How to Add Instant Holiday Cheer with Two Easy Treats

Story by Alea Wilkins

This holiday season, LOCAL Life publisher Lori Goodridge-Cribb comes bearing gifts: two recipes that are sweet, simple and sure to delight even the grouchiest Scrooges. Homemade toffee, rich with deep caramel flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, makes the perfect sharable treat or holiday handout if you’re willing to give it up. For the of-age elves, Lori adds a spirited twist to the season with her gingerbread martini, a creamy, boozy blend that tastes like dessert in a glass and delivers just the right amount of holiday cheer.

Toffee

The sweet and salty combination of this homemade toffee is irresistible, and customizing it with festive toppings like sprinkles, sliced almonds or crushed candy canes lets everyone join in the fun.

INGREDIENTS

1 sleeve of saltine crackers
1 cup butter1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional toppings:Sprinkles, sliced almonds, crushed candy canes, M&Ms, flaky salt, pretzels, marshmallows

DIRECTIONS [1] Heat oven to 400 degrees. [2] Coat a sheet of parchment paper with a neutral oil. Add to a baking sheet, and line it with a single layer of saltine crackers. [3] In a saucepan, combine sugar and butter and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for three minutes, then immediately pour over saltines, spreading evenly. [4] Bake for 5 to 6 minutes. Once removed, top with chocolate chips before it cools. Let sit for 5 minutes. [5] Spread melted chocolate chips. Sprinkle with toppings, and let cool completely (about 20-30 minutes). [6] Break into pieces and

SPREAD THE JOY To spread the toffee, Lori recommends using an offset spatula instead of a knife. It’s easier to maneuver over a hot tray, creating smooth, thin layers that make any home cook look like a pro.

Gingerbread martini

For adults, Lori mixes up a boozy twist on a holiday classic. Her gingerbread martini shakes together three spirits, ice cream and a handmade syrup for a cocktail that’s both naughty and nice. Whether hosting parties or cozying up on the couch, cheers to a holiday season filled with love, joy and extra room for dessert.

INGREDIENTS

4 oz vodka
4 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
2 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
2 scoops vanilla ice cream, softened
Optional garnishes:Whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies

INGREDIENTS

4 oz vodka
4 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
2 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
2 scoops vanilla ice cream, softened
Optional garnishes:Whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies

DIRECTIONS[1] Combine vodka, Irish cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup and ice cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. [2] Pour into martini glasses, and top with whipped cream and crush