Since it is the winter holiday season, my husband, Jerry, and I have been part of several celebrations and, therefore, munching lots of appetizers and sampling many cocktails. Here is a (another!) list of our favorites.

Cheese Plates are an easy but delicious appetizer as long as you know where to shop for excellent cheese. Serve your selections (labeled with cheese name, dairy and geographic origin) with thin slices of fresh baguettes and big olives.

Gizzies are a holiday tradition that date to my childhood. My own recipe is oil-stained and worn and I can hardly read my mom's writing anymore. But it doesn't matter. After decades of mixing up batches every December, I know the recipe by heart.

Rosemary Cashews. Who doesn't love cashews? And when roasted with chopped fresh rosemary, some spices and a bit of brown sugar, they're irresistible.

Cosmopolitans are lovely any time of the year but especially now due to their pretty red color and festive presentation.

Hot Buttered Rum is a perfect drink for snowy, wintery weather. It is strong and warm and intoxicating due to the sublime combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice and rum. We've discovered also that the drinks make soothing night caps.

Mimosas are the favorite brunch libation. It's worth the effort to use freshly squeezed orange juice and to add a bit of Triple Sec to the bottom of the flute before adding the champagne.

Cheers!

This also appeared in the Askov American, Askov, Minnesota.