December is the month of warm fuzzies for the senses! Fires crackling with welcomed heat, scents of rich spices blended with sounds of joy while family and friends gather together at this wonderful time of year. In the rock bottom this month we pared together some easy to make and even easier to enjoy snacks and beverage.  What would December be without eggnog, and shortbread cookies savoured by the fire.  We also added some sugar and spice nuts to complete the trio.

We were inspired by this winter season's issue of Food and Drink by the LCBO. To be able to offer both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options we separated the eggnog from the liquor and presented the chilled White Chocolate Godiva and Jim Beam Black Bourbon in Rock Bottom Tasses.  Each guest could add what they pleased and the stein and stobel offered fresh nutmeg for those to sprinkle on top. Intriguing recipes for eggnog can be found at Food and Drink.  If your pressed for prep time don't let that stop you from enjoying a glass!!! There are many great pre-made options that are close to the homemade version.

 

The recipe we used to whip up our batch of Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies is from the cake MERCHANT food blog. At first I was thinking to try something with earl grey tea, but our in house baker, who is 8 was not so keen on this idea and suggested we make something that she knows she will like...so this recipe has been given a thumbs up from ages 8 and up!  

 

These Sugared Crockpot Nuts come from the Pip & Ebby food blog. This recipe is super duper easy and oh so good.  We didn't have all the pecans needed so we just subbed in some almonds, and joy to the world they are awesome! Not just because your cooking them in the crockpot, which is really just AMAZING..., and your house will smell Divine! But they taste very spicy nice and go great pared with the eggnog and cookies.  

The month has just flown by with all the hustle and bustle.  We wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season, overflowing with the ones you love and cherish. cheers