I know everyone is focusing on Thanksgiving right now, as are we, but Hanukkah is really early this year... December 1st and we are planning a [color:"blue"]Latke Vodka Party[/color].

I have a variety of recipes for pancakes aka latkes that include: zucchini pancakes with red pepper jelly and smoked trout; sweet potato latkes with wasabi and wasabi tobiko; potato pancakes with horseradish cream, pickled onions, smoked salmon and salmon roe; and, gingered carrot latkes that are paired with cumin-scented beet latkes and served alongside apple, green onion, and jalapeño salsa.

However that is only one component of the Party...absolutely <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> need Vodka suggestions...
We will be 12 in all and I know not everyone drinks vodka... so a good punch is welcome as well.
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated, especially ways to present the vodkas/drinks. I do not have martini glasses, and I am not willing to invest in purchasing them, but I do have rocks glasses and tall glasses that I could use.
I prefer recipes that can be prepared ahead so that our guests can serve themselves.

Small/mini dessert suggestions are appreciated too. I will be serving homemade tangerine sorbet presented in the half shell of the tangerine... as it is very light and refreshing.

It is customary on Hanukkah to serve fried donuts with powdered sugar , but I am hoping this board will come through with some other delicious suggestions...which I can prepare ahead.

Thank you for brainstorming with me... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

i've made ina garten's cosmos at some of my gatherings and they've been very well received.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pomegranate-cosmos-recipe/index.html

sounds like a great party is in the works. have fun!

Red Rooster

1 1/2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail
1 (6-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, defrosted
2 cups vodka
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a large, shallow plastic container. Freeze for several hours. It will not freeze solid, but rather achieve the consistency of a slushy.

Scoop into punch cups or wine glasses and serve.

Ridiculously easy & REALLY yummy! (though probably similar to your tangerine sorbet- would probably complement each other really well if you put a small scoop of each into the tangerine shells, too!)

Sounds fabulous... slushies for dessert! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Thank you so much...exactly the type of unexpected dessert I was looking for.

My tangerine sorbet has only one or two tablespoons of vodka in it just to prevent it from freezing solid.

It is great for Thanksgiving as well... great flavor, refreshing and wonderful orange color!

[color:"orange"]TANGERINE SORBET[/color]

Makes: 1 Quart.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbs. grated tangerine zest
• 4 cups fresh tangerine juice (I needed 18 nice sized tangerines to make 4 C juice)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbs vodka
• pinch of dried Savory or Herbes de Provence (optional)

Directions:

1. Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of the tangerine juice and the sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Remove from the heat and let cool.
2. Stir in the remaining 2 cups tangerine juice and the lemon juice and dried herbs if using. Add the zest and vodka.
3. Transfer the mixture to container and freeze for until almost solid, mix in food processor, taste and adjust flavor to your liking and freeze again.

Mmmm, that sounds lovely... never would have thought of the herbes de Provence but I'll bet the savory/sweet combo would be nice!

If serving the Red Rooster for dessert I'd top with a vanilla shortbread cookie or vanilla-orange shortbread cookie to add a little sweetness and substance. I have recipes for both if you'd like but store-bought would probably be just fine as well.

The sorbet & slushies would be a good balance to the spicy latkes & sauces, too! (hot,cold, hot, cold...nice!) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Good luck with the party- sounds dee-lish! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

How about some macaroons for dessert?
Vodka? Jell-o Shots!

I love some of your latke suggestions! YUMMMMM!

Vanilla-Orange Shortbread cookie sounds like the perfect accompaniment to both sorbet and slushie recipes...would love it if you would share your recipe. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Vanilla Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
makes about 18 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks)butter (room temperature)
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)(tangerine would work too!)
zest of one orange
seeds of 1/2 a vanilla bean

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together butter and sugar until fluffy. A stand mixer is easier but by hand will certainly work. Add flour and mix, then add vanilla extract, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla bean seeds. (To get the seeds, cut the bean in half the long way and use the tip of a sharp knife to split it vertically down the center, then use the tip to scrape the seeds out of the pod and into your dough)

Mix well and add a little flour if needed to make it a stiff dough. Roll it into a ball and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles with a glass and transfer to a cookie sheet.

