Holiday gatherings sparkle with cherished family recipes, where Grandma’s savory turkey dressing and Mom’s chicken supreme steal the spotlight. These heartwarming classics are staples on our plates and in our memories. But this season is also a great opportunity to add some excitement to the menu! Why not surprise everyone with a new dessert or festive cocktail? Try one of these at your next holiday get-together—your guests will absolutely love the fresh twist!

Millionaire’s Shortbread

1 cup plain flour

1/3 cup sugar (super fine sugar is best)*

1 ½ cups unsalted butter (divided)

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

4 tablespoons golden syrup

8 oz plain chocolate

Preheat the oven to 325° F. 

Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.

Put the flour and sugar in a bowl and rub in 1 cup of the butter – the mixture will be sandy but malleable enough to form a ball shape. Press the mixture into the pan and press down. Prick it with a fork and bake for five minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 300° F and cook for a further 30 minutes or until pale golden and no longer doughy. Leave to cool in the pan.

Melt the remaining butter in a pan over low heat for two to three minutes, then add the milk and syrup. Whisk the mixture until the butter is mixed in. Bring to a slow simmer, then, keeping the temperature even, cook for 10 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture is thickened and light brown. Pour the sauce over the shortbread and leave to set.

Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave for one minute 45 seconds on high, or until fully melted, stirring halfway through. Let cool, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee mixture and cool in the fridge for one hour. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy.

*To make your own superfine sugar, just measure out the same amount of granulated sugar. Place it in a food processor and blend at high speed for one to two minutes. Stop before the sugar granules turn to powder. 

From The Bee’s Knees British Imports
566 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA  |  TheBeesKneesBritishImports.com

The-Glass-Slipper.jpg©Ideal Mixology

The Glass Slipper

2 oz Belvedere vodka

¼ oz Luxardo Liqueur

¼ oz Cointreau

2.5 oz white cranberry juice

1 oz lime juice

4 drops rhubarb bitters

Crystal sugar for rim and whole cranberries for a garnish

In a shaker filled with ice add all the ingredients, shake for 15 seconds and strain into a sugar rim coupe glass.

From Ideal Mixology
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