Happy New Year!!

Wishing everyone a safe, happy & prosperous New Year! Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013!

Today's Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Dates stuffed with Pecans

If you are looking for a decadently delicious app to bring to your New Year's Eve party...this is it!  Thank you to my friend Giselle, who always brings these delectable snacks to Hania & Chris' annual Yankee Swap Holiday Party! Everyone raved about these heavenly, carmelized bacon-wrapped dates. Bon appetit!

Ingredients:

Start with 30 dates...but you may need to double or triple the recipe! Adjust for the amount of people you have, usually plan on 2-3 dates per person.

30 Whole Pitted Medjool Dates

30 Roasted Pecan Halves (or Almonds)

Uncured Bacon (raw) sliced in 1/2 or 1/3 to fit around date

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Pit the dates with your fingers or with a paring knife.
3. Place a pecan piece inside each date.
4. Wrap date in a piece of bacon and secure with a tooth pick
5. Place on parchment paper on a baking sheet or glass Pyrex dish and bake for 12 minutes (start checking them when it gets close).
6. The bacon should be cooked and crispy. Served hot on a serving platter.

Holiday Cocktail Recipes!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." The stockings are hung by the chimney with care...the tree is up and decorated...we have ALL the kids' presents to wrap...and it's time to get ready for all of those fabulous holiday parties with family & friends!  I just had to share my favorite new holiday cocktails...and trust me, as a mommy with a new baby and a very active and mischievous 2-year-old, I am gonna need a few of these! LOL

The Caramel Apple Martini

My husband and I had a version of these in "shot form" while on our honeymoon in Key West a few years ago...so, I turned them into my own holiday cocktail just for you! They are made very similar to a Cosmo...but need to add in these 2 key ingredients...a bottle of Butterscotch Schnapps (heaven in a bottle!) and Sour Apple Schapps (about $12 each). 

Mix per drink in shaker:

-1 part vodka

-1/2 part Butterscotch Schnapps

-1/2 part Sour Apple Schapps

-2 parts Cranberry Juice

-Shake it up with lots of ice

-Pour into a martini glass

-Add in a Splash of Seltzer

-Garnish with thin slice of green apple

-Sip...Ahhh...Perfection!

TIP: If having a large group of friends over, I like to make a big batch of drinks in a pitcher then pour into Martini glasses. It saves time and let's you enjoy the party!

The Buttery Bailey Cocktail (or Shot!)

Next, a decadently sweet cocktail for your favorite holiday gathering. This concoction can also be made in "shot form," as these are rather heavy, not a drink you would have 2 or 3 of (but hey, who's to judge?!). Rather, the Buttery Bailey a great after dinner drink...in place of dessert...or something to sip by the fire with your loved one. :)

Mix per drink in shaker (or for 4 shots):

-2 parts Bailey Irish Cream (or generic version works too!)

-1 part Butterscotch Schnapps

-Shake it up with lots of ice

-Pour into a martini glass (or shot glasses)

-Sip it (martini)..or Shoot it (shot)...YUM!

Enjoy!

Mel :)