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Are you having family, relatives or friends gathering at your home to celebrate Christmas? Or perhaps you celebrated Christmas at another time. I’m not sure if today’s column fits with your plans and if it doesn’t, you might want to save this column to be used at another time.
At many celebrations, a beverage is often served before dinner or brunch. This gives the cook time for last minute preparations to attend to. My thought on this is it keeps everyone out of the kitchen, except for designated helpers, and gives your guests time to visit.

Obviously, it’s beverages today.

I just had to give you this recipe as it’s so appropriate for this time of the year.

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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 sherbert
1/4 c. flaked coconut, optional

In a food processor or blender, cover and process first three ingredients. Add cream; blend until smooth. Pour into a large container or bowl; cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour banana mixture into a large serving bowl. Stir in soda. Top with small scoops of sherbert and sprinkle coconut over top. Makes 2-1/2 quarts.

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HOLIDAY HONEY NOG
6 eggs, separated
1/3 c. honey
5 c. milk
1/2 to 1 t. rum extract
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 c. whipping cream, whipped

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. In a bowl, lightly beat yolks and honey, mix well. Stir in milk, rum extract, vanilla and cinnamon. Chill. Just before serving, fold in whipped cream; pour into glasses; sprinkle lightly with nutmeg. Makes 16 four ounce servings.

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CITRUS PUNCH
2 c. orange juice
1 c. grapefruit juice
2 c. pineapple juice
1 c. lemonade
2 c. ginger ale

Chill all ingredients, mix gently. When ready to serve, pour into a pitcher and serve in glasses or serve from a punch bowl. Makes 12-16 servings.

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OPEN HOUSE PUNCH
1 c. each, lemon juice, orange juice, sugar and water
2 quarts ginger ale

Combine all ingredients except ginger ale; stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or more. When ready to serve, add ginger ale. Serve from a punch bowl or pour into glasses using a pitcher. Makes about 20 six ounce servings.

Thought for the Day: My Christmas wish for you: May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, joy and happiness now and throughout the coming year. Christos Rasdaietsja (Christ is born), Slavite Jeho (Praise Him). - Alice

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