A surprise blizzard has slammed much of the country this holiday weekend. For some of us this could be a primo opportunity after the hectic holiday.There was so much shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking and entertaining going on that we can sit back and relax for a day while the plows get the snow off the roads.
Turn on the DVD player and watch the new (or old) movies that magically appeared in your stocking. Make some hot chocolate, round up the kids after their snowball fight and enjoy the movies.
After the kids have finally passed out from exhaustion, light a fire if you have a fireplace and put out some snacks to enjoy with the warm mulled wine while watching your favorite new movie.
If you have heard of mulled wine but not sure what it actually is, here is a simple explanation - mulled means heated and spiced.
How simple is that. Heat up the wine with any spices you enjoy and you have a delicious warm drink on a cold day.
Here's an easy recipe you can prepare to have ready when you are.
Mulled Wine(makes 1 quart)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 cups red wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 orange peel (use the entire peel from the orange)
- sliced fruit (apple, pear, etc., your preference)
- 2 TBLS. brandy or fruit liqueur (optional)
- Make a simple syrup with the sugar and water and remove from the heat after it comes to a gentle boil.
- Add the red wine, cinnamon, cloves and orange peel to the simple syrup. Turn on the heat to very low and stir all ingredients. Do not let it boil, just cook slow 30 to 40 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Keep on a very low heat to keep warm and serve when you are ready.
I hope you enjoy the winter wonderland this holiday weekend. Stay warm, be safe and best wishes for the New Year!
Salute!
Winelady Cooks
So fun to see this post! I was just in Europe, and they had "Gluhwein" (mulled wine) at all of their Christmas markets. It was so fun and festive and warmed you right up, so I was saying to my hubby that it would be fun to have here...but I had no clue how to make something like it, so thanks for sharing your recipe! Cheers! :)
ReplyDeleteI know that I'll enjoy this recipe of Mulled Wine - is very close to the Spanish sangria which I love it :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
Gera
I make this pretty much the same way excluding the sliced fruit. We first had it at the German pavilion at Epcot center around Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Jason
Oh how I LVOE mulled wine. I haven't had it all season--now is the time!
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of wild and crazy weather! You have a great perspective, that its a good opportunity to wind down from the ever crazy holiday season. Your mulled wine sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Velva
btw, I am your new follower. Looking forward to enjoying your blog in 2011.
ReplyDeleteVelva
Thanks everyone for commenting. I hope you are all safe and warm this weekend.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for a healthy and prosperous 2011,
Joanne