Liven Up Your Holiday Spirits

My mom has a knack for finding useful tips and interesting information in just about everything she reads.  Last week she called me to tell me about another interesting tidbit she had picked up from reading the weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal.  

The WSJ article, all about the traditions of Christmas punch, mentioned the importance of keeping a cold punch cold.  For those of you who have made a bowl of Christmas cheer, you know ice cubes melt too quickly to keep the punch cold and often add too much water to your perfectly proportioned mixture.

So what's a hostess (or host) to do with a giant bowl of punch you ask? The answer is to make an ice ring.  You might have seen some fancy ice rings made by caterers at those events where there is punch, or you may have no idea what I am talking about... 

But fear not.  I found some advice online and made my own ice ring! (I am actually making punch this weekend for a Christmas get-together, so don't worry, I'm not just making ice rings for entertainment.) 

Here's how to get your ice ring started:

Step One:  You need something to make the ring in.  If you don't have an ice ring mold, or ring shaped jello mold there is no need to head out to the store.  A bundt pan will work just fine.  If you don't have a bundt pan check with a friend and see if you can borrow theirs (thanks Mike!).

                                  

Step Two:  You will want to put some fruit in your ice ring to make it look festive.  I used lemons and limes because I think those flavors will best complement my punch recipe.  But don't limit yourself, be creative!  This site suggests using fruit like oranges, maraschino cherries, raspberries, mint and watermelon.

Step Three:  Cut up the fruit and layer it into the bottom of the bundt pan.

  

Step Four:  Add water over the fruit, but try not to let the fruit float.  You won't need to add much water.

I decided to splurge and use delicious filtered water from the Brita Pitcher

Step Five:  Place in the freezer and let everything set.  When the ice has formed over the fruit, remove your pan from the freezer, fill to the top with more water.  Return to freezer.

Fruit is still on the bottom just as planned

Step Six:  When everything is frozen and you are ready to remove the ice ring from the pan, place it in a shallow pan of warm water and the ice should loosen right up.

Step Seven:  Place the ice ring in the punch bowl and enjoy!

What are your feelings on Christmas punch?  Tacky or a necessary holiday staple?

-Almost TGIF!