Mimosa Bar

With a tennis team named Overserved, we always offer some kind of "special" drink when we host a visiting opponent. So far this season, you could have enjoyed Bloody Marys and milk punch. For our most recent match, however, my teammate Lynn and I set up a mimosa bar.

I first got the idea from Pinterest (of course). Sure, you will find some fancy and beautiful presentations in Pinterest Land that require matching milk jars, labels, and such. This version, on the other hand, is quite simple. I think it is perfect for a more casual setting such as a family get-together, tailgating, etc.

Lynn provided different variations of fruit juice by Simply: lemonade, orange, lemonade-raspberry, and cranberry. I provided two bottles of champagne. Typically, mimosas are made by combining equal parts juice and champagne. Since this is a self-serve bar, one would have the flexibility to adjust that ratio. No judging here! ;) Although we only offered fresh raspberries in keeping with the "simple" theme, you could certainly expand the fruit offerings to include orange slices, lemon slices, cranberries, blueberries, etc.

As soon as Lynn showed me her silver champagne bucket, I knew it would be the perfect match to one of my vintage tarnished silver trays I display above my stove.

I also used this mimosa bar as an opportunity to practice what I learned in my calligraphy class. Yes, I know. I still need more practice!

Unfortunately, we were able to complete only one match before the rain came. Under these conditions, though, the mimosa bar turned out to be the most perfect Plan B.

Adapted from: Sweet Phi.

Milk Punch

I first heard about milk punch last fall from some of my new tennis buddies. This group of ladies sure know how to host visiting opponents. I knew we were kindred spirits as soon as I saw such a beautiful spread even for just a simple round of tennis. Southern hosts that we are, our opponents are offered fruit as well as a variety of salty and sweet treats, beautifully displayed and accented with some kind of seasonal flower arrangement.

We also provide cold drinks, including a "special drink." (Remember our team name? Over Served!) Today's special drink was milk punch. Our team captain, Margaret Ann, tells me, "It's an Ole Miss thing." In fact, last year Ole Miss won the SEC tailgating experience. Now my family and friends know my blood runneth orange, but hey, let's give credit where credit is due. We can all learn a thing or two about tailgating from the Rebels. (Hey, wait a minute. I'm a Rebel, too! Er, West High Rebel that is.)

Milk punch sure did live up to its hype. I really liked the slushy texture. I can see this becoming a new tailgating tradition in my family, too. Hmmm. I can also see this becoming a new Christmas Eve tradition. Or shoot, why not Mom's upcoming Mother's Day brunch? I can already see the twinkle in her eye. ;)

Milk Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon whole milk
• 1 box powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons vanilla
• 1 fifth bourbon
• ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions:
Mix together the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Add bourbon. Chill or put in freezer overnight and serve partially frozen. Optional: sprinkle each serving with nutmeg. Serves 32 (6 oz) cups.

Pink Party Punch

When my sister Jackie told me that the name for the punch that she served at Buffy's bridal shower was Pink Party Punch, I couldn't help but think:

Wouldn't it be perfect if Peter Piper partake in pink party punch as he eats his pickled peppers that he picked? :D

Seriously, I loved this drink. As I mentioned in my previous post, it wasn't too tart, nor too sweet. It is definitely something I plan to serve for future parties.

 

Pink Party Punch


Ingredients:
1 (64 oz) bottle of cranberry-raspberry juice
1-1/2 cups water
1 can pineapple juice
1/2 can frozen pink lemonade
1 liter ginger ale

Directions:
Mix together after chilling all ingredients.

Note: Makes approximately two gallons.

Creamy Crockpot Hot Cocoa

Last night, we enjoyed celebrating with our next door neighbors, the Cox's, at their annual Halloweenie Roast, or at least that's what I call it! This event started many years ago with mostly just family members, but has grown into a fun, tail-gating atmosphere for friends to enjoy as well.

There was no shortage of sweets, chips, chili, and hotdogs to get the trick-or-treaters ready for their night of fun. I even got to learn all about Master Chief.

"What?!!!! You don't know who Master Chief is?  Let. Me. Tell. You."

My contribution to the spread was creamy crockpot hot cocoa, something to enjoy on this cold Halloween night as you're sitting by the fire.

For years, I've been making a hot chocolate mix that I always keep on hand that is convenient for making one cup at a time. I love it; however, I wanted to try something new, something easy, and something that would feed a crowd. I found this recipe from Mrs Happy Homemaker via Pinterest, and it accomplished all of that and more. This stuff is decadent. When you look at the list of the ingredients below, how could it not be? I'm not sure there is anything more perfect for making warm memories. :)

Creamy Crockpot Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whipping cream (I used half-and-half.)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a crockpot. Stir. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is hot. Stir again before serving. Garnish with marshmallows, if desired.

Note: Makes approximately 10 cups. I doubled the recipe, and it filled my large 5.5-quart slow cooker just perfectly.