Holidays are the best time to catch up with friends and family. If you plan to host loved ones this season at your new house in McAllen, Texas, there are a few suggestions for making it a wonderful Christmas to remember.
Setting up a self‑serve beverage station is a nice way to get your guests feel more at ease while walking around and greeting others who are there.
Eggnog is a classic holiday beverage that your guests would absolutely enjoy.
Mix together: 4 egg yolks, 1/3 cup of sugar plus 1 tablespoons, 1‑pint whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 ounces bourbon, 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and 4 egg whites.
Directions: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and, nutmeg and stir to combine. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer still running and gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton‑brown/eggnog‑recipe2‑2013745
Having a guest room ready and set up ahead of time can make a big difference.
Make sure to have clean sheets, fresh towels, and toiletries so your guests know that you are more than happy to have them stay over. Placing a few throw covers in their room will be much appreciated. For a more festive bedroom look, place Christmas colored pillows on the bed and throughout the room. This will make your guests feel warm and cozy with a holiday feel.
If this is the first time your guests come to visit your family home in Tres Lagos, you may consider setting out a few snacks throughout the kitchen and maybe their bedroom for them to enjoy. They may not know where your pantry is located and feel uncomfortable to ask for a snack. This is especially helpful when people travel and are staying at a new home they are unfamiliar with.
For children that are staying over, plan on having some type of entertainment for them. There are several Christmas movies for everyone to enjoy.
The Grinch who Stole Christmas, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and Home Alone are just a few movies to choose from. Baking cookies is a lot of fun for kids and it is always good for bringing out your bakeware that you bought for your new house in McAllen.
Having holiday music playing while your baking makes it a more festive experience.
Children really enjoy making sugar cookies because they can shape them into a gingerbread man, stocking, candy cane, Christmas tree, or a snowflake.
To make these sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients: 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 cup butter or margarine softened, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon almond extract, 1 egg, 2 ½ cups all‑purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar. Ingredients that you will need for the frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk. For decorating you will need: colored frosting, sprinkles, and sugar. To see the complete recipe, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/classic‑christmas‑sugar‑cookie‑cutouts.