Category — candy canes

• 2 lemons
• 2 oranges
• 1  bottle of medium, to full bodied red wine
• Nutmeg (to taste)
• Cloves (to taste)
• Brandy or Cognac (or to taste)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (optional)
• Herbal or citrus influenced tea (optional but excellent)
• Water (optional softener instead of tea)
• 4 large cinnamon sticks
• 4 candy canes

Instructions for making four large portions

1. Cut lemons and oranges into slices.
2. Pour the red wine into saucepan and gradually heat.
3. Add fruit slices, nutmeg, cloves and brandy.
4. Keep an eye on the mixture and wait until it becomes hot to the touch.
5. At this point you could blend in sugar or water (if desired).
6. Pour into glasses/mugs and add tea (to taste).
7. Garnish with cinnamon stick and candy cane.
8. Serve