We are the in the thick of the holiday season now and stoves are hot. To help celebrate, area chefs and businesses are sharing special recipes this season, as we all begin cooking up a storm. PenBayPilot.com will post recipes and tips throughout the holidays. Enjoy!

Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House, 55 Main St. in Belfast, offers up a great holiday drink idea. It fits the needs of a cocktail and a seasonal drink for the adult candy lover.

An elegant and creative way to say welcome and Merry Christmas to a guest who stops by for the holidays. Delvino’s bartender Chalorne Libby, of Lincolnville, shares the secrets of making the holiday drink.

White Chocolate Candy Cane Martini

11/2 oz Vanilla Vodka
11/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
2 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
3 small Candy Canes, two crushed
Simple Sugar Syrup

To make a Simple Sugar Syrup solution, add one cup of sugar to one cup of water and bring to a simmer on the stove under low heat. Remove when liquid is of a thick consistency. 

Crush two candy canes and place on a small plate, the diameter just a little bigger than your serving glass.

1. Fill a martini glass with ice and water to cool.
2. In a shaker add some ice, the Vodka, Schnapps and Liqueur.
3. Shake well.
4. Discard the ice and water in the martini glass and dip the rim in your sugar solution.
5. Immediately dip the rim into the crushed candy cane.
6. Strain the shaker into the glass and garnish with the remaining candy cane.

More Holiday Cooking Tips:

• Francine Bistro: Brussels Sprouts Salad

• Darby's Restaurant: Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apricot Brandy Mushroom Sauce

• Delvino's: White Chocolate Candy Cane Martini

• Fresh: Fresh Pastitsio

• Park Street Grille: Braised Duck Adobo

• Graffam Bros. Seafood Market: Lobster Mac and Cheese

• Shepherd's Pie: Roasted Mussels with Cedar Leaf; Roasted Cauliflower with Rhode Island Sauce

• Chocolate Drop Candy Shoppe: Eggnog Milkshake and Chocolate Peppermint Sundae