Cup of Kindness

We kicked off our new year with another neighborhood party surrounded by friends and family.  We are one of the host housess for this house-hopping party and this year I found a fantastic and yummy recipe online for Peach Champagne Punch.  The name alone sounded delicious to me.  As every last drop was gone by the time we were to move on to the next house on the party tour I think it's safe to say others agreed.  Here's the recipe for this liquid concoction of pure deliciousness:

Peach Champagne Punch

Ingredients

• 3 (11.5 ounce) cans peach nectar
• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup peach brandy
• 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
• 1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle carbonated water
• 3 (750 milliliter) bottles champagne

Directions

1. The night before prepare the ice ring.  Any combination of fruit can be used.  I used blueberries, mango & strawberries because I already had them frozen &/or chopped up in my freezer.  Using a jello mold, fill the bottom with the chopped fruit (fresh or frozen).  Add peach nectar and sparkling water until fruit is covered and liquid is 1-2" above fruit.  Freeze overnight.
2. For the drink: chill all ingredients. In a large punch bowl combine peach nectar, concentrated orange juice, lemon juice, brandy and grenadine. Mix well and pour in the carbonated water and champagne.  Add the ice ring & serve.  Cheers!

Brandon & his longtime best friend, Sophia.  

Our dear friends (top to bottom, L-R): TJ, (Steve) & Fletcher

Christine, (me) & Jennifer

As one year closes and another one opens, I am reminded of the fortunes in my life; the unconditional love of family, the joy of dear friends and the happiness of peace in life.

I leave you with this hauntingly beautiful acoustic version of Auld Lang Syne to reflect on the joys and memories of auld lang syne (old days gone by) and to celebrate the endless possibilities of the new year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acxnmaVTlZA

Happy 2012!