We’re always looking for ways to make our own homemade drinks instead of buying the packaged ones in the grocery store. Instead of buying mocha coffee loaded with artificial flavors, why not make your own? You can customize this delicious drink any way you like. Try adding whipped cream, marshmallows, or a peppermint stick for a twist. Warm up this winter with this delicious mocha coffee that’ll soon become a favorite!

[yumprint-recipe id=’87’] Photos: Sunset, Careening Segue.

If you find yourself short on time these busy days leading up to New Year’s, this recipe is for you! Mac and cheese is everyone’s favorite, and this is an easy way to make it without the hassle. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot and forget about it!

Photos: Crockpot Gourmet, Culinary Cory, Pip and Debby.

Let the adults have a little Christmas fun, too! We’re sure your friends and family will love these tasty jelly shots! They’re made with cherry and lime jello and have a very special ingredient – vanilla vodka! They may look complicated, but they’re so easy to make! Add some whipped cream and mint leaves on top and any red candy you like (we love red Skittles!) and you’re ready to party!

Ingredients:

1) 1 three ounce box cherry gelatin or jello

2) 1 three ounce box lime gelatin or jello

3) 3 packets unflavored gelatin

4) 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

5) 1 1/2 cups vanilla vodka

6) 36 dollops whipped cream

7) 36 mint leaves

8) 72 small red candies (try red Skittles!)

Step #1:

Coat a square dish lightly with cooking spray. Spread the cooking spray around with paper towel.

Step #2:

To make the cherry layer, add 1/2 a packet of gelatin over 1/4 cup of water. Leave it to soak for 1-2 minutes. Add in 1 box of cherry gelatin and 1 cup boiling water. Mix until it dissolves. Add 3/4 cup of vanilla vodka. Repeat this process to make the lime layer.

Step #3:

For the white layer, add 2 packets of gelatin to 1/2 cup of water and leave it to soak for 1-2 minutes. Add in 1 cup boiling water and 1 14 ounce can of condensed milk. Mix until the gelatin dissolves. This will make 3 cups of liquid. Leave it to cool to room temperature.

Step #4:

Add 1/2 of the cherry mixture into the pan. Place the pan in the fridge for 20 minutes for the gelatin to set. Once it has set, add 1/3 of the white mixture on top of the cherry mixture. If any air bubbles surface, pop them before placing the pan back in the fridge for 20 minutes. Repeat this process for the lime mixture. Add white over the lime, then cherry, then white, then finish with the lime. Leave the finished pan to set in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Step #5:

When you’re ready to serve the jelly shots, gently pull the edges away from the pan. Invert the jelly onto a cutting board and cut into squares.

Step #6:

Place your jelly shots on a serving tray and top them with a bit of whipped cream. Top the whipped cream with a mint leaf and 2 red candies (to make a holly leaf). Enjoy!

Photos: Tablespoon.

Iced coffees are one of those things that we can’t resist in the summer. They’re usually on the pricey side at most coffee shops, and sometimes they don’t taste that great, either. Making your own iced coffee is simple, and you’re in control of the recipe! Add in condensed milk, whole milk, or half-and-half for extra flavor! You can also add some whipped cream on top if you’re feeling adventurous! Read on for the recipe!

Perfect Home-Made Iced Coffee

The best iced coffee you’ve ever tasted! Try it with half-and-half and top with whipped cream!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground coffee
• 8 gallons of water
• sugar
• condensed milk, half-and-half, 2% milk, or soy milk
• whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large container, combine coffee and water. Mix well and cover. Allow to steep for at least 8 hours.
2. When the time has passed, strain the liquid through a doubled cheesecloth in a separate container. Refrigerate until chilled. This amount of coffee can stay in the fridge for up to 3 weeks if kept tightly covered.
3. When ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and fill halfway with coffee. Add sugar and the creamer of your choice and top with whipped cream.

Photos: The Pioneer Woman, How Sweet Eats, Audi Rose.