Saturday, January 26, 2013

Warm Up with Spiced Hot Cider

Brrr...it's cold outside. Time to make some spiced cider. Invite some friends over to watch the game and have some fun.
1/2 gallon apple cider
1/2 c packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1/2 c applejack or bourbon

Combine all ingredients except the applejack/bourbon in a crock pot and simmer. Add the applejack when you pour cider into mugs.
Here's another version. Sparkling Spiced Cider Makes 4 servings
Ingredients **1 shot equals 1.5 ounces (35 ml)** 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar 1/2 cup (125 ml) orange juice 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 4 shots (6 ounces, or 188 ml) chilled vodka (omit for kid-friendly version) 16 shots (24 ounces, or 700 ml) chilled sparkling cider Combine the sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a small saucepan set over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is the consistency of syrup. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Allow to cool completely. Use the syrup to rim 4 glasses, then dip the glasses into a sugar mixture (sanding sugar or cinnamon-sugar). Add 1 shot of the syrup to each glass. Stir in 1 shot of vodka, then add 4 shots of sparkling cider per glass. Stir gently and serve. For a stronger drink, increase the vodka to 2 shots per glass, and reduce the cider to 3 shots.
The smell will greet all guests and make your home cozy. Or just simply enjoy this beverage during a day playing in the snow!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Resources

We all have resources useful to us as writers. Whether it be neighbors, family members, past experiences, jobs or even online friends- they are all experts in something. Do we utilize these resources to the fullest potential? I know I don't. I'm challenging everyone to get out of his/her comfort zone in 2013. Write something you've never written before. Visit a place and research it. Call someone you've only previously spoken to online. I read a quote the other day that said all the important things in life are right outside your comfort zone. Not sure who said it, but it is oh so true. I'd love comments telling how you will challenge yourself this coming year...
I challenge myself to write a few more 'sweet' romances, such as I Should Have Kissed You, this year. While they don't seem to sell as well they do tug at my heart and leave me with a grateful sigh!