Grayson, Kentucky native Jason Smith won the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship and went on to be a judge on Best Baker in America. He shares a quick and easy appetizer and drink that are perfect for ringing in the new year. Follow Jason at https://www.southerncountrybling.com/.
The Bell Ringer Drink southerncountrybling.com Chef Jason Smith
Serves 2 Ingredients: 1-TBSP honey 4 oz warm water 2-tsp lemon juice 8 oz apple juice 2 oz bourbon Dried apple slices for garnish
Directions: • Place the honey and warm water in a bowl and stir till honey is dissolved. • Place a few ice cubes in a shaker, add half the honey simple syrup, lemon juice, apple juice, and bourbon, shake a few times, remove the strainer top and pour into 2 chilled martini glasses. • Garnish with apple slices.
Sweet Spicy Cheesy App southerncountrybling.com Chef Jason Smith
Serves: 10-12 Ingredients: 1-(8 oz) block cream cheese, room temp 1-cup hot pepper jelly 1-cup apricot jam ¼-cup ginger ale soda Asst Crackers for serving
Directions: • Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. • In a small bowl place the jelly, jam and ginger ale and whisk till combined. • Pour over cream cheese, place crackers around and serve.
Tip: You can use a large serving tray and change out the apricot jam with other flavors and serve a large variety for your guest.