe Thursday is meant to preserve your own original vintage family recipes, or out-of-print, copyright-free recipes from old cookbooks, magazines, newspapers. You're invited! Get the details by clicking to the Vintage Recipe Thursday Homepage. I post recipes from the Household Searchlight Recipe Book, first published in 1931. My 16th printing is from 1943. What will you post?


***

Payless ShoeSource To Donate $1.2 Million in Free Shoes to Children this Holiday and Announces New International Non-Profit Partners

More Than 750 Charitable Agencies Representing All 50 States in the United States, Across Canada and Puerto Rico and in 10 Latin American Countries Come Together to Create Expansive Grass-Roots Giving Network to Directly and Immediately Give the Gift of Shoes This Holiday Season; Kids Start Shopping with Free Shoe CouponsTOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 2 -- Leading family footwear retailer, Payless ShoeSource

Beauty Pick: L'Occitane Hand Celebration Set

L'Occitane Hand Celebration Set $25.00 (sephora.com, amazon.com)Fantastic for dry hands, these creams will give you extra hydration and have your hands feeling amazing. What I love about these creams is that they're moisturizing without being extremely greasy. The set includes three scents: Lavender, Shea Butter and Shea Vanilla Hand Cream. This also makes a beauty great gift for the holiday.

Museum Find: An Edgar Dagas Dancer Tote Bag

Edgar Degas Dancer Tote Bag $15.00 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store (store.metmuseum.org)This tote bag would make a great gift for your art loving sister or best friend who loves visting the museum. It's affordable culture and they will enjoy toting this classical piece all around town. To make it even more special you could personalize it and include various items that reflect their

CAPPUCCINO NOG, MINT HOT CHOCOLATE & CREAMY CHOCOLATE ALMOND COFFEE

Please, Please check the top two items on the right side of my blog and lets help FEED AMERICA!
It is just a few clicks and a few minutes of your time to help others in this Holy Season!!!

Tired of serving the same old drinks at your get togethers? Then try these. Your family & friends will love them.

CAPPUCCINO NOG

INGREDIENTS:
6 eggs, slightly beaten
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups hot espresso coffee
1 cup coffee liqueur or brandy
2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
Ground cinnamon


DIRECTIONS:
Stir together eggs, granulated sugar and salt in heavy Dutch oven. Gradually stir in milk. Cook over low heat 15 to 20 minutes, stirring constantly, just until mixture coats a metal spoon; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Stir together coffee and liqueur. Gradually stir coffee mixture into egg mixture; keep warm.

Just before serving, beat whipping cream and brown sugar in chilled large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Gently stir 2 cups of the whipped cream into egg mixture.

Pour into mugs. Top with dollops of remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve immediately. Immediately refrigerate any remaining nog

The sugar in this recipe helps keep the eggs from setting up in the first step. But you'll still need to stir constantly over low heat to provide the gentlest heating possible.

Make espresso coffee from instant espresso powder, or use any strong (regular or decaf) coffee.

ALPINE MINT HOT CHOCOLATE

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
6 cups milk
3 cups white vanilla baking chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
*Candy cane or crushed hard peppermint candy, if desired


DIRECTIONS:
In chilled small bowl, mix whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk just to simmering over medium-low heat - do not boil. Reduce heat to low. Add baking chips; stir constantly with wire whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.

Pour hot chocolate into cups or mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream. Garnish with candy cane for stirring, or sprinkle with crushed candies.

Melt white vanilla baking chips carefully. They burn easily, so be sure to cook over low heat, and stir constantly.

Use 1/3 cup peppermint schnapps for the 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract in the hot chocolate to make a delicious adult drink

CREAMY CHOCOLATE ALMOND COFFEE

Like a desert in a mug!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
4 scoops (about 1/4 cup each) chocolate ice cream
4 cups strong hot coffee, Chocolate shavings or toasted sliced almonds, if desired

DIRECTIONS:
In chilled small bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar and almond extract with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Place 1 scoop ice cream in each of 4 cups or mugs. Pour coffee over ice cream. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings or almonds. Serve immediately.

Serve this indulgent coffee with chocolate-covered spoons. Look for them at gourmet stores. Or make your own by dipping silver or plastic spoons into melted candy coating; refrigerate until firm.
Recipes from Betty Crocker.

Latest Obsession: Cozy Lounge Wear

I guess I'm in a cozy state of mind because I'm looking for items that are esstential for lounging around after work or on the weekend. They must be soft, laid-back and comfy for the those winter days and nights. I want the clothes to be flattering and comfortable.Pure Body Long-Sleeved T $19.50Simple Drawstring Pants $24.50From Gap (gap.com)

Must Have: Banana Republic Double Breasted Cardigan

Heritage Double-Breasted Cardigan $175.00 Banana RepublicThis sweater falls under the Must Have category for me. It's perfect for work, lounging at home or for a date. It's effortless chic and will have you looking amazing in 5 minutes flat. Comfy, Cozy and Chic.