For your family and guests,Christmas is a day to spend time together, You expend so much energy planning for the big event that you may forget about the days before and after, when houseguests will still need to eat.

If you know what varieties of wine you and your guests enjoy, stock up on them.No matter what food you'll be serving. What kind of wine should you serve with appetizers? Choose something pleasant and interesting, and save the serious wine for a sit-down dinner.

Best of them:

Piper Heidsieck 1995 Brut Vintage Champagne, France

Dom Perignon 1996 with Gift Box Champagne, France

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington

Simi 2001 Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvig Family Life or Wine for Christmas Dy Recipe

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Cranberry Daiquiri Slush

by News Canada

2 cups (500 mL) Ocean Spray® Cranberry Cocktail

1/2 cup (125 mL) lemon juice

1/2 cup (125 mL) lime juice

1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar or to taste

1/3 cup (75 mL) rum

Combine all ingredients in an 8-inch (20 cm) square non-metal pan; stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover and freeze 6 hours or overnight. To serve, scrape a fork over the surface of the frozen mixture and spoon a heaping cup (250 mL) into a 10 oz (300 mL) glass. Add a little more cranberry cocktail and stir to form slush. Makes 6 servings.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wi Cranberry Daiquiri Slush Recipe

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Beauty Drinks

by News Canada

(NC)-Cool and refreshing, these delicious smoothies are not only a great energizer on a hot summer day, they're great for your skin too. Made with antioxidant-rich California peaches, plums and nectarines, these drinks will help your skin ward off the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Instead of a soda or a milk shake, try one of these delicious drinks…and enjoy the healthful benefits.

Mix ingredients in a blender and whirl until smooth, taking care to stop the machine and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure proper blending. Serve immediately or store refrigerated until ready to serve. For best results, serve within one day. (Note: Fresh fruit may be previously frozen. A good trick is to puree fruit and freeze in Beauty Drinks Recipe

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