December 21st is the 1st Day of Winter, National Coquito Day and more.
The 1st Day of Winter. Ugh. Here we go.
The winter solstice happens today, and at 4:48pm, winter arrives. With it, we’ll see some reeeeally chilly temperatures for Christmas this year. Christmas Eve the high is just 20 degrees (colder in some areas), and on Christmas Day it’s not much warmer. Still in the 20’s. So bundle up and buckle in. Hopefully this horrid season will pass without too many storms and icy mornings. Can you tell I go to work at 4am? Bleh.
Also today, for December 21st – it’s the shortest day of the year. The shortest amount of sun we’ll see. This is why it’s National Don’t Make Your Bed Day. The thought behind this holiday, is that we’re going to be back in bed soon anyway. Why bother?
If you want a better fake holiday for today, it’s also National Coquito Day. Also known as Puerto Rican Eggnog. It’s really good. Like eggnog, and also usually an alcoholic beverage, but unlike eggnog, this yummy holiday drink is coconut based. It’s literal translation from Spanish is Little Coconut. Here’s a great recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12oz) evaporated milk
1 can (150z) Goya Cream of Coconut
1 can (13.5oz) coconut milk
After that, it’s up to you to season it. You’ll definitely want some vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg (you’ll use it to garnish too).
Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in a saucepan and let it simmer for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
If you’re up to it, go ahead and add the rum (up to you how much)!
Chill before serving. It’ll keep for a few days (shake first), but best fresh.
Enjoy!
If you know someone with a family recipe, even better. We make this recipe a bit different each time, but the best coquito I’ve had is from friends of ours from Puerto Rico who refuse to share their recipe. The recipe above is the next best thing I’ve found. I like to add too much vanilla. To each their own.
Oh! And if the 1st day of winter is also bumming you out, don’t forget to enter to take a trip to sunny Florida and sail from Miami on a Disney Cruise for 4! We get you registered 3 times each weekday at 7am, 12pm and 4pm. Details HERE.
~ Kristen