Bake 15-20 minutes, until edges are slightly golden brown. Use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to rack to cool.

Feel free to mail me some! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Thank you for sharing the recipe.
I am going to use freshly squeezed tangerine juice as you suggested as well as the zest from the tangerines... AND I am going to dip 1/4th - 1/2 the cookie in semi-sweet chocolate! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
The chocolate lovers' cravings will be satisfied as well. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Brian, GREAT idea <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Thanks!... I am sure it will get a reaction from the older crowd... probably prompt some back in the day college stories that the younger crowd will be dying to hear! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I would be happy to share any of the latke recipes... just let me know which ones you are interested in...

My family's personal favorite it my grandmother's recipe for lacy, crisp and thin potato latkes, pan fried in a cast iron skillet with Crisco.

Caribbeanscout thank you for the recipe for the pomegranate cosmo... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
EXCELLENT way to start off the Vodka portion of our evening! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Cookies dunked in dark chocolate sounds like a fabulous idea! (I might make those for Thanksgiving!) But for the ones served with the cranberry ice I might consider white chocolate dunking instead. Cranberry is pretty tart and the semisweet chocolate might not provide the balance it needs.

DOn't know how old your "older" crowd is, but I've found lots of "older" folks who haven't tried jello shots and they love them! I mean, who doesn't like Jello?! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I hope you're making LOTS of those Latkes, because it sounds like there's gonna be a LOT of vodka at this party! Looks like it's shaping up to be a family holiday party for the books! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Have fun! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

ROFL
It does seem more like a VODKA party reading this post...but remember all the latke recipes I have to choose from in my OP. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> Just have to figure out how to keep them hot!

Thank you for all your feedback and suggestions. I will take your advice about the white chocolate.

Do you or anyone else have a brand of white chocolate that you are happy with? I have tried Ghirardelli's white chocolate and dislike it intensely. Nestles white morsels are tastier!

I haven't decided 100% on the Jello Shots... I printed out Deb's (Peconic) recipe for [color:"blue"]Ice Water[/color] jello shots, but I'm not sure peppermint flavor is what I am looking for in colder weather.

Do you or anyone else have a favorite recipe for jello shots that you care to share with me?

Any other tried and true finger food suggestions to go along with the latkes are greatly appreciated as well.

Yes, this is going to be interesting...everyone is excited to partake in a Latke-Vodka party! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I have went to several party's recently that have served Pudding Shots, my oh my are those good!! I don't have a recipe that I have tried, but here are a few I found:


Recipe 1 (Black Forest Pudding Shots) :

* Chocolate Pudding (large box)
* 1 Cup cold milk
* 1 Cup Black Cherry Vodka
* 1 Cup Irish Cream
* 1 small tub of Cool Whip

Recipe 2 (Mocha Java Pudding Shots) :

* Chocolate Pudding (large box)
* 1 3/4 Cups cold milk
* 1 1/4 Cups Double Espresso Vodka
* 1 small tub of Cool Whip

Recipe 3 (Raspberry Cheesecake Pudding Shots) :

* Cheesecake Pudding (large box, or two small boxes)
* 1 1/2 Cups cold milk
* 1 1/4 Cups Framboise liqueur (or Chambord)
* 1/4 Cup Grand Marnier
* 1 small tub of Cool Whip

To the OP...
Deb's ice water jell-o shots are definately a warm weather shot!

Others she makes are orange w/orange vodka, raspberry w/raspberry vodka... getting the idea?
The favorite among our friends tend to be the Lime ones and cherry and strawberry (any red ones)...

Just need 1 sugar free jell-o package, one cup boiling water...
dissolve jell-o, and then add one cup of whatever vodka...
One package of Jell-o mixture makes about 17-18 Jell-o shots...

OB... YUMMMM! Puddinng shots! gotta give them a try!

Yeah, pudding shots sound REALLY good! (would also be good with those cookies, too!) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I just use the Nestle's white chocolate morsels. The Ghirardelli ones don't melt & ruined a whole batch of pecan bark for me one Christmas. All you really need is a coating of "sweet", so the Nestle's are just fine.

I have had these at several parties and will try to get a recipe, I just looked at the ones I posted and sounds like these did not set up well. I will email my friend and see if she will share her recipe. They were delicious. She had some like Kalua and Cream, Bailey's and Raspberry. Yummy!

