This New Year, Eat, Drink and Be Warm

So 2009 is quickly coming to a close, but not before temperatures dip to annoyingly low digits. Here are some delicious drinks to warm your New Year's Eve party. Did I mention that they are deliciously warm alcoholic beverages? Don't worry, I have nice "virgin' treats as well. These soothing treats are perfect with sweet or savory appetizers.

HOT HOLIDAY MULLED CIDER

For this sharp cider you will need:

• 2 quarts apple cider
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 2. tsp cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1 cup Captain Morgan's spiced Rum (optional)

Mix all ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and serve. Garnish with fresh lemon, orange slice, or cinnamon stick in each mug.

HOT HOLIDAY PUNCH

Give your New Year's party a warm touch with this punch:

• 3 cups apple juice
• 3 cups orange juice
• 6 cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp. powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a very large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes. Put mixture in a Crockpot after it has boiled and keep warm over low heat. Yields 20 servings.

COLONIAL HOT BUTTERED RUM

You will have to start making this cozy drink ahead of time!

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter of margarine
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 quarts hot water
• 3 sticks cinnamon
• 6 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups rum
• whipped cream
• ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except rum, cream and nutmeg into a 5-quart crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Stir in the rum. Ladle from the slow cooker to heatproof mugs, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of ground nutmeg. Makes 8 servings.

WARM CRANBERRY WASSAIL

If you'd prefer a non-alcoholic end to the year, this one-for-the-road is just for you!

• 1 (64-ounce) bottle of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• 2 1/2 cups apple juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, optional
• 3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp. whole allspice
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• Orange slices (garnish)
• Whole cloves (garnish)

Combine all ingredients except the garnishes in a large saucepan. Heat till boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain punch to remove spices. Place in a heat proof punch bowl. Garnish with the orange slices studded with cloves if you'd like. Makes 14 (6-ounce) servings.

So eat, drink and be merry, but also be safe: Never Drink and Drive...Ever! Now, if you're worried about calories, well, what else are New Year's resolutions for?

Happy New Year!!