Just before Thanksgiving, I petitioned folks to submit their Family Favorite Holiday Recipes, and received too many great recipes to even begin to add them all to the Newton Family Thanksgiving Dinner! We did enjoy a few of them this holiday, however, and want to share them with you, as well! I hope you'll give them a try and add them to your family favorites!
Bourbon Baked Cranberries
Ingredients:
1 lb Cranberries
2 C Sugar
1 t Cinnamon
Dash Nutmeg
¼ - ½ C Bourbon of choice
Instructions:
Combine Cranberries, Sugar, Cinnamon and Nutmeg in covered baking dish.
Bake covered for one hour at 350°F.
Uncover and add Bourbon of choice. Bake for an additional 15 minutes then remove and cool before serving.
Enjoy!
**For a Cowboy twist add ¼ stick Butter, a sprinkle of Chipotle Powder and a pinch of Salt for a rich, savory kick.
Special thanks to Lori Prichard-Abbott for sharing her favorite family holiday recipe! They choose Wild Turkey bourbon and baste their bird in it for 24 hours prior to baking, says it “makes for a happy turkey and happier cooks!" Lori and I worked together to give back a little by participating in a gala event to raise money for the United Way of Hood County.
Cast Iron Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
3 Med – Lg Sweet Potatoes
1 T cool Water
1 Stick unsalted Butter
1 C Sugar
Ground Cinnamon
Salt
Instructions:
Peel and cut Sweet Potatoes lengthwise into 1” x 1” strips
Add 1 T cool Water to a large, deep, covered cast iron skillet.
Lay Sweet Potato strips in skillet
Cut Butter into ¼” pats and lay on top of Sweet Potatoes
Sprinkle Sugar over Sweet Potatoes
Sprinkle Ground Cinnamon and Salt over Sweet Potatoes to desired taste
Cover skillet and cook over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender, removing lid for last few minutes to allow liquid to reduce.
Enjoy!
**For a Cowboy twist, I added a bit of Chipotle Powder and about a T of Bourbon for a little spice!
Hints:
•After about 10 minutes check to make sure sweet potatoes are not sticking to skillet. Use a spatula to loosen any sweet potatoes that are sticking and shake pan every 2-3 minutes.
•As the sugar starts to caramelize, be careful not to let it burn. Reduce heat if necessary.
Special thanks to Ken Mayeaux, whom we met passing through the airport in Roanoke, VA, for sharing! We've met some of the greatest people on this journey!
Morning Star Cocktail
Since Thanksgiving and Fall are apple and spice and everything nice, the Morning Star cocktail makes for a perfect pairing!
Ingredients:
Equal parts:
Sweet Vermouth
Dry Vermouth
Rye Whiskey
Apple Cider
Orange Liqueur
Angostura Bitters
Sliced Apple Wheels
Instructions:
Pour Sweet & Dry Vermouth, Whiskey, Apple Cider and Orange Liqueur into a beaker with ice.
Stir, so as not to bruise the Whiskey.
Serve "up", with 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters and garnish with an Apple Wheel.
Enjoy 1 or more, to taste!
This pairing was contributed by Curtis Ludwig with Cocktail Obsessions and was a welcome addition to the Newton Family gathering! According to Curtis, "I recommend drinking one prior to everyone coming over. Not only will it set the mood with Fall flavors, but with 4 shots of liquor, it will help in tolerating the family!". I like the way he thinks!
