Don’t worry about the leftovers yet; make a White Christmas cocktail instead

Thanksgiving is over, and you may have gobs of leftovers in your refrigerator. I'm not going to help you remedy that in the ways you might expect.

This year, rather than writing the obligatory Thanksgiving leftover recipe, I'm going to suggest you leave those leftovers alone. First, because leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Second, you deserve a break. You don't need to do any more cooking. Snack on those leftovers throughout the weekend. Reheat them and enjoy them again, as if you're having a Thanksgiving meal a second and third time. Or even better, give them away. Send those leftovers home with family and friends. If they're like me, they'll probably be happy to have them.

Here's what I recommend instead of reinventing your leftovers: Make yourself a cocktail. Then, kick your feet up. Plug in some Christmas lights. Listen to holiday music. Light a fire in the fireplace. Sip on this festive White Christmas cocktail made with amaretto, vodka, cream and nutmeg. And for goodness' sake, don't do any more cooking this weekend.

White Christmas cocktail

Makes 1

1 ounce amaretto liqueur

1 ounce vodka

1 ounce heavy cream

pinch of nutmeg

simple syrup* (optional, to taste)

ice

Place ice into a cocktail shaker. Add the amaretto, vodka, and cream. Shake vigorously. Pour into a short cocktail glass (ice optional). Top with a pinch of nutmeg. If you like your cocktail a little bit sweeter, like I do, stir in a little simple syrup to taste.

*Note: To make simple syrup, add equal parts water and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the syrup is hot and the sugar has completely dissolved. Cool and store in the refrigerator in a covered container.

Maya Wilson lives in Kenai and blogs about food at alaskafromscratch.com. Have a food question or recipe request? Email maya@alaskafromscratch.com and your inquiry may appear in a future column.