On this day before Christmas, it seems fitting to celebrate a local woman who brings joy to the Malibu hills each December with her Christmas Dessert Open House party.  

Corinne Le, an instructional aide at Webster Elementary School, hosts what has become the go-to party of the season in Malibu. Hundreds and hundreds of lucky locals get invited to her annual dessert party, which she has been throwing for about 15 years at the Pepperdine University condo she shares with husband Hung Le and sons Zach, 15, Ben, 13, Jaime, 11 and Garrett, 9.   

She begins baking a week ahead of time, stashing the completed desserts in her own garage freezer and neighbors' refrigerators and freezers. Some 50-70 desserts later, she hangs up her apron and calls it a day.      

The night of the party, neighbors come over early to help her arrange the bounty on her dining table, counters and every available flat surface. Within 10 minutes of the official start time, her cozy condo is filled to the walls with early arrivals; you snooze, you lose at this party! During the evening, guests will spill out into the driveway courtyard for a breath of cool air, then plunge back inside for more treats.   

Among the most favorite concoctions is a decadent ice cream punch that she got from Jamie Phillips, the late wife of Pepperdine's former dean of the Law School, Ron Phillips.  

"Some friends say they will just stand there by the punch bowl all night," Corinne says. That's how good it is!"

We think it would be fantastic as a treat after Christmas dinner, very festive at New Year's or any time this season when you need something special.

JAMIE PHILLIPS' COFFEE PUNCH

Shared by Corinne Le of Malibu 

Base for 20 people:

▪                1 cup water

▪                1 cup sugar

▪                2 tablespoons instant coffee

Boil water, add sugar and coffee. Let it cool awhile. 

Add:

▪                1 quart + 1 cup of whole milk (should be the color of cardboard or a little darker) 

About 15 minutes before serving, add, but don't mix or blend:

▪                1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream (Dryers brand is preferred)

▪                1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream

 Voila! Serves 20.