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Thirsty Thursdays

Thirsty Thursday: Homemade Eggnog

December 20, 2012

homemade eggnog

One thing that I’ve always wanted to do at the holidays is make eggnog. I really love eggnog but it really is a treat. I figured this year I wouldn’t have any until I made it to make sure I don’t over indulge and I would actually get around to making it. It was so easy and so good that I’ll be making it again when I go back home to Connecticut for Christmas.

homemade eggnog_01 homemade eggnog_02

I recently saw this article in The New York Times about eggnog, making it, and comparing store-bought eggnog vs homemade. The author felt that a cooked custard eggnog has better taste and texture than a typical eggnog that does not completely cook the eggs. I’m not too worried about eating raw eggs as I’ve had them in cocktails and eat runny eggs just about every weekend so I could have gone with an quick eggnog but I wanted to focus on making one that really tasted awesome.

homemade eggnog_03 homemade eggnog_04

I really enjoyed the process of making this eggnog, although I immediately goofed on the directions. Nothing major but I put in all 4 cups of milk into the sauce pan instead of just 2. I just kept going from there. Cooking the eggnog took the most time and attention so it will cook slowly and evenly. It took about 20 minutes for the milk, egg, sugar mixture to get thick enough. I was aiming for just a bit thinner than being thick enough for the back of the spoon test since eggnog is pretty thick.

While the author remarked that she prefers a dark rum with her eggnog I used bourbon as that was in the house. I used the 1 1/2 cups that was called for, which resulted in an eggnog with a real kick. If you prefer a more subtle flavor then I suggest mixing in 1 cup first and tasting it at that point.

homemade eggnog_05 homemade eggnog_06

Since eggnog is not a fan always a favorite, Amanda brings an Eggnog Quick Bread to this week’s Thirsty Thursday. Hey, just because it’s not a drink doesn’t mean it doesn’t count! It uses a great bevie to flavor it! So festive and creative.

Homemade Eggnog

Serves 8

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups bourbon
  • Whole nutmeg

Process

  1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat 4 cups milk over medium low heat. Do not boil and stir occasionally so it does not burn. Turn off the heat.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the the sugar into the egg yolks and whisk until thick and pale.
  3. Whisk 1 cup of the warm milk into the egg and sugar mixture. Slowly add the warm egg sugar mixture into the rest of the milk in the saucepan. Put over low heat again, stir regularly until the milk mixture has thickened. Turn off the heat and then quickly stir in the cream.
  4. Put a bowl inside another bowl bowl and fill the space between with ice water. Add the milk mixture to the bowl and stir occasionally, until chilled. When completely chilled, stir into a punch bowl and add rum.
  5. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks and then fold them into the eggnog. Top each serving of the eggnog with freshly grated nutmeg.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink Tagged With: bourbon, cooked eggnog, custard eggnog, eggnog, eggs, hard eggnog, holiday drinks, milk, Thirsty Thursdays

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls

December 13, 2012

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls

Amanda picked peppermint for this week’s theme Thirsty Thursday. I honestly can’t stand peppermint outside of the holidays. However, from the day after Thanksgiving to New Years it is full on peppermint explosion. But then nope, not happening at all (with the ice cream exception)!!! So bare with all of my minty recipes now, including this recipe for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls_01 Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls_02

When I was younger I would take Godiva hot chocolate truffles and put them into cups of hot milk and stir like crazy so melty ribbons of chocolate would swirl around the cup before I would take a big gulp. It was my favorite thing to do at my dad’s house at the holidays. Since I made a hot chocolate mix last week I figured I would make a hot chocolate truffle for this week to transport me back in time.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls_03 Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls_04

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls_05 Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls_06

While you can make these hot chocolate truffle balls like me with peppermint extract and Andes Peppermint Mint Chips on the outside, you can make them in a variety of ways.

  • A plain truffle would be nice with a sugar and cocoa powder mixture on the outside.
  • A truffle with some cinnamon extract and a cinnamon and cayenne mixture on the outside for a Mexican hot chocolate.
  • Use a orange, hazelnut, or raspberry extract without coating. Really the flavor possibilities are endless!!

I hope that you enjoy my Hot Chocolate Truffles as well as Amanda’s Peppermint White Hot Chocolate. The peppermint and chocolate combination is such a hit that we both featured the peppermint in hot chocolates, but in very fun, very different ways.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffle Balls

Makes 12 truffles

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips

Process

  1. In a heavy bottom sauce pan or in a double boiler, melt the chocolate, cream, sugar, and salt together on low heat. Whisk consistently until smooth. Add the peppermint extract prior to removing from heat.
  2. Let the chocolate cool to room temperature and then put into the refrigerator to completely chill.
  3. Once solid, scope out into 12 truffle balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Chill again for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Roll the chocolate into balls, then chill again until completely solid and formed.
  5. Push the Andes mint chips into the surface of the ball. Stone in the refrigerator for 1 week.
  6. Enjoy your hot chocolate truffle with 8 ounces of hot milk. Drop the truffle in and stir until the ball has melted.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink Tagged With: chocolate, chocolate chips, heavy cream, hot chocolate, peppermint, peppermint extract, Thirsty Thursdays

