ChickSpeak

Christmas time is often a period when we all feel a little bit more stressed- the weight of college exams, buying gifts in a struggling economy, and the extra pressure that tends to hit relationships during the holidays can leave any Chickspeak girl feeling a little down. So what better way to remember what’s so great about the holidays than to throw a fun, inexpensive holiday party for you and your closest girlfriends?Of course, the best thing about a gathering of friends is always the pleasure of one another’s company, but with these easy and quick recipes, you can create a fantastic drink, appetizer, and sweet treat for your friends to enjoy while you catch-up, relax, and let some holiday steam out.

This cocktail, with its red and green color scheme and refreshing, zesty flavor is perfect for the holiday season. It can also be made without liquor by substituting Ginger Ale or Sprite in place of the light rum.

Cranberry-Lime Mojitos

-4 Sugar in the Raw cubes

-10 mint leaves (approx. ¼ ounce)

-1/2 ounce craisins

-1 Lime, juiced

-1 ½ -2 ounces light rum

-6 ounces cranberry juice cocktail

-2 cups cubed ice

Directions

Place sugar cubes, mint leaves, lime juice, and Craisins in a bar tumbler, mash together with a bar pestle. Blend until the Craisins and mint are finely minced, and the sugar is dissolved.

Add the ice, rum, and craberry juice, stir well and pour into a 20-ounce glass.

Garnish with a lime wedge, swizzle stick, and mint sprig.

Wouldn’t it be great if at fancy cocktail parties, instead of waiters serving caviar and bacon wrapped scallops, cooks would just make mini-burgers like they serve at the White Castle? This recipe plays off the famous slider to create a classic and sophisticated hour’deourve.

Mini Lamb Burgers with Feta and Mint

-1 pound lamb

-1/3 cup crumbled feta

-12 fresh mint leaves

-1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

-1/2 teaspoon ras al hanout

-1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

-1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

-1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

-1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry’s, or Mixed Up Salt

-Small Jar Roasted Red Peppers

-4 Soft Yeast Rolls, split cross wise

Directions

Combine the lamb, feta, mint, olive oil, ras al hanout, cumin, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix well to blend everything together. Form into 4-ounce patties (This can be done easily by using a ½ cup measure as a guide). Pat until flattened into a patty about 1/3 inch thick.

Heat on a cast iron skillet over medium heat. When the water dropped on its surface crackles, add the patties. Cook for 4 minutes on each side, until done. Remove burgers from pan and drain on paper towels.

Serve on rolls, garnished with a few roasted red pepper pieces. (Serves 4) 

For dessert, build a make-your-own-cupcake station for your friends to get creative and have a few laughs. Make the correct number of cakes out of your favorite recipe or mix, and top with a white-chocolate or vanilla icing. Put toppings like crushed candy canes, red and green sprinkles, and metallic cake decorating beads in festive dishes and bowls, and see what different designs your friends come up with. It’s a great way to get a fun activity going, especially if conversation has taken a lull, and takes most of the prep work out of your hands!

Holiday time can be stressful, but planning the perfect holiday party doesn’t have to be. Focusing on a few key drinks and dishes instead of buying eight different types of chips at the grocery store makes a more personal setting for your guests. You’ll be standing over the stove singing Christmas carols before you know it. What better way to get into the holiday spirit?