Butterbeer

Butterbeer in glass mugs surrounded by candles and Harry Potter books. Photo by Sara Klein from inlieuofcordonbleu.com

You do not have to visit Hogsmead, the magical village of J.K. Rowling’s imagination, to cozy up with a glass of butterbeer this season. Warm butterscotch forms the base for this “potion” and the spicy ginger notes are sure to have you bewitched. Beer lovers can give this drink an extra kick and a hint of classic beer flavor with a splash of Prosecco, but to me this is a rare instance where the booze-free version somehow tastes a bit more festive. The books of Harry Potter may evoke Halloween, but this spirit tastes like Christmas in a glass and you will want to sip it by the fire all autumn and winter long.

Ingredients

Butterscotch

1/4 cup heavy cream 

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Apple Cinnamon Trail Mix

Bowl with trail mix spilling out

Trail mix isn’t only for the trail. I love having this around for football parties, as a little something sweet on a cheese platter, or over the top of vanilla or better yet, cinnamon ice cream. The crystalized ginger chunks are tart bursts of sunshine on a cold autumn day.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

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