Thirsty Thursday: Hot Chocolate Mix

December 6, 2012

hot chocolate mix

Do you know what you should not do? You shouldn’t forget about the hot chocolate you are making on the stove and then be utterly surprised when it overflows burning on your new glass top stove. yep, that’s happened… twice…

Well, you should totally make hot chocolate (and pay attention to it) and to do so you should mix up this hot chocolate mix. It’s great to enjoy snuggled up under a cozy blanket while watching a movie or RHofsomewhere. It also makes for a fantastic gift. It is quick to mix up, packages easily, and is so yummy.

hot chocolate mix_01 hot chocolate mix_02

hot chocolate mix_03 hot chocolate mix_04

I made this basic hot chocolate mix to get things started. Not basic in being ‘meh’, but basic in that it is a great base for you to create specialty flavored hot chocolate. I love starting with one recipe and making some modifications to create something fun and different.

  • Swap out the semi- sweet chocolate chips for some peppermint chips for a peppermint hot chocolate.
  • You can use peanut butter chips instead of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Awesome.
  • Or you can use caramel chips and triple the salt for a salted caramel cocoa.

But wait, there’s more! Amanda has flipped hot chocolate on it’s head with a Frozen Hot Chocolate. I’ve always wanted to try Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3 in NYC but have never made it there so this is the perfect chance to make it at home myself! If you can’t get to the frozen hot chocolate, bring the frozen hot chocolate to you!

Hot Chocolate Mix

Fills 8 1/2 pint mason jars

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 10.5 oz package of mini marshmallow
  • 8 oz of semi sweet chocolate chips, mini is preferred

Process

  1. Combine all of the ingredients together in a very large mixing bowl. Divide the mix up in bags or air-tight containers.
  2. To make hot chocolate- in an medium sized sauce pan, combine 8 oz of milk with 3 tablespoons mix. Heat gently to warm and melt the chocolate chips. Stir occasionally so the milk and chocolate do not burn on the bottom. Top off with more marshmallows or whipped cream and sprinkles. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink Tagged With: chocolate, chocolate chips, drink, Fake Ginger Blog, frozen hot chocolate, holidays, hot chocolate, milk, sugar, Thirsty Thursdays

Thirsty Thursday: Ginger Grapefruit Martini

November 29, 2012

So the the ‘3’ in the numerical pad in our computer keyboard doesn’t work anymore. Why? Well, I might have been drinking and messing around on the Internets while I spilled the whole glass on the keyboard. I might have been a little tipsy. I hope I was not blogging…

Well, I what was I drinking?? I was drinking Domaine de Canton and some seltzer. I just love that DdC. I can get by with some of my homemade ginger simple syrup, vodka, and seltzer but it’s just not the same. Domaine de Canton is a smooth ginger flavored cognac in a beautiful bottle. The bottle matters. I swear!

 

 

This Ginger Grapefruit Martini uses Domaine De Canton, vodka, and fresh squeezed grapefruit. Grapefruit, as well other citrus, is in season in the winter so this is a perfection seasonal drink to enjoy before dinner, at a party, or while wrapping presents. I can’t guarantee how well your wrapping will turn out after a drink or two but that’s half the fun! Blame Santa’s elves.

Since this week’s Thirtsy Thursday is brought you by the flavor ‘Ginger’ (that feels very Seasame Street to me), Amanda made this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. Less devilish than my drink but equally perfect for the season. Don’t you just love a nice hot chocolate after you come in from a cold afternoon outside or to wind down the day? This is so perfect for those occasions.

Ginger Grapefruit Martini

Ingredients

  • 4 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 2 oz Domaine de Canton
  • 1 oz vodka
  • sugar
  • segment of grapefruit or lime, for garnish

Process

  1. Rim the martini glass with sugar.
  2. Combine the grapefruit juice, Domaine de Canton, and vodka together. Pour into the martini glass.
  3. Garnish with the grapefruit segment or lime wedge.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink Tagged With: Citrus, Domaine de Canton, ginger, Ginger Grapefruit Martini, grapefruit, Grapefruit Martini, Martini, Thirsty Thursdays, Vodka

Thirsty Thursday: Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Smoothie

November 8, 2012

As I write this I’m super cozy under a crocheted blanket while wearing sweats and super thick socks. Pretty exciting things going on over here. Well, there is a Nor’easter whirling around outside so anything goes. The walk from my office to the train station, which is only a few hundred feet, was so gross. Crazy wind and harsh rain. I am soo not ready for winter. I try to give myself a pep talk every year but the cold and wind make me walk like I am an 80 year old lady since I automatically freak out and ball up. I’m sure it’s a great sight to behold. Ugh.

While I hate the cold months of the year I do love the heartier foods associated with the season and holidays. I love the transition from summery berries, to late summer stone fruit to apples and then pumpkin. Ahhh this week’s theme…. pumpkin!! We tried to grow some pumpkins this year but didn’t have good luck so thank goodness all we have to do is pop open a can to have some great pumpkin puree to use in our recipes.

