Every year, I look forward to invitation to holiday parties. Work parties, church events, cookie exchanges, and college football bowl games--they're all fun to me. This year, I received an invitation of a new sort. Annie, blogger extraordinaire and gracious hostess of Annie's Eats, invited me to a virtual cocktail party. What a fun idea!
Of course, I said yes without even one bit of hesitation. No way in the world would I miss a party with Annie and so many of my favorite bloggers-turned-friends. These ladies started out as people I turned to when I had recipe questions. Over time, they became ladies I turned to in times of stress, heartache, and loss. Thankfully, they were also the ladies with whom I've been able to share success and new and wonderful love. I've always known they are wonderful and talented women, but after seeing all their delicious contributions, I'm wishing it was a real-life cocktail party more than ever!
I'm offering my dear friends a sparkling pepperberry cocktail to help them warm up upon their arrival. The recipe is at the end of this post.
Tara of Smells Like Home is serving cranberry lime bellinis. I've always loved classic peach bellinis and Tara's holiday twist looks delightful!
Nikki from Pennies on a Platter made this yummy baked fontina. Who doesn't love ooey, gooey, bubbling baked cheese with crusty bread for dipping?!?
Elly, the talented host of Elly Says Opa!, offers these homemade vegetarian dolmades. I love when party guests bring dishes I've never made before!
Josie of Pink Parsley made these delicate and oh-so-pretty raspberry cream puffs. Cream puffs have long intimidated me, but Josie's version has given me confidence to try them on my own!
And last but not least, Annie's gorgeous candy cane macarons. What a beautiful and festive contribution from our gracious hostess.
I hope you've all enjoyed this virtual holiday party as much as I have!
Sparkling Pepper Berry Cocktail
Ingredients:
6 oz. chilled vodka (pepper vodka for an extra kick!)
4 oz. cranberry juice
2 tsp. raspberry flavored liqueur
24 black peppercorns
4 oz. soda water
4 small fresh mint sprigs, if desired
Directions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, juice and raspberry liqueur. Cover tightly and shake for ten seconds.
2. Put the peppercorns in a chilled champagne glass or cocktail glass and pour the cocktail into the glass. Top off with soda water and garnish with mint sprigs, if desired. Serves four.
one year ago: Yellow bowl, the most nostalgic of my Twelve Treats of Christmas.
two years ago: chocolate candy cane cookies