Monday, November 15, 2010

Soldier Care Box

This month we are sending the soldiers a box of Candy and Chips. I did a search for an Army group, from Georgia who wanted candy and found a few. We are sending this box to Chad , via Anysoldier.com, who is in Iraq. Its a unit of 17 men. ( its 17 men, not 8 as originally posted)



This box contains:
Lay’s Chips – Sour Cream and Onion
                   - Original Chips

Twizzlers Red Licorice

Jaw Breakers

A Cookie Tin

Dark Chocolate Rolled Wafers

Chamomile Tea

Honey

Vienna Sausages

Sunflower seeds

Carmel Cream Candy

Peppermint puffs

Sugar Free Single Drink Mixes

Wisp mini disposable toothbrushes with plastic baggies to put them in.



Last month we sent the soldiers a box of magazines. They were used and collected from family and friends. We didnt post because there was no real cost involved except shipping and we had received no donations via the site. We did not receive any donations this month either, but we had set aside some funds for this project from our profits.

Next month we would like to mail 2-4 boxes off. A box for men, a box just for woman and a least one box for a group that has dogs in the unit. We can not do this without your help. So, please donate when you order. One dollar will help if your budget is as tight as ours. And if you are not ordering, but still want to help , we do have a "donate only" button on the Soldier page.

You can also send your own box of goodies if you choose. Please go to anysoldier.com , go to "where to send", pick an address, see what they need or want. Then go to the post office, get a flat rate APO/FPO box, fill it up, and ship.

They also state, they would like letters, as not many of them get them. They need encouragement and support.

This is a great project for a group to do too!

Happy Holidays !

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Homemade Liquor Gift Ideas


Every year about this time, I make a batch of Homemade Kahlua to give as gifts as its a great liquor and can be used in many ways. It's great on the rock, mixed with milk or cream and also good with orange juice just to name a few.

But this year I am looking to expand my knowledge of making homemade liquors and will share my new recipes with you too!


First, my tried and true Kahlua.

3 cups of unflavored vodka (any kind will do, but I suggest a medium priced one)
2 cups of water
2 cups of white sugar
2 cups of packed brown sugar
2/3 cups of freeze dried instant coffee
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Mix all in a 2 quart jar. Cover lightly with saran wrap or a lid and let stand at room temperatures for two weeks minimum, stirring daily.

Pour into chosen bottles for gift giving, add a bow and gift card and you are done.
( Old wine bottles will work just fine – make sure to sterilize them by rinsing them out in boiling water first)
No refrigeration is needed.


And now onto some new recipe I want to try .


Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream

1 Cup Cream
14oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Cups Whiskey
1 tsp Instant Coffee
2 TBS Chocolate Syrup
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Almond extract

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate overnight.
Keep refrigerated & use within 3 weeks.

Amaretto

1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups unflavored vodka
2 tablespoons almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine water, white sugar and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until boiling and all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Pour in vodka, almond extract and vanilla. Mix well and store in a sealed bottle.


Have you ever made homemade liquors or cordials?

Do you have a favorite tried and true liquor recipe that you can share?

Share :)