Second Recipe of the Day

And when you reach the point where the ole' checker at the package store starts getting the bottle ready when he sees your car pull up, you can jest brew your own likker in the privacy of yer own kichen:


1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 pint vodka
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm, about 20 minutes. Stir in vodka and extracts. Color if desired. Pour into sterilized bottles leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Tightly cap and store in a cool, dark place.To make Almond Liqueur, substitute 5 teaspoons almond extract for the peppermint extract.

Packaging Suggestions: Pour the liqueur into an attractive clear bottle or a decanter. Decorate the lid with metallic cord, ribbon, bows, bells or a bright tree ornament. For a more festive touch, Peppermint Schnapps can be colored with green food color. Almond Liqueur can be colored with yellow food color with a speck of red to create an amber color. The entire bottle can be slipped into a decorative gift bag or wrapped in a sheet of cellophane brought to the top of the bottle, crushed together, and tied with ribbon. Trim with a candy cane!