Warm and wow guests with homemade hot mulled apple cider
When hosting friends and family at home , it ' s understandable that hosts direct so much of their focus to the foods they plan to serve . The main course is often the focal point and most memorable aspect of a dinner party , and that ' s true whether the get-together is a backyard barbecue , a holiday meal with the family or a formal affair with colleagues .
Food might be a focal point , but guests also will need something to drink . Traditional spirits like wine and cocktails are the standard , but hosts who want to get a little creative should not hesitate to do so . When
choosing a special beverage , timing is everything . Guests will want to cool down on warm summer evenings , so something cold and refreshing can make for the perfect signature cocktail . When hosting on nights when the mercury has dropped , a warm beverage can heat up guests in a matter of minutes . On such nights , hosts can serve this version of " Hot Mulled ( Sherried ) Apple Cider " courtesy of Laurey Masterton ' s " The Fresh Honey Cookbook " ( Storey ). One added benefit to Masterton ' s recipe is it can produce a welcoming winter aroma , helping hosts establish a warm ambiance for the festivities .
Comforting chicken soup
As weather chills , that dip in temperature is often accompanied by cold and flu season . Many people are anxious to avoid feeling under the weather this time of year , and to help ward off many illnesses , one may only need to look to the kitchen stove .
Chicken soups and other soup recipes long have been touted as homeopathic remedies for colds . Not
Hot Mulled ( Sherried ) Apple Cider Serves 16
1 gallon apple cider 1 orange , unpeeled , cut into slices 1 / 4 cup whole cloves 4 sticks cinnamon 1 / 4 cup honey , preferably cranberry honey 1 cup sherry ( optional )
Instructions
1 . Combine the cider , orange slices , cloves , cinnamon , and honey in a large pot over medium heat . If you are picky about things floating in your cider , make a little bundle out of cheesecloth and place the cinnamon and cloves inside before adding to the cider . I like to chew on cloves , so I just toss everything in . Bring to a boil , and then reduce to a simmer over low heat for an hour or so to spread these lovely winter aromas around your home .
2 . If you ’ re serving it to adults , add the sherry .
only are they hydrating , hot soups can break up congestion in the nose and chest . Plus their vegetable-rich content offers the vitamins and minerals needed to boost one ’ s immune system . Any soup will do , but ¨Sylvie ’ s Stars and Moon Soup¨ is whimsical enough to excite even the pickiest and youngest members of your household .
Enjoy this recipe , courtesy of ¨Soup ’ s On : Soul-Satisfying Recipes from Your Favorite Cookbook Authors and Chefs¨ ( Chronicle Books ) by Leslie Jonath and Frankie Frankeny .
Classic cookies get a fall makeover
There are plenty of reasons to enjoy oatmeal . This fiber-rich food is filling and can be part of a healthy eating plan that promotes weight loss . In addition , health experts say that oatmeal can be instrumental in helping to moderate cholesterol levels in the blood .
Flavor and versatility are some additional reasons to enjoy oatmeal , especially when preparing baked goods like cookies . Oatmeal cookies are classics all on their own , but home bakers can put a fall spin on this cookie jar staple with the introduction of a few seasonal ingredients . Enjoy ¨Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies¨ from ¨Live Well , Bake Cookies¨ ( Rock Point ) by Danielle Rye .
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies - Makes 24
1 cup all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 / 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 / 2 teaspoon baking soda 1 / 4 teaspoon salt 11 / 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 / 2 cup unsalted butter , softened
2 cans ( 10.5 oz or 14.5 oz ) chicken broth ( or homemade if desired )
2 medium carrots , peeled and cut into coins
1 / 4 cup orecchiette 1 / 2 cup elbow macaroni
1 / 2 cup packed light brown sugar 1 / 4 cup granulated sugar
1 / 3 cup pumpkin puree , squeeze out the excess moisture with paper towels
1 large egg yolk , at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1 . Preheat the oven to 350 F . Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside .
2 . In a large mixing bowl , whisk together the flour , pumpkin pie spice , ground cinnamon , baking soda , and salt until well combined . Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and set aside .
3 . In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer , beat the butter , brown sugar , and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes , or until well combined .
4 . Mix in the pumpkin puree , egg yolk , and vanilla extract until fully combined , making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed .
5 . Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined , then mix in the chocolate chips on low speed until fully incorporated .
6 . Using a 11 / 2-tablespoon cookie scoop , scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets , making sure to leave a little room between each one . Gently press each ball of cookie dough down to slightly flatten it .
7 . Bake for 9 to 11 minutes , or until the tops of the cookies are set . Remove from the oven , and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes ; then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely .
8 . Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to five days .
Sylvie ’ s Stars and Moon Soup Serves 2 to 4
1 / 2 cup mini pasta stars ( pastina ) 1 cup frozen shelled edamame
8 green beans , cut into 1 / 2-inch pieces
1 cup shredded , cooked chicken
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Pour the broth into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat . Add the carrots and bring to a boil . Add the orecchiette and cook for 2 minutes . Add the macaroni and cook for 3 minutes more . Add the stars , edamame , and green beans and cook for 4 minutes more . Add the chicken , cook until it is heated through , then sprinkle with pepper and serve .
38 Senior Resource Guide 2022