It wouldn’t be the holidays without copious amounts of delicious, drool inducing food. From the potatoes to the cocktails, desserts, appetizers and everything in between, there is no shortage of calories between November and December and all I have to say about this is I am here for it. Fortunately, the LIY team is as well.
We recently gathered for our forth annual holiday meal where we each bring a dish [or drink] to share and because we want to make sure you’re well fed this holiday season, we are bringing you all of the recipes that we made [and devoured] in this free holiday cookbook! Included are a simple slow-cooker beer cheese dip, candied cocktail smokies, delicious drinks to sip, and several desserts to devour! There is nothing greater than gathering around the table with people you love and spending time catching up, laughing, sharing stories and of course – eating. Full stomachs = full hearts and empty glasses = fuller hearts. I think we can all cheers to that!
Caramel Apple Mule
-
3
oz.
Caramel Vodka -
3
oz.
Apple Cider -
4
oz.
Ginger Beer -
1
Lime [or Lime Juice] - Apple Slices [for garnishing]
- Rosemary [for garnishing]
- Cinnamon Sticks [for garnishing]
-
Combine vodka and cider in glass with ice [about 2 shots each]
-
Squeeze in fresh lime juice and top with ginger beer [about half a can]
-
Mix and garnish with cinnamon sticks, fresh rosemary, and apple slices [optional!]. Cheers!
-
Tip: start with one shot of vodka and add more if preferred!
Sausage & Cheese Wontons
-
1
package
[25 count] Wonton Wrappers -
1
lb.
Hot Sausage [cooked & drained] -
1.5
cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese -
1
cup
Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese -
3/4
cup
Ranch Dressing
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press wonton wrappers individually into a muffin tin and bake for 5 minutes until golden brown.
-
Remove from oven place wrappers onto cookie sheet. Repeat until all wrappers are baked.
-
Mix the cooked sausage, cheese, and ranch dressing until well blende. Spoon into wonton wrappers.
-
Bake 5-10 minutes, serve warm. Enjoy!
Better Than Sex Cake
The first time I had this cake [back in high school, which seems like decades ago… oh wait…] I instantly fell in love. It comes together so easily, and truly continues to get better after each day! The longer it sits, the more the caramel and sweetened condensed milk combo soaks in! I’d recommend making it at least the night before, if not even sooner!
-
1
box
devil’s food cake mix -
14
oz. [1 can]
sweetened condensed milk -
12
oz. [1 jar]
caramel ice cream topping -
8
oz.
Cool Whip -
1/2 – 1
cup
Heath toffee bits
-
Bake the cake according to the directions on the box.
-
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the top using either the bottom of a thin wooden spoon, a skewer or a fork.
-
In a medium bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, then slowly drizzle the mixture all over the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
-
Spread the Cool Whip over the top of the cake, top with the Heath toffee bits and refrigerate again for at least 1 hour. Serve cold and refrigerate any leftovers. Enjoy!