Holiday Cheer Around the World

By Natalie Bovis

As Santa’s reindeer guide his sleigh from country to country on Christmas Eve, don’t think that delivering presents is the only thing on the old fella’s mind! Liquid merriment is part of celebrations in all parts of the globe, and these tasty recipes jazz up your holiday entertaining. Just don’t forget to leave a glass of the good stuff out for St. Nick along with the cookies. It might help him forget any “naughties” you might have racked up in 2015.

Wassail

Hailing from the British Isles, this is my version of a traditional Wassail made from apples, brandy, hard cider and spices.

  • 4 apples
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup raw sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground clove
  • 4 cups local hard apple cider
  • ½ cup traditional or apple brandy
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 4 large eggs (separated)

Halve and core apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon and some sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, pour apple cider and brandy into a pot with ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, cinnamon and sugar. Slowly heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Add baked apples, cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove apples and remove from heat. Beat egg yolks until fluffy, set aside. Whisk egg whites until stiff. Fold yolks into whites, and slowly add ½ cup cider mixture to temper. Stirring, slowly combine with cider mixture. Serve in punch bowl.

New Mexican EggNog

I love eggnog at the holidays! I played with a few traditional eggnog recipes to create one that fits my New Mexican sensibilities.

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon red chile powder
  • ½ cup Mexican brandy
  • ½ cup
  • añejo
  • tequila
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients. Mix again. Chill for one hour. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Coquito

Bring the white beaches of Puerto Rico to a snowy mountain Christmas with this tropical rum drink.

  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • ¾ cup coconut cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup raw sugar
  • 1 cup Bacardi white rum

Mix all ingredients and serve over ice. Or blend, with ice, and serve as a frozen drink. Garnish with coconut flakes.

Glogg

Mulled wine is traditional in many parts of Europe and typical of Scandinavia. This warm wine punch also fills the house with holiday aroma.

  • 1 bottle inexpensive wine
  • ½ cup brandy or aquavit
  • ½ cup raw sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground clove
  • peel from one small orange
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds

Heat ingredients on low heat. Serve in punch cups. Garnish with orange slices.

Santa Fe Reporter

Letters to the Editor

Mail letters to PO Box 4910 Santa Fe, NM 87502 or email them to editor[at]sfreporter.com. Letters (no more than 200 words) should refer to specific articles in the Reporter. Letters will be edited for space and clarity.

We also welcome you to follow SFR on social media (on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and comment there. You can also email specific staff members from our contact page.