May you have
Warm hugs to greet you
Fun times to meet you
Joy in whatever you do
God’s love to guide you
Good friends beside you
And 
Happiness all the year through!

Drinking from the Grolla Cup has been a tradition in our family when we can all be
 together for a holiday or a special occasion. Hope you will try to experience it with your  family and friends.

GUMBA BOYS GROLLA

3 oz. Brandy
2 oz. Bourbon
1 oz. Grand Marnier
1 oz. Sambuca
12 C. Espresso
2 Tbs. Sugar

Make the Espresso and keep it hot. Add all the liquor together in a small pot and bring it slowly to a boil. Put the hot coffee in the Grolla, add the sugar and then add the hot liquors. Pass the Grolla around, taking sips, as you wish each other good luck in the form of Cent Anni, Salute, Merry Christmas, etc. The Grolla should be seasoned with hot coffee before its initial use or if it has not been used for a long time. Fill the Grolla with hot coffee and let it set overnight. Drain coffee and rinse with hot water before filling with the Grolla mixture. Never use soap. Rinse after each use with hot water and store with the lid on. Sipping from the Grolla is a symbol of friendship.

Note: A Grolla is a multi-spouted ornately carved, wooden bowl with a small lid. They are always round and usually shallow with an interior capacity for holding liquid proportioned to the number of spouts.

Wishing you and those you hold dear a very Blessed Christmas,

Anita and Family

MUSSELS in WHITE WINE

(Cozza al Vino Bianco)

50-60 Mussels – scrubbed
8 Fresh Basil Leaves – torn
4 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 C. Good White Wine (Wine you will drink while cooking!)
3 Garlic Cloves – chopped
2 tsp. Dried Oregano
3/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes – or to taste
Juice of 1 Lemon
Salt and Pepper – to taste

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.  Add the mussels and pour the wine over all, cover, and bring to a boil.  Add the garlic, oregano, red pepper, salt and pepper and stir. Cover and cook until the mussels start to open.  Add the basil and lemon juice, stir and cover.  Continue cooking until all the mussels  are open.  Before serving, discard any mussels that are still closed.  Ladle into soup bowls and serve with crusty Italian bread and the remainder of the white wine, if any! 

NOTE: THIS IS EQUALLY AS DELICIOUS SERVED OVER PASTA, SHORT OR LONG, YOUR CHOICE. AND DON’T FORGET TO PASS THE CHEESE.

BUON MANGIATA

VINTAGE CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

3/4 C. Shortening
1 C. Sugar
2 Eggs – lightly beaten
1 1/2 C. Flour
Pinch of Salt
2 Heaping Tablespoons Cocoa
1 C. Dates – diced
1 1/4 C. Boiling Water
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 C. Sugar
6 oz. Chocolate Chips
Chopped Nuts – your favorite

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350º.

GREASE A BREAD PAN

First, sprinkle dates with baking soda and spread boiling water over all and set aside to cool.  Cream shortening and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. Add sifted ingredients alternately with date mixture.  Pour batter into greased bread pan. Over the top of the batter, sprinkle evenly with ½ cup of sugar and a package of chocolate chips. Sprinkle in a small amount of your favorite nuts.

Bake for 40-50 minutes.

BUON MANGIATA!