Sometimes we just stay home.

It's cold in southern Illinois today, and sometimes we like to simply kick back, relax, and enjoy my quiet little hilltop farmhouse. When we aren't on the road appreciating someone else's food, we enjoy the daily delights of home-food...sometimes for fun, sometimes for comfort, and sometimes just because we're hungry.

Today...I decided to give T a treat because we've both been under the weather. Plus it's Saturday and it just seems right to warm up with a little hot rum on this frigid, sore-throat-and-sniffles afternoon. It worked! I think we're both cured...

Hot Buttery Rum

In a nice-sized mug, preferably one of those heavy ceramic ones that make you feel like you are sitting in a mountain lodge, dissolve 1 Tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons butter (the real thing, no compromises!) in 2 Tablespoons water - about 30 seconds in the microwave until the butter is melty and the sugar dissolved.

Add 2 shots of rum. Yes, two.

Then stir in about 1 teaspoon of spices - traditionally clove and allspice, but I had some pre-mixed mulling spices on hand that were just right.

Fill the mug with water, stir and return to the microwave for a minute or two until hot.

To make it special, you can toss in a cinnamon stick - to give yourself something to twirl til the temp's just right!

Then relax. Enjoy with good conversation, and perhaps a few games of Words With Friends.

We're all better now.