DIY Candy Cane Vodka - Christmas Gift

Tweet this!
The Christmas season is upon us! I am very into giving gifts and I put a lot of thought and time into getting the right gift for each person.

Recently, one of my girlfriends and her husband had a Christmas-themed housewarming party. I had already been over there for a wine night and gave her a one of a kind Japanese tea set, but I knew I wanted to bring a little something over to her house for her Christmas party. She and her husband are sort of wine aficionados, so I considered gifting her some nice wine, but ultimately decided to go a completely different - yet still boozy - route: homemade candy cane vodka.

To be honest, this started out as kind of a science experiment. I had no idea if the candy canes would fully dissolve, or if anything would even happen. I was truly surprised and loved the result. It is delicious, perfectly minty and sweet, and very bright red in color, which is fun!

This is a great treat to add to hot chocolate or coffee! As always, drink responsibly ;-)!

DIY Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 mason jar
• 4 candy canes
• Vodka

Directions:

1. Break candy canes in half (you don't need tiny pieces, they just have to be small enough to fit in the mason jar). Place in mason jar.
2. Pour vodka into mason jar until it reaches the top. Put the cap on and give it a good shake.
3. Check on it the next day! It should be bright red and the candy cane should be entirely dissolved. 

Candy Cane Biscotti

Tweet this!

[Click here for more Healthy Holiday recipes for a guilt-free holiday season!]

[Click here for more Healthy Holiday recipes for a guilt-free holiday season!]

Back to the healthy holiday recipes? You bet! Gotta keep you on your toes, right?! If you were loving the homemade christmas gifts, don't you worry your pretty little head... I've got another gift for you tomorrow :)

Today's Candy Cane Biscotti recipe comes from Jessica at Sweet Treats and Good Eats. She says,

 "This time of the year really kicks my tush. I can't tell you how many times I mentally prepare myself for all of the parties, and all of the great food that's going to be there. I try to set a limit, and it almost ALWAYS gets blown by the fantastic treats that are staring at me, pleading with me to eat 'just one more.' This year, I decided to create some healthy options. Well, as healthy as you can get with a dessert!"

Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 C. White whole wheat flour (I personally love King Arthur's)
• 1-1/2 t. Baking Powder
• 1/4 t. Salt
• 8 T. Soft butter (you can sub. this with applesauce, or margarine)
• 1/4 C. Agave
• 3 Large eggs
• 2/3 C. Crushed candy canes (more for garnish)
• 14 Oz. White Chocolate

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together your flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and agave for about 2 minutes, add the eggs one at a time. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the candy canes with a spatula.
4. Separate the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a 9'' by 1-1/2'' log. Place on baking tray, and bake for 18-20 minutes. Until it is a nice golden brown.
5. Cool on a cookie sheet for ten minutes, then cut into 1/2'' pieces. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then dip in melted chocolate.

[Click here for more Healthy Holiday recipes for a guilt-free holiday season!]

[Click here for more Healthy Holiday recipes for a guilt-free holiday season!]

An extra tip from Jessica: "I recommend drizzling chocolate onto the tops. It cuts waaaaaay back on calories, and looks much cleaner!" For more fun & healthy recipes from Jessica, stop by and visit Jessica at Sweet Treats and Good Eats.

Original recipe found here.