'Twas the night before Christmas, and the kitchen was stirring. Drinks were pouring, and mixers were whirling. Ma and Pa made Santa something special and good - his favorite filled cookies and a drink called The Kirkwood. They were keenly aware that for Santa, tonight was a lot. So they also left him something chocolaty, healthy and hot. Ma and Pa wrote down these recipes for our readers to try - treats for a party or a cold winter night.
THE KIRKWOOD
2oz of Bourbon (whiskey works)
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 oz maple syrup
Shake together with ice for 20 seconds
Pour into a 12-ounce beer glass
Add smoke per your smoker's instructions
Remove the smoker and top off the glass with a lager or light ale.
Garnish with a lemon slice.
The Brothers Beer & Bourbon House store pick - Yellowstone (Batch 7) is a favorite, but your own favorite whiskey will do. You can skip the smoke if you don't have a smoker. In that case, you can supplement the lemon garnish with a crisp bacon slice to give a smoke aroma.
The Kirkwood is a custom cocktail creation from Bob Sears. The maple syrup is his way of honoring "The Green Tree" city of Kirkwood. Bob is the co-owner of The Brothers Beer & Bourbon House in Sunset Hills.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches with Cranberry Filling
Ingredients
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
One large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Cranberry Cream Filling
1/2 cup cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 tsp lemon zest
4 Tbsp butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
For the cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugars and melted butter. Whisk in the egg and vanilla until combined.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add flour mixture to the egg mixture and stir until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the dough is firmed.
While the dough is resting, make your filling. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cranberries and sugar and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and is jam-like. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, beat the cream cheese, butter, and zest until light and fluffy. Whip in the powdered sugar. Once all combined, fold in the cranberry jam.
Preheat over to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 18 equal balls. Divide among the sheets. Bake one tray at a time for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
To assemble, spread a good amount of cranberry cream on the bottom of the cookie, and then place another cooking on top. Store in the fridge until ready for service. Good for up to three days. Makes 9 Sandwich cookies.
For more amazing recipes and holiday themed culinary classes with Chef Lydia Gwin, visit gwinstinykitchen.com
Healthy Hot Chocolate
1.5 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
2 scoops Inspire Wellness Chocolate Collagen
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
In a saucepan, warm milk over medium heat and whisk in the powders. Pour into your favorite mug, Optional to top with whip cream.
165 calories, 3g fat, 9g carbs, 3g fiber, 20g protein
Visit inspirewellnessstl.com for more healthy recipes from Christy Wynne, owner of Inspire Wellness,
