Earthly Eating

Here is a checklist of the things needed to help your holiday entertaining go off without a hitche and it really will please every guest in attendance.

• Some nonalcoholic beverages, such as microbrew sodas, sparkling water or chai tea is always a big pleaser.

• Organic juices, freshed squeezed is best, which can be used either as a cocktail mixer or offered to the guests that do not drink alcoholic beverages, such as children.

• At least on organic beer, choose ones in a light and dark variety.

• A clean, crowd-pleasing organic white wine.

• A full-bodied, wintry organic red wine. Be sure to choose your alcoholic beverages that are all organic. It is not only better for your body, most are made in a very sustainable way and are great for the environment as well.

• A full range of organic spirits to help any guest choose something they would love to consume. And possibly help them choose a new favorite.

• A special cocktail you have devised just for the evening. Choosing one out that is your favorite and offering it to your guest for the evening, helps put that special touch to your gathering and makes you and your guest feel special.

Here are some drinks that will give your party that special touch for the evening:

1. The Tart-ini:

2 oz. VeeV
Small handful of tart fruit such as blackberries, pomegranate seeds or raspberries.
2 slices of lime
1 tsp. cane sugar

In a mixing glass or shaker, muddle 1 lime slice, fruit and sugar until integrated. Add VeeV, fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with skewer of remaining lime slices and 1 berry.

2. THE SLEIGH DRIVER:

1 oz. gin
1 oz. freshly grated ginger root
Chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
Twist of tangerine peel (for garnish)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add gin, tangerine juice and ginger. Shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with a splash of Champagne and garnish with the tangerine peel.

3. PINE TREE MARTINI:

2 oz. rosemary vodka (place a sprig of rosemary in a bottle of vodka and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then remove the sprig of rosemary after 1 hour, don’t let it sit in longer than that or the rosemary will become over powering in the vodka and make it bitter.)
Dash of dry vermouth
Rosemary Sprig

Combine vodka and vermouth in a cocktail shaker. SEtir with bar spoon and then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

4. VANILLA VODKA DESSERT:

1 1/2 oz. Vanilla-infused vodka
1 oz. espresso
1 oz. half and half
1/2 oz. dark chocolate liqueur
1/2 oz. simple syrup made from cane sugar
3 coffee beans or chocolate shavings as a granish

Add all of the ingredients into a mixing glass or shaker. Mix. Strain into a martini glass. Gently drop the coffee beans or choclate shavings onto the drink.

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Earthly Eating Recipe- Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets

Almond Sugar Cookies
Serves: Makes 3 dozen

1 cup almonds, unsalted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flur
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 large egg
2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
All-natural colored decorator’s sugar

1. Finely chop the almonds in a food processor.

2. Whisk the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, almonds, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.

3. In a seperate bowl, combine the sugar and canola oil and beat on medium speed until well blended, about 1 minute. Add the egg, honey and vanilla, and combine to beat until smooth, about 1 minute.

4. On low speed, gradually beat in the dry ingredients until just combined.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F.

7. Generously coat two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

8. On a well-floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll out a quarter of the dough 1/8″ thick. Keep the rest of the dough refrigerated.

9. With a cookie cutter (tree, star, snowman, etc.), cut dough into shapes. Use a spatula to place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet; sprinkle well with decorator’s sugar.

10. Bake about 7 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

Happy Eating!