Spirits Sprite

Yesterday was the official beginning of my hands-down favorite time of the year: Christmas time. 

Call me a nerd, but I love everything about this time of year- the music, the lights, the smell of evergreen trees, the tastes of the season- everything. Christmas time makes me want to be a kid again. And it makes me act like a kid again. Knowing this, my sweet husband suggested that we buy our tree today.

Our original plan was to buy a small tree that we could put up on a table so that the shortest family member with the stickiest fingers couldn't get to it. However, we brought it home, set it up on the table, and realized that the tree skirt would create the perfect tool for him to grab hold of and pull the entire thing down onto his head. 

We moved it onto the floor and only used those ornaments that are not made of glass or china. James was still fascinated by all of it, so we tried to use our "gentle touches only, no pulling" rule (the same we use for James when it comes to our dog who is twice his weight, but terrified of him). However, it seems we are going to have to monitor him quite a bit around the tree. 

While we were decorating, James got into the boxes of Christmas paraphernalia and managed to cover the floor with tissue paper, cardboard, and anything else he could get his hands on.

Once he went to bed, it was time for clean up and a little mommy time. I decided to make an adult beverage. What I really wanted was eggnog and whipped cream, but I figured that if I added just a smidgen (that's a real word? spell check didn't put wiggly red lines under it, so I guess so) of alcohol it would taste even better, and I would feel a little more like a grown-up. 

When I was younger (okay, until like last year) I thought that the line in Jingle Bells that goes "Making spirits bright" actually said "Making spirits sprite." I thought that "spirits sprite" must be some seasonal adult drink that was delicious and had whip cream on the top.
My childhood fantasies are coming true.

Spirits Sprite

2 tsp Kahlua

2 tsp Whiskey (I used Gentleman's Jack)

1/3 to 1/2 c eggnog

whip cream 

freshly grated nutmeg

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Beat the heat iced tea

(Warning: this recipe is so easy that when you get to it you will most likely roll your eyes, sigh "duh" under your breath, and wish you had been using your time to read this recipe instead.)
I am little embarrassed about my last post. But how was I to know that the temperature would jump from the 50's to the 80's in a matter of days? Consequently, in the typical Oregonian style, I am preparing for the heat. Heat is really the only extreme weather we prepare for as Oregonians. The majority of us seem to think an air conditioner that is used about one week out of the year is more necessary than an umbrella that could be used, oh say, about 300 days out of the year. Anyway, today was beautiful, but tomorrow is supposed to be in the mid-eighties... my husband is already complaining.

So, in the interest of staying hydrated, here is a "recipe" for some really refreshing iced tea. I would suggest making it tonight, or in the early morning... I would hate for anyone to over-exert themselves in the ensuing heat wave.

Is this really a recipe? iced tea
2 tea bags black mango or peach tea
2" piece of fresh ginger, peeled
Put tea bags and ginger into a boiling-water-safe container (you can use tupperware, I use a mason jar). Bring one pint of water to a boil, add water to container and cover. Let sit a few hours before pouring over a large glass of ice. Enjoy.

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