Friday, December 11, 2009

Weekend Cooking... A Fine Holiday Punch

Ok, that is not a picture of the actual punch, since I don't have one, but just a generic punch. Which is why the wrong fruit is floating in it. Picture pineapple and cherries, in the shape of a wreath. Ok, now to tell you my secret "Everyone Loves This" punch recipe.

Ok, it is not actually mine but my sister-in-law's and has graced many a Christmas festive occasion. And while it's jolly red color and frozen ice wreath makes it excellent for a Yuletide beverage, it is actually very usable all year long. Quick to make, very tasty, impressive looking especially if you have a punch bowl on hand, and very versatile. You will notice that the punch contains no alcohol, so it is good for all young and old, teetotalers welcome to join the fun.

But...if you like your refreshments with a bit more kick, you can have a bottle of your favorite libation nearby and add a drop...or a healthy swig... to your individual glass as you desire. My recommendation would be a dark rum but the choice is yours.

Nancy's Punch

A day or two before the punch will be served, make the 'wreath'. Line a bundt pan with some slices of canned pinapple, and throw in a handful of maraschino cherries. Add pineapple juice cover (why you need 2 cans of pineapple juice, also the cans are smaller than the bottles of grapefruit), with a little grenadine for color and place in the freezer. When it is frozen solid, add a bit more juice to make the ice ring thicker and refreeze.

In a large container or ideally in a punch bowl add...

2 48oz. cans pineapple juice
1/2 64oz can apricot nectar
1 64oz bottle pink grapefruit juice
1/2 bottle grenadine
1 bottle sparkling white grape juice

It is probably best if the ingredients are all cold, but not required if you are out of room in the frig. If you have to choose between putting the dip or the juice in there, go with the dip. Just put all the ingredients in your container and stir.
When ready to serve, and if you are serving it in a nice big bowl, get the frozen 'wreath' form the freezer, dip the pan in hot water for a few seconds to loosen it from the mold and slide it into the punch to chill it.


I'll take a nice splash of Myers run in mine, thank you! And a couple of cherries!

Be sure to check out the other entries this week from Weekend Cooking, hosted by Beth Fish Reads.


10 comments:

  1. Okay, this sound delicious. And my mind is whirling with possibilities: star fruit and blueberries in the wreath for Fourth of July? And I'll take the rum, too.

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  2. grandmom puts apricot nectar in?

    mom is surprised by this because she is usually the one opening all the cans and putting them in the punch bowl. she doesnt remember that. she also doesnt remember a HALF bottle of grenadine!?! hmm...

    anyhoo....i shall take my punch with some alkie as well! remember last christmas ; )

    btw, i'd like to inform you that i have to fill out the word verification scrambler thing to post a comment. i thought you disabled that?

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  3. Oh - this sounds delicious, festive AND refreshing!

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  4. If only I weren't allergic to pineapple! :(

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  5. This one sounds really good. I really like the idea of a "wreath" to keep it cold. Very clever.

    Enjoy your week.

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  6. I love those 'wreaths' in the punch! This recipe sounds delicious.

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  7. This sounds like a great punch recipe!

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  8. sounds delicious and it is very pretty too.

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  9. How much do I love the wreath concept...what a festive and pretty idea!

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  10. Bandit, yes, there is apricot nectar..although it is usually in one of those boxes now, not a can. and yes, that much grenadine...you need it for color and taste. I do not think you were paying attention.

    Bandit, no drinking for you this year!

    the wreath is great. just remember to freeze in two parts so the fruit is at the bottom, therefore right on the surface when you unmold it.

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