Southern Lady Celebrate Winter 2010

Do we really need official holidays to Celebrate? Well, yes and no. The year starts off with a New Year’s celebration, and then comes Valentine’s Day. And don’t forget Oscar night in early March! Now, that may seem an unusual event to celebrate, but let’s face it, we love to see the stars and their fashions! And we all hope our favorite movie will win. I remember with great affection the year that The Sound of Music won so many awards. I love Julie Andrews’ character, Maria. She celebrated every day to the fullest. She could make a picnic look like a vacation. I would love to go to Austria and southern Germany sometime and see the places where this splendid movie was filmed. As much as any of the special…

A Cut Above the Rest Mini cookie cutters are perfect for postholiday get-togethers. Shape cookies or decorate pies with wintry cutters created by Fancy Flours, or get creative and cut out savories like the cheese slices in “Do Ewe Knit?” page 80. Available at fancyflours.com, or call 406-587-0118. Taste of Winter This Snowflake stoneware collection by Iron Accents will set the tone for any winter gathering. A burnishedbronze charger completes the look. All pieces available at ironaccents.com, or call 866-438-4766. In the Nest This adorable aluminum bowl is a great addition to a buffet. Fill with your favorite goodies, or simply display on a dining table. Available at atmospherehomeessentials.com, or call 205-324-9687. “Pick” the Best Snowflake cocktail picks made of stainless steel and hand-painted resin are sure to add seasonal flair. Available at bwtc.com or call 888-923-2982…

Almond Hot Chocolate Makes 6 to 8 servings 6 cups milk 1 cup ground sweetened chocolate* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder* 6 tablespoons almond-flavored liqueur 1/4 cup almond-flavored syrup Garnish: sliced almonds In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium-low heat. Whisk in ground sweetened chocolate and cocoa. Add almond liqueur and almond syrup, stirring to combine. Garnish with sliced almonds, if desired. *For testing purposes, we used Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa. Mocha Hot Chocolate Makes 6 to 8 servings 3 cups milk 3 cups half-and-half 8 (1.25-ounce) envelopes dark chocolate hot cocoa mix* 1/4 cup espresso powder 1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur Garnish: whipped cream, espresso powder, chocolate-covered coffee beans In a medium saucepan, combine milk and half-and-half. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Whisk in cocoa mix and espresso powder. Add coffee liqueur, stirring to combine. Garnish, if desired. *For testing purposes,…

Every February 2 in the United States and Canada, we watch and wait to see if the groundhog leaves his burrow or retreats. Folklore has it that if he emerges without seeing his shadow, winter is nearing an end. However, if he sees his shadow and goes back into his burrow, six more weeks of winter are in store. According to tradition, the first Groundhog Day celebration occurred in the late 18th century in Pennsylvania. Today Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is still the site of the largest celebration. The city was the featured locale in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day. If you’re not planning a trip to Pennsylvania or if you prefer to retreat into your own burrow, rent the movie, pop some popcorn (we have several variations for you), and have your…

Long after January 1st has come and gone, Chinese New Year gives us another reason to celebrate. The Chinese calendar measures days and years by the solar and lunar systems; hence, the new year begins on the first day of the New Moon. Each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals, and the year 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. Even if you are not Chinese, it is fun to celebrate the customs and enjoy the symbolic fare. Green Tea Martini Makes 6 servings 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 4 green tea bags* 1 1/2 cups vodka Garnish: candied ginger slices In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Place tea bags in simple syrup.…

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Makes about 2 1/2 dozen (4-inch) cookies 3/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread* 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt In a large bowl, combine butter and hazelnut spread. Beat at medium-high speed with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fluffy. Add sugar and cocoa, and beat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, beating for 2 to 3 minutes. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, 1 cup at a time, beating at low speed to combine. Divide dough in half. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until firm. Preheat oven to 350°.…