Lundi: Recipes

It's Christmas Eve and at my house that means liquor in your coffee. How often do you really get to indulge in drink at 10:00 AM? Not often enough. Here's one of my favorite coffee and brandy combos that can be de-coffeed and brandied for the kids (adding a little hot chocolate is a perfect way to perk up the wee ones - who are probably already so geeked that a little extra sugar will hardly be noticed).

2 tbsp honey
1 cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon
3 whole cloves
1 cup coffee
1 ounce good brandy (or any liquor you desire)

Place one tablespoon of honey in each of two serving mugs; set aside.

In a medium pan over medium heat, warm milk just until it begins to steam. You can do this in your microwave if you're so inclined but the saucepan routine makes the whole process more homey and old-fashioned, I think.

Remove from heat and add cinnamon and cloves. Let steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Return pan to heat and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat again.

You need to fish out those cloves and then transfer the milk to the prepared cups. Add coffee and brandy to milk, stir and enjoy! A little whipped cream is nice on top, perhaps with a little candy cane to stir up that confection.

For the kids, replace coffee and brandy with a little hot chocolate. Yum!

Happiest of Holidays to you all. May your spirits be light and your home full of joy this Yuletide.

Header: Santa's Coffee Break via Mid-Century