Gingerbread Eggnog IceBox Cake

Some people may think this is just a dessert for the holidays, but nope...Eggnog, especially eggnog with bourbon, is a winter drink. This means you have another 2 months to enjoy this treat. You should still be able to find some at your local liquor store(or if you are looking for non alcoholic, they normally carry till mid Jan at grocery stores) and the ginger cookies are out year round. 

This is very light and it is quite simple to make. There are few things I love more than a yummy icebox cake and the many variations you could make...just use your imagination. but only after you try this one;)

Ingredients

2 packs instant pudding(vanilla or cheesecake)

2 cups eggnog(cold)

1 cup milk

1 tub cool whip(or make 2 cups whipped cream)

1 package ginger thins

make pudding packs with milk and eggnog, place in fridge to set up. After about 15 minutes fold in whipped topping. In a loaf pan, ladle the eggnog mixture into the bottom of pan in a thin layer, place a layer of cookies on top and continue layering to top. Cover and place in freezer for at least 2 hours.

linking up with Jessica & Ashley

Sparkling Bourbon Cranberry Cider

Bourbon is the perfect drink for this time of year. Actually, let's not kid ourselves...bourbon is the perfect companion no matter the time of year. But, I will say it does warm you up a little more with these frigid temps. and by frigid I mean how it was only 57' in Raleigh today. 

We leave for Boston tomorrow where the high is supposed to be in the 20's and it is supposed to be 74' here on Saturday. Please excuse me while I go cry for a few minutes. I am trying to prepare, but this may be where my trusty bourbon comes in. A few sips here, a few sips there. No one will be any the wiser.

But if you want to enjoy your bourbon in a classier way than the brown bag, this is the perfect option for your next gathering! It is really light and refreshing and if you are not a big whiskey drinker, this is a good way to ease yourself in!

Ingredients

1 cup cran apple juice

1 cup apple cider

1/4 cup bourbon

1 bottle champagne

1/2 fresh cranberries

1 cinnamon stick(optional)

In a container, mix together all ingredients except the champagne and cranberries. I used one of my favorite bourbons, Evan Williams Apple Orchard. It is bourbon infused with cinnamon and a few other flavors. It is seasonal, so if you cannot find it, just add in the cinnamon stick when you combine your liquids. I would let the flavors marry for about an hour before you move onto the next step. and if you want to forgo the cinnamon, it is just as tasty...you have my word. 

Chill your mixed juice and then once you are ready to serve, drop a few cranberries in a your champagne glass and then fill  about 1/2 way full and top with your champagne. 

You could easily make these by the pitcher and you could use any cranberry juice you like. Cran raspberry may be good or even pear.

I have a feeling we may be ringing 2014 in with this tasty concoction! 

Linking up with Kristin today