Purple Passion Punch

We taste tested purple punch recipes last week for my son’s upcoming wedding.  This is the one that won out.

• 4 cups (1-qt.) grape juice, chilled (Welch’s has the best color)
• 1 (46-oz.) can pineapple juice, chilled
• 4 cups (1-qt.) ginger ale, chilled

Combine juices.  Just before serving, add ginger ale.

Yields 14-16 servings.

(Mix up a recipe and make ice cubes or an ice ring to put in the punch bowl.  That way your punch won’t get diluted with water.)

“Now is the time to invest in eternity.”

Golden Lime Punch

This is the punch I made for my Sister’s 80th birthday party.  So easy and so good.

• 1 (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade
• 1 (12-oz.) can frozen limeade
• 1 (12-oz.) can frozen orange juice
• 2 quarts cold water
• 2 quarts ginger ale, chilled
• Lime slices

Thaw frozen juice, combine juices and water in a large punch bowl.  Add ice cubes.  Pour in ginger ale carefully.  Garnish with twisted lime slices.

Serves 40

“Our greatest hope here below is help from God above.”

Holiday Eggnog

If you are willing to stand at the stove and stir this for a half hour, it is well worth it.  It has a relatively thick and creamy texture and not too sweet.

• 6 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Off heat, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar and salt in heavy large saucepan.  Stir in milk, one-half cup at a time, blending well after each addition.  Heat slowly over lowest possible flame, stirring constantly, until custard registers 160 degrees on instant read thermometer, thickens, and coats the back of a spoon, 25 to 30 minutes.  Strain, if you like, but I didn’t.  Stir in heavy cream, vanilla and nutmeg.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least three hours and up to three days.

To spike eggnog, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brandy to glass before adding eggnog.  Sprinkle additional nutmeg on top, if desired.

Serves 12 to 16.

“No gift is greater than the gift of Christ Himself.”

Orange Julius

This recipe calls for 1/4 cup sugar, but I use half that amount.  I, personally, don’t like it so sweet.  Very refreshing drink!  Especially for someone on the run.

• 1/2 of a (6-oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar (you may also use powdered sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 5-6 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in blender container; cover and blend till smooth, about 30 seconds.  Serve immediaely.

Makes aout 3 cups.

“We all need Christian fellowship to build us up and hold us up.”

Instant Cocoa

The snow is coming.  Sit by the fireside and have a cup of hot cocoa.

• Powdered milk to make 8 quarts
• 1 (16-oz) can Nestles’ Quik
• 1 (6-oz) jar CoffeeMate
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Mix altogether in large bowl.  Put 1/2 cup mix into a mug and fill with hot water.  Store mixture in air tight container.

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there.”