Try something bolder than bubbles this New Year's

Winter orchard scotch

Can't find ice cider? Substitute ice wine.

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky

1 ounce ice cider

1/2 ounce apple brandy

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a double old fashioned glass. Stir, then add an ice cube, if desired.

Slow candied bacon

Start to finish: 2 hours 15 minutes (15 minutes active)

Servings: 10

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon ground mace

20 ounces thick-cut bacon

Heat the oven to 250 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, red pepper flakes and mace. Arrange the bacon in a single layer in the prepared baking sheet. The bacon can touch, but should not overlap. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bacon, covering all the slices. Bake for 2 hours.

Allow the bacon to rest for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Store in an airtight container between sheets of kitchen parchment or waxed paper.

Nutrition information per serving: 340 calories; 200 calories from fat (59 percent of total calories); 23 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 27 g sugar; 7 g protein; 380 mg sodium.