1 ounce homemade New Mexico sweet apple cider

¼ ounce lemon juice

¼ ounce crème de cassis

Shake all ingredients together, chill, and serve with a wedge of New Mexico apple over the rim of the glass. Serves 1.

ROSALIE’S APRICOT BRANDY

Rosalie Howland says this is great to sip and is superb as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

1 pound dried apricots

1 pound sugar

1 quart vodka

Mix together in a glass container and store for 6 to 8 weeks in a cool dark place. Shake every other day or so, so flavors meld.