Harry Potter's Butterbeer

I found this recipe on Gourmet Mom On The Go and had to try it since my oldest daughter is a HP fanatic! It is really yummy but super rich. I halved the recipe and we didn't even finish that much! I think we all had 3 or 4 sips and called it good! This is the original recipe:

(I can't get the direct link to work {stupid blogger} but it's from January 2011 on Gourmet Mom's blog)

Serves 8


Ingredients:
16 ounces butterscotch ice cream topping.
8 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon rum extract, optional
8 cans Cream Soda (12 ounces each, room temperature)
1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)

Directions:
In a large pot, combine butterscotch ice cream topping, butter, salt and vinegar. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture just starts to bubble.
Remove from heat and add heavy whipping cream and rum extract (optional).
Scoop out ¼ cup of butterscotch mixture and place in a medium bowl. Place in fridge for 5-10 mintues to cool. When cool, pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and beat until thickened (you do not have to beat it to stiff peaks, leave it foamy!:)). Set aside.
Pour soda into pot of butterscotch mixture. If mixture is too cold, heat for a few minutes on the stove over medium heat. To serve, pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.

According to J.K. Rowling, Butterbeer is served cold in bottles and hot in foaming tankards. We definitely liked it better warm but you're welcome to chill before serving if desired.

Cucumber Lemonade

I LOVE this drink during the summer...so refreshing! Great for parties!

2 Liters Crystal Light Lemonade
1 2-Liter bottle Sprite
2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 lemon, sliced

Place pre-made Crystal Light in punch bowl and add cucumber slices. Let soak for at least an hour to allow cucumber flavor to mix with lemonade. Right before serving, add 2-liter bottle of Sprite and ice in punch bowl, leaving cucumbers. Add slices of lemon to float on top mainly for decoration. Enjoy!

When making this at home, I just make the Crystal Light in a pitcher and soak the cucumbers. It's really good plain like this too, save the fancy recipe for the parties!

Wassail

Bring to boil in large pot:
2 c. sugar
2 quarts water

In a piece of cheese cloth add the following:
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
Close with string or elastic band and place in sugar water. Leave bag in water for 2-3 hours on low heat.

Add:
2 quarts orange juice
1 gallon apple cider
1/2 c. lemon juice

Remove spice bag, stir gently and enjoy! Keep pot on low heat or transfer to crock pot to keep drink warm. Add slices of oranges and/or lemons and small cinnamon sticks to decorate if serving at a party.