Giving thanks Jesse-style

Thanksgiving week is upon us again! I hope to be surrounded by friends and family over the coming days, and I thought it would be good to share the recipes I plan to include in my own celebrations. So please spare a few minutes of your own precious time in the next few days to look over my site because I'll be including some time-saving tips to get us all through the week stress free.

Let's get the party off to a punchy start with this simple (and simply delicious) classic cocktail.

Cosmopolitan - serves 2

1/3 cup premium Vodka
1 tbsp Triple Sec orange liqueur
1/3 cup cranberry juice
couple dashes lime juice

Shake all ingredients with plenty of ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into two frozen Martini glasses and serve immediately.

(I notice that clever old Martha suggests serving with a little skewer of frozen, candied cranberries, and I must say this is great for keeping your drink cool. Here's a quick way: spread 2 cups of washed cranberries on a baking tray and sprinkle with 2 cups of sugar. Place in oven preheated to 275 degrees F. Bake for an hour, watching and turning occasionally. Thread onto cocktail sticks (4 per stick), freeze in a sealed bag or container until required.