Torani

I am a failure when it comes to match making and yet I am incapable of stopping. It’s a compulsion, this desire to facilitate the mating ritual. But to match up the right guy with the right lass takes a certain sense of soul that I do not have. Just because two people are single and wonderful does not mean they belong together. Like my last attempt, which consisted of manipulating a woman who is allergic to wine into place with a wine collector, the un-click can be almost audible. If people could fall in love based on my enthusiasm, I’d be the most sought after Yenta in the whole Midwest. But for a couple to take, they need shared passion and physical chemistry and something else mysterious and allusive that I tend to fabricate when describing one prospective to another. So I’m folding in the towel. At least when it comes to actual dates. From here on out, parties will be my modus operendi. No knowing participants, good booze, rich food and hopefully someone else to foot the bill.

TORANI'S HOLIDAY DRINK MAKEOVER CONTEST

The Rules: Submit your holiday beverage recipes using at least one Torani syrup, and eggnog, hot chocolate or punch. Contest recipes must meet the following guidelines: It must use at least one Torani syrup product, and it must be 10 ingredients or less.

The Prize: Author of the winning recipe receives a catered cocktail party for 20 guests hosted by Torani, with the winning party drink recipe as the guest of honor. Party to take place during the January 1 – December 31, 2006 calendar year.

The Entry: Pumpkin Spice Eggnog
Yields six 12-ounce servings

3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Pumpkin Spice Torani Syrup
4 ounces (1/2 cup) Butter Rum Torani Syrup
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 pint softened vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup Spiced Rum
1 quart commercial eggnog
1 cup Kentucky bourbon
6 pinches freshly grated nutmeg


In a blender, combine the Pumpkin Spice Torani Syrup, the Butter Rum Torani Syrup, the canned pumpkin, the vanilla ice cream and the spiced rum. Blend until smooth. In a large bowl, mix together the eggnog and the bourbon. Fold in the blended ice cream mixture and serve in chilled glasses with fresh nutmeg sprinkled over the top.