Sandra Lee's Simple Treats

Hot Apple Toddies

3 cups apple cider

4 cinnamon sticks

½ cup spiced rum, Captain Morgan's

½ cup cinnamon schnapps, Goldschlager

Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

In a 4-quart slow cooker combine apple cider, four cinnamon sticks, spiced rum and cinnamon schnapps. Cover; cook over high-heat setting for 1 hour. Ladle into glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks (or kumquats).

Tiered Cheese Balls

4 ounces blue cheese

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese

1¼ cups finely chopped dried dates

Basil Leaves

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine blue cheese and cream cheese. Process until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and chill in refrigerator for at least four hours. Once chilled, form cheese mixture into 6 even balls. Roll each ball into chopped dates. Arrange cheese balls on tiered platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Makes 6 cheese balls.

Recipes courtesy of Sandra Lee's "Semi-Homemade Gatherings"