NOTE: I would like to extend my offer for my newest cookbook, “REFRESHED,” for sale to you, the reader, for the month of December for the price of $20 (which includes shipping and handling) and each is signed and personalized, as a thank you for all the emails I have received. Simply email me at theyankeechef@aol.com. I have truly been blessed not only by the number of signed copies of my cookbook that you folks have asked for, but because of tremendous amount of emails I have garnered from those of you both in the cyber world and print. I hear from so many of you on things pertaining to cooking questions to a simple “Hello.” I can’t thank you enough, other than extending this offer. But, as with everything, “this too shall pass.” After December, the price will be commensurate with all other book selling venues “REFRESHED” is sold.
 
Two Holiday Hot Toddy’s
Yuletide Pumpkin Cider
What a great hot beverage for the weather to come! If you do not wish for the alcohol, simply add a teaspoon rum extract for a truly Yankee hot cider.
1 cup canned pumpkin
3 cups apple cider
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice*
1/4 cup,or more, spiced rum
Frozen, whipped topping, if desired
Simply place pumpkin, cider and spices in a saucepan and heat until bubbling hot, whisking very well. Remove from heat, stir in rum and divide among 4 serving mugs. Top with a scoop of frozen, whipped topping and a sprinkle more of pumpkin pie spice to serve.
* Or make your own pumpkin pie spice by blending 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 1 tablespoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 teaspoon allspice and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
Plum Pudding Cider
Want a chilled cider that is both invigorating and mindful of the past? This is it my friends. I would like to mention that I do not care for ice in this because it dilutes this refreshment far too much for my liking. Serve this chilled or heat it up … just in case it is a tad chilly outside.
2 cups apple cider
2 cups plum juice *
2 tablespoons apple pie spice, see NOTE
Amaretto, Frangelico or any almond/hazelnut-flavored liqueur
Vigorously whisk cider, juice and spice together. Divvy up into 4 mugs and splash some Amaretto into each.
* Sunsweet Smart is by far the best plum juice on the market.