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One of the most important days in the Christian church is Christmas, December 25th…the birthday of our Lord. However, we don’t know the exact date of His  birth when this miracle happened. I did talk to our pastor about how this date was settled upon, but all in all, the 25th of December was chosen according to the winter solstice, among other happenings.

Recipes for today, are for non-alcoholic beverages to be served throughout the holiday season. It’s good to have non-alcoholic beverages available for children and those who do not drink alcohol.

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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, except ginger ale. Mix gently in a pitcher or punch bowl. Just before serving, add ginger ale. Makes 10-12 servings (makes 2 quarts).

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CRANBERRY 
ORANGE PUNCH
2 bottles (32 oz’s each) cranberry juice, chilled
1 c. lemon juice
2/3 c. sugar
2 cans (12 oz’s each) orange soda, chilled
Ice cubes
Whole cloves and orange wedges, optional

In a large punch bowl, or large container, combine cranberry juice, lemon juice and stir; stir until sugar is dissolved. Just before serving, add soda and ice.  If you wish, insert cloves in orange wedges for garnish. Don’t peel oranges, but be sure to wash them before adding to punch. Makes about 4 quarts or about 15 to 20 servings (about 1/2 c. each).

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ROSY HOLIDAY PUNCH
1 bottle (32 oz.) cranberry juice
1 – 12 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 T. sugar
1/4 t. allspice
1 bottle (1 liter) ginger ale, chilled
Lemon or orange slices, optional

In a large container, combine cranberry juice, orange juice concentrate, sugar and allspice; chill well.  Cover and chill 3-4 hours. Just before serving, add ginger ale; mix well. Garnish with lemon or orange slice.  Makes about 18-20 servings (about 1/2 c. each)

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PINEAPPLE MIST PUNCH
3 c. boiling water
1 large package (6-oz.) lime gelatin
1 – 46 oz. can pineapple juice
1 liter bottle ginger-ale
Ice cubes
Lime slice and Maraschino cherries, optional

Put gelatin In a medium bowl; pour boiling water over gelatin stirring until dissolved. Let sit until cold. Do not refrigerate. Put about a dozen ice cubes in a punch bowl or large container. Add gelatin, pineapple juice and ginger-ale; stir well. Garnish with lime slices and cherries  Makes about 15 servings.  (about 1/2 c. each)

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This refreshing smoothie makes a pretty pink addition to serve at a holiday brunch.

CREAMY 
STRAWBERRY BREEZE
4 c. whole strawberries
4 c. apple juice
6 c.  whipped topping
Additional whipped topping and  strawberries, optional

Place half of the strawberries and apple juice in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add half of the whipped topping; cover and process until blended. Don’t over blend or it will get too thin. Pour into glasses. Pour into glasses. Repeat. A stemmed glass would be perfect. Makes 8 servings. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry if you wish. Note: This recipe is easily cut in half to serve four.

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This recipe is an easy to make, beverage mix with a taste of coffee…a little picker-upper is for anyone or given as a gift to friends, or senior citizens.


MARVELOUS 
MOCHA MIX
1 c. instant chocolate drink (Nestles Quik)
1 c. powdered non-dairy creamer
2/3 c. instant coffee granules
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4  t. nutmeg

To make 1 serving: Add 4-6 teaspoons mix to 3/4 c. boiling water; stir until dissolved. Makes 3 c. mix. Makes about 24 servings. Note: You can easily divide the mix into smaller portions for lesser servings.  Put in smaller containers and be sure to attach a tag with how to make one serving.


Thought for the Day: Christmas is coming very soon. Be aware of who we are celebrating…..the birth of a tiny baby. A happy birthday gift to all of us who believe. Enjoy this holiday season with family and friends. As most would say, Merry Christmas!                     
Alice and Bud

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