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At this time of year with holiday celebrations in full swing, I have recipes that will allow you to have much fun at your parties without consuming alcoholic beverages. There are family and friends gatherings going on where youngsters and teenagers are invited to come along. There are many non-alcoholic beverages that can be served to any group of people that are tasty, pretty to serve and you won't have a headache the next day from drinking too much. I'm on the bandwagon to encourage anyone to be aware that if they over-load on consuming alcohol, they can be in for big trouble. If you watch the news on TV or listen to the radio telling about how many people were killed or severly injured in a accident because of a drunk driver smashing into them, you wouldn't want to be that person in either one of the cars, would you? Is it worth it to get drunk and then drive? Just think real hard about it.

Yes, I know everybody doesn't drink and drive. I'm talking about those who do. Please think wisely so you can enjoy a social gathering at this time next year!

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And so, it's non-alcoholic beverages today, for everyone.

FRUITY CRANBERRY PUNCH

4 c. each, cranberry and pineapple juice, chilled

2 c. sugar, divided

1-1/2 t. almond flavoring

1/2 gallon strawberry or raspberry ice cream, softened

2 c. whipping cream

1 liter bottle ginger ale, chilled

In a large punch bowl, combine juices, 1-1/2 c. sugar, almond flavoring and ice cream. Refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, beat cream in a mixing bowl. Gradually add the rest of the sugar, beating until soft pecks form. Whisk gently into chilled juice mixture. Add ginger ale.

Makes about 6 quarts.

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This is a good warmer upper.

HOT BUTTERED

LEMONADE

3 c. water

3/4 c. lemon juice

2/3 to 1 c. sugar

1 T. butter

4 4-inch cinnamon sticks, optional

In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer water, lemon juice, and sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour into mugs; dot each with butter. Serve with a cinnamon stick if you wish.

Makes 4-1 c. servings. You can make this drink ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

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SNOW PUNCH

1 c. lemon juice

5 medium ripe bananas

1 c. sugar

2 c. half and half cream

1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled

1 pint lemon or pineapple sherbet (that's sherbet NOT sherbert)

1/4 c. flaked coconut, optional

In a blender or food processor, cover and process the lemon juice, bananas and sugar. Add cream; blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour banana mixture into punch bowl. Stir in soda. Top with lemon sherbet and coconut if you wish.

Makes 2-1/2 qts.

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MOCHA EGGNOG

5 c. chocolate milk

4 c. eggnog*

1 c. whipping cream, divided

2 T. instant coffee granules

2-1/2 t. vanilla

1 t. run flavoring

Nutmeg, optional

In a large saucepan combine milk, eggnog, 1/2 c. cream and coffee granules; heat through. Take off heat; stir in vanilla and rum flavoring. In a small, deep mixing bowl, beat rest of cream until stiff peaks form. Fill mugs, top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle a little nutmeg on top if you wish.

Makes 2-1/2 qts.

* This recipe is made using purchased eggnog.

TFD: A sign of a great father is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.

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