Coffee Punch

Iif you are anything like myself and just l-o-v-e a good cup of coffee, but you are not true coffee-lover material since you love that cup of coffee with all of the good stuff that "hides" the true coffee flavor, as some will say, then this Coffee Punch and its holiday variation are just for you.  Yes, it's chilled, but everyone who claims to not like iced coffee always goes crazy over this stuff whenever I make it.  Really, it's like a glorified ice cream float, except that the large scoop of ice cream diffuses into the punch.  It's perfect for elegant affairs, for outdoor parties in the summertime when you don't want to serve hot coffee, or just as a change to the standard soda and juice punch.  Give it a try, you'll love it.  Trust me.

This recipe was originally compliments of Southern Living magazine.  Enjoy!

Coffee Punch

12 cups of brewed and chilled regular or decaffeinated coffee

1 half-gallon container of vanilla ice cream

1 can of Redi-Whip whipped cream

4 cups of whole milk

3/4 cup Nesquik

Brew coffee the night before you will be serving this and chill overnight black.  When you are ready to assemble the punch, pour the coffee into a punch bowl.  Add the milk and Nesquik.  Stir well until blended.  Scoop the entire container of ice cream into the bowl.  Finish by squirting the can of whipped cream into the bowl.  The recipe calls for the whole can but I usually end up using about 3/4 and then I add some more once the ice cream and whipped cream diffuse, to give the second half of the punch a pick-me-up halfway through the event.  Enjoy!

***You can always add Baily's Irish Cream, Rum, Vodka, or Kahlua to the punch, according to your preference in strength, if you would like to serve alcohol at your event.***

***For a delicious Christmas variation, use 1 quart of eggnog instead of the plain whole milk.  Sprinkle the whipped cream with nutmeg after filling up the bowl.  You may also add rum to the punch (according to your preference in strength) if you would like a spiked punch for a holiday party.  Enjoy!***