Have had them, and they are yummy!!

Pudding Shots sound very yummy indeed! I hope your friend shares the recipes with you...and ultimately with your friends on TTOL!
At the very least maybe you can convince her to share the proportions and method for making successful Pudding Shots.

Thanks for the suggestion!

These are called Chunky Monkey pudding shots. I'm making these this weekend!

ngredients

1 instant banana cream pudding mix
1 cup milk
3/4 cup Arrow brand Creme de banana
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup crushed walnuts
1-1.55 oz Hershey's milk chocolate bar (broken into small pieces)
1- 8 oz package Extra-Creamy Cool Whip
How to make it

Mix pudding mix with milk
add Creme de Banana and vodka mix well
fold in Cool Whip
mix in chocolate pieces and crushed walnuts
put in 1 0z or 2 0z cups with lids and freeze at least 24hrs

Oh, be still my heart!
Please tell us how they turn out and how scrumtious they are! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> for sharing.

I think I will make a variety, here are two more that look delicious:



Raspberry Pudding Shots

- 1 3.5 oz of Instant Pudding Mix
- 3/4 cup of Milk
- 1/4 cup of Vodka
- 1/2 cup of Raspberry schnapps
- 8 oz of Cool Whip

Mix pudding and milk until well blended. Add vodka and raspberry schnapps. Fold in the Cool Whip. Divide into individual servings (about 12). Freeze for a few hours and then enjoy!

Chocolate Russian Pudding Shots
- 16 oz of Cool Whip
- 1 large box of Instant Chocolate Pudding
- 3/4 cup of Kahlua® coffee liqueur
- 1/4 cup of Vodka

Mix pudding and kahlua for a couple of minutes with an electric mixer. Add vodka and then mix well. Now it's time to add the Cool Whip.

Then all you have to do is put the pudding mix into individual serving cups with lids. You may want to provide some plastic spoons. Keep in the freezer.

You can go bananas with all the combos ... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I have been reading with great interest Pudding Shots' recipes on facebook... http://www.facebook.com/pages/PUDDING-SHOTS/342241775878#!/pages/PUDDING-SHOTS/342241775878

Marci recommends using the 1 oz cups with lids.
Another thing I noticed is that she always uses the "extra creamy" Cool Whip in her recipes.

Directions for all her recipes: Always blend the pudding & milk well before adding any other ingredients. Add alcohol, blend well again & then add Cool Whip & AGAIN blend well. Pour the batter into a ziploc and cut one corner to dispense into individual serving cups. Freeze at least 2 hours. ENJOY!!!

I was wondering Colleen, what flavor instant pudding are you going to use in the Raspberry Pudding Shots?

Yeah I noticed it did not mention a flavor in that recipe, I was going to use chocolate for a chocolate rasberry. Unless someone has a better idea?

I read one that used cheesecake flavored pudding & was garnished with graham cracker crumbs. Sounded good to me!

Although you can't go wrong with chocolate raspberry either!

Okay, I am kind of a purist...but the smoked salmon and the salmon caviar make me think of getting a *really* good bottle of vodka, put it in the freezer, and serve teeny, tiny glasses of icy cold vitamin V to sip! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

They doesn't have to be too teeny if you put the glases in the freezer <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Like the way you <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> think.

Augie: When it is in a teeny glass, it is okay to have more than one..or maybe two. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Wow, I'm impressed with the pudding shots. I make a trifle which is similar except I add some ladyfingers or sponge cake....even brownies. Oh, so yummy!
Along w/the pudding shots I think a Pirrouette cookie dipped in chocolate would be awesome. They're delicate and would go well w/shots. How about Van Gogh's
Double Espresso? That is the most FABULOUS drink around. Tastes like espresso.....but just wait a minute!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> And if you keep the bottle in the freezer it's oh, so refreshing! Yumma! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />


<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa

I'm with you regarding enjoying icy cold premium vodka neat. Found a product called lushology shot-glass ice mold. I can even see serving martinis in them...very cool <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

The ice glasses are pretty cool. I like little Baccarat vodka glasses nestled in shaved ice... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

What's not to like! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />