Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is almost here! For those of you planning to ring in the new year with a little bubbly, here are some fun recipe ideas for serving up your midnight champagne toast with a twist:

Cut 1 orange in half through stem. Cut each orange half crosswise into 6 slices; reserve for garnish. Using small knife, cut peel and white pith from remaining 2 oranges; chop oranges. Transfer chopped oranges with juices to bowl; mash with potato masher or wooden spoon. Stir in gin, sugar, and bitters. Strain into 2-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to release liquid. Chill 4 hours. Pour scant 2 tablespoons gin mixture into each of 12 glasses; fill with Champagne and garnish with orange.

Pour the champagne into a champagne flute. Add a healthy splash of Chambord, and serve.