Start your day with my pumpkin pie breakfast smoothie and then from there have one of Amanda’s Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. Ahhh, love this week’s addition of Thirsty Thursday- just so perfect for fall!!

Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Smoothie

Makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/4 cup oats
  • 6 oz of milk
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Process

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until the oats have been processed and all ingredients are combined completely.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink, Pumpkin Tagged With: breakfast smoothie, pumpkin, pumpkin pie smoothie, pumpkin pie spice, smoothie, Thirsty Thursdays

Thirsty Thursday: Cranberry Lime Cooler

November 1, 2012

So this little storm came through named Hurricane Sandy. Well, let me tell you Sandy it was a Bitch with a capital B. As anyone with a pulse knows, she has wrecked havoc on a whole hell of a lot of  the country. Prior to the storm’s arrival I was glued to the TV watching weather channel like my life depended on it. Dear Jim Cantore, you had me at millibars. Since I’m a weather channel junkie I knew this was going to be bad but in no way did I anticipate just how bad it would be. My little town of Chelsea MA lost 15% of power, obviously including us- hence the blogging hiatus and crazy back log I have to catch up on. But loosing power is nothing compared to what the people in NY and NJ are dealing with. It is heartbreaking. Please consider helping if you can, I can’t make a big financial contribution but I am donating blood next week since, according to Red Cross “Hurricane Sandy has affected blood collections in the Northeast, forcing the cancellation of more than 240 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 8,000 donations thus far.” That’s huge! I just think that if help in anyway you should try.

Anywho, this week Amanda and I bring you drinks centered around the ‘cranberry’ theme.  This is the season for cranberries so be sure to get ready for some cranberry sauce, cranberry jelly, dried cranberries in just about everything. It’s an awesome thing, esp in Massachusetts, where there are a crazy amount of bogs. My coworker’s family even has a bog and they are profiled on Ocean Spray bottles- she is in the back, on the right. Cranberries are great for you as they contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that will boost your immunity, which is great for the upcoming cold and flu season.

I made a Cranberry Lime Cooler that is really refreshing, so simple to make, and a great alternative to sugary soda. Amanda made a Frozen Cranberry Margarita that will just knock your socks off… there is a pretty cool ingredient in there!!

Cranberry Lime Cooler

makes 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz cranberry juice (not cocktail)
  • juice of a lime
  • tablespoon of simple syrup
  • 4 oz of seltzer
  • 1 cup ice
  • wedge of lime and mint for garnish, optional

Process

  1. In a tall glass, combine the cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and seltzer over ice.
  2. Garnish is a wedge oflime and mint.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink Tagged With: cooler, cranberry, cranberry drink, cranberry juice, cranberry lime, drink, lime, Thirsty Thursdays

Thirsty Thursdays: Apple Pie Cocktail

October 4, 2012

After Amanda and I had fun with our S’mores Week in August we decided to make a that we should do more posts together related to a theme. We thought about different themes we could do but the main thing that kept coming up was that we wanted it to be longer than a week. So things evolved to become sharing weekly drink recipes that can be boozy or non-alcoholic and that can match the season or holiday. The possiblites are endless! So we are kicking our Thirsty Thursdays posts today with fun recipes that we both wanted to share. I picked this apple pie cocktail and Amanda picked Honeycrisp Apple Sangria.

Last year when my mom and I went to Utah to attend a crafting event we came back one night to the hotel and were discussing how we wanted to get a drink. We asked a group of guys, who were drinking in the lounge watching sports, were they got their beers. They were so nice that they just gave us a few. Well, we run up to our room with our prizes in hand and that is when I noticed that they were not twist tops. By this time I had actually put my pajamas on so I went back to downstairs to them in my pajamas (clearly, I have no shame) for them to open the bottles. They gave me a cup of Apple Pie Moonshine for us to try and I was hooked. Seriously the midwest is so nice. It was sweet, light, and packed a punch.

 

This is a great cocktail to make to celebrate fall. The original recipe calls for Everclear as it is a grain alcohol like moonshine but I was having trouble finding that in Massachusetts. So I switched to vodka and increased the amount. One of the biggest things is that I really suggest using cinnamon sticks. If you use ground cinnamon then you need to then remove it as it does not dissolve and it would be pretty intense to drink. This is great both hot and cold so you can enjoy some just from the stove while the rest of the batch cools.

Check out Amanda’s Honeycrisp Apple Sangria.

Apple Pie Cocktail

Serves 24 (8oz cups)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gallon of apple cider (8 cups)
  • 1/2 gallon of unsweetened apple juice (8 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups of light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 vanilla bean, optional
  • 2 cups vodka
  • 3 cups Whipped Cream flavored Vodka

Process

  1. In a large pot, combine the cider, apple juice, sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Cook together to dissolve the sugars and to warm.
  2. Remove from heat and the cinnamon sticks and vanilla.
  3. Add the vodkas.
  4. Enjoy hot or cold.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food and Drink Tagged With: apple Cider, Apple Juice, Apple Pie, apple pie cocktail, Apple Pie Moonshine, Moonshine, Moonshine Cocktail, Spiked Cider Cocktail, Thirsty Thursdays, Vodka, whipped cream, whipped cream flavored Vodka

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