Beer Cheese Dip by Laura

8 oz cream cheese, softened ( i have also seen recipes that use sour cream)
1-1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar, add to taste
1 package of hidden valley ranch seasoning
1/2-3/4 can of beer, add to taste

Mix all ingredients together, best if chilled 1-2 hours before serving. Serve with crackers, fresh veggies, or honey wheat pretzels.

Cranberry-Orange Vodka

Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello

Prep Time:20 min

Inactive Prep Time:168 hr 0 min

Cook Time:6 min

Level:Easy

Serves:1 (750-ml) bottle of vodka

Ingredients

      1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries

      1 cup sugar

      2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or 1 vanilla bean, split

      2 oranges, peels cut into 2-inch strips

      1 (750-ml) bottle vodka

To serve:

      1 bottle tonic water

      Lime slices, for garnish

Directions

Place cranberries, sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Place pan over medium heat and stir. Simmer cranberry mixture until the berries burst, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Place orange peels in a large glass container with an airtight lid, or large mason jars with lids. Pour vodka over the orange peels.

Allow the cranberry mixture to cool. Pour the cooled mixture into the glass container(s). Cover tightly and set aside for 1 week. After 1 week, strain out the cranberries sand orange peels and pour mixture into a clean bottle, using a funnel. Store vodka in the refrigerator.

To serve: Pour 2 ounces of vodka mixture over ice in a tall glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Chrissy's Apple Fritters

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup cold beer (not dark)

10 cups vegetable oil

2 green apples (1 pound), peeled, halved lengthwise, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick

Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt, then add beer, and whisk to combine. Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot until the thermometer registers 375^OF or use a Fry Daddy Fryer.

Dip apple slices in batter, shaking off excess, and fry, about 8 at a time, until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Transfer fritters with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Serve warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar.  Serves: 32 fritters