Kir is a traditional French aperitif that combines the sweet syrup of currants with dry white wine. This kir is “royal” since it uses champagne. If you can’t find the crème de cassis, any sweet raspberry flavor liquid will work nicely.

Hungarian nut roll is one of my family’s most treasured recipes – but this version has less fat since it’s made with skim milk and low-fat margarine. Fresh yeast is usually found in the dairy section, but you can substitute with 2 (.04 ounce) packets of dry yeast

This might look like a Shirley Temple, but it packs a punch with the gin! If you want to make a lighter version, cut the portion in half and top with club soda.

Winters in New York City can be unfriendly with frigid winds and sudden snowstorms. I remedy the conditions by making my favorite hot, holiday drink, Glühwein. My friend Sonja gave me this version of classic German recipes – it is a great way to start a party: sweet and warm, it goes down so easily on a cold, icy night.

This gooey milk caramel is a South American favorite! It’s low-fat but caloric, so use it sparingly. I top low-fat cupcakes or serve it for dessert with apple and pineapple wedges.

I sampled this recipe when I was staying at Mrs. Bhanjara’s Guest House located in Amritsar, India. It’s a healthy winter dessert and a great way to enjoy unripe fruit during the winter months. My recipe calls for cinnamon leaves, sometimes referred to as “Indian bay leaves”.

Most folks think a great chocolate mousse comes from whipped cream or by adding some dairy product, but the richest mousses I’ve tasted are made by using top notch, dark melted chocolate. This version was gifted to me from a French classmate from college.

Orange juice makes everything sweet and sunny. Beets add jewel-like color as well as added nutrition to this classic brunch drink.

This is one of the most unique family recipes I have. I’ve never seen or tasted it anywhere except for in my Granny’s kitchen. My granny had a small grape arbor, covered with concord grapes and fuzzy yellow bumble bees that were attracted to the honeyed scent. Every September she would pick the grapes to make jams, juice, and pies. When I serve it, people think it’s blueberry pie but are really surprised by the intoxicating grapey first bite!

Grapefruit is so refreshing in the summer and this is the perfect dessert! Citrus zest can guard against skin cancer so while you’re cooling yourself with this chilly treat you can also be protecting that gorgeous tanned skin! Great for summer parties, the sorbet can be prepared three days in advance.