Hibiscus Punch

If you enjoy the tart floral flavor of hibiscus tea, you'll like this unique punch called bissap rouge in Senegal. You can find dried hibiscus (also called roselle or sorrel) in Asian, Mexican, and Caribbean speciality markets, or order online at www.mexigrocer.com.

Yield 8 cups (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

• 8 cups water
• 1 cup hibiscus pods
• 2/3 cup superfine sugar

Preparation

Combine water and hibiscus in a large nonaluminum Dutch oven. Cover and let stand 2 hours. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Strain through a sieve, reserving punch; discard solids. Add sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves; chill.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 66 (0.0% from fat)

Fat: 0.0g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.0g)

Protein: 0.2g

Carbohydrate: 16.9g

Fiber: 0.0g

Cholesterol: 0.0mg

Iron: 0.0mg

Sodium: 0.0mg

Calcium: 4mg

Cooking Light, APRIL 2003

Cupid's Creamy Peppermint Punch

If you serve this dreamy drink in a large punch bowl, hang peppermint candy canes on the bowl's rim.

Yield Makes about 1 gallon
Ingredients

* 1 quart eggnog
* 1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
* 1/2 gallon peppermint ice cream, softened
* Hard peppermint candies, crushed

Preparation

Stir together first 3 ingredients in a punch bowl or large bowl; sprinkle with peppermint candy, and serve immediately.

Note: Punch may be made ahead, without crushed peppermint candies, and chilled 2 hours. Stir well, and sprinkle with candies just before serving.

Shelley Ford, Dunwoody, Georgia, Southern Living, NOVEMBER 2004