Category — oranges

Ingredients

• 4 quarts dry red wine (zinfandel, merlot, burgundy, etc.)
• 1 pint brandy
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 12 cloves, whole
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp mace
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced

Directions

1. Pour the wine into a large pot and begin heating over low heat.
2. As it begins to warm, add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the brandy.
4. Heat thoroughly, but do not allow to boil!
5. Add the lemon and orange.
6. Steep for about 1 hour over low heat.
7. You may add more sugar during this time if desired, stirring well so it disolves.
8. Serve hot and garnish with orange slices. A stick cinnamon could also be used.

• 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