Back in the day (when partying did not cause a three-day-long hangover) I used to strap on my highest heels, make sure my lips were extra glossy, slip into a borderline-inappropriate tanktop, and pile into a NYC cab with my girlfriends for whatever the night held for us.
Over the years, I have had many drinks of choice when I was out on the town. Before the more figure-friendly Vodka and Soda, or the always glamourous Champagne, there was the sweet but tart Vodka and Cranberry Juice.
Nowadays, a night of torturing my poor feet in stillettos in a smelly bar full of strangers does not sound like fun at all. To be honest, I prefer a bottle of wine, my couch, and my favorite people. Even so, I will always hold the "old days" very close to my heart. This dessert pays homage to all the good nights I had with a Vodka and Cranberry in hand.
This recipe is also easy enough that if you are nursing a three-day-long hangover, you will still be able to pull it off without a sweat :)
Vodka Spiked Whipped Cream
Ingredients
1 cup of heavy cream
2 tbsp of confectioner's sugar
1 shot of vanilla vodka
Procedure
Whip cream with electric mixer or hand beater until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add in sugar and vodka and mix until well combined.
Cranberry Sauce
From Martha Stewart
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 apple, peeled and chopped
Pinch of nutmeg
1 cup cranberries
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup sugar
Procedure
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Cook apple with nutmeg until apple begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
Add cranberries, apple cider, and sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until apple is tender and sauce is thick, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Puree in a blender until smooth. If too thick to pour, stir in up to 1/2 cup more apple cider.
Dessert Assembly
Use store bought pound cake, or make your own. Layer the whipped cream between slices of cake and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with mint if desired. Enjoy!!!
Wine, couch, and favorite people sound like the perfect evening! This looks absolutely delicious.
ReplyDeleteVodka spiked whipped cream sounds amazing. I want some!
ReplyDeleteI love no bake desserts. This sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteBars are not my scene anymore either. My couch is definitely more fun lately!!!! Love this dessert.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I may use this idea for my dinner party this weekend. I am not a big partier anymore either. One night of drinking now equals lots of recovery time! I am not sure how I used to do it!
ReplyDeleteThanks girls. It was super easy to put together and is a big crowd pleaser!
ReplyDeleteI love how easy and quick this can be done. And it looks so very delicious too.
ReplyDeletei am at the turning point where we still go all out, but a big ole glass of wine and tivo frequently call my name!
ReplyDeletelooks great!
i'll take a plate of this gorgeous dessert over going out to a bar any day!
ReplyDeleteWe used to call them Crantinis.... haven't had one for years....hahahha....
ReplyDeleteThis can't even be real....just the sound of it is amazing, and no bake? WHAAA-love it!
ReplyDeleteI had many of those nights, although they took place in Toronto, not NYC. They don't interest me much any more but I look back on them with affection. Love the inspiration for this dessert!
ReplyDeleteHey Melissa! Wow, I had no idea you went to culinary school in NY and Italy! I'm currently in the program myself. You made me laugh reading about the lovely memories of cranberry and vodkas, glamed-up evenings out with girlfriends, and crazy nights. You're right, my poor old bones can't handle that anymore and I much prefer either staying home with great company or just going out to have a really nice dinner. :p It's funny how things change, eh?
ReplyDeleteWoww..I would never thought of that! Photo and recipe is beautiful!!
ReplyDeletenow this is a dressed up pound cake fun
ReplyDeleteso creative!!!
ReplyDelete