Cran Dandy Cooler Recipes

CANDY CANE COOLER

Steps:

• Place crushed candy cane bits into pint glass. Muddle the candy cane slightly, breaking up the bigger pieces. Do not over-muddle into a powder. Add vodka, brandy and half-and-half and stir. Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake lightly to chill and strain into old-fashioned glass full of ice. Add a peppermint stick and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.
• Thoroughly wash mint leaves and place in a decanter or jar. Empty vodka into container and muddle slightly to release the essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days - longer if you want a stronger taste.

EASY CANDY CANE DANISH

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, egg and 1 tsp. almond extract in medium bowl until blended. Add 1/4 cup nuts; mix well.
• Cover baking sheet with parchment. Unroll crescent dough into 16 triangles. Place 1 triangle sideways at bottom of prepared baking sheet. Place second triangle above first triangle, overlapping long edges by 1/2 inch. Repeat with remaining dough triangles to form candy cane, reversing points of triangles as necessary to make curved candy cane shape at top as shown in photo.
• Spread cream cheese mixture onto center of dough to within 1/2 inch of edges; top with pie filling. Starting at bottom of candy cane, fold points of dough triangles over filling, pressing points into dough on opposite side to seal.
• Bake 20 to 25 min. or until golden brown. Cool completely.
• Mix powdered sugar, water and remaining almond extract until blended; drizzle over Danish. Sprinkle with remaining nuts.

CRAN-DANDY COOLER

Steps:

• In a gallon pitcher combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice and lemon juice. Just before serving, slowly add ginger ale; stir to blend. Serve over ice in cups or glasses. Garnish with cherry and orange slices.