Garden and Green

If you're having a Christmas party or gathering, mulled wine a traditional favourite always goes down well.

Here is the recipe and instructions, of course if you can afford it and it is convenient try and buy organic ingredients or from local suppliers.

Recipe

1 bottle of red wine (Merlot is a good choice) The wine doesn't have to be expensive.

4 cloves

1 stick of cinammon

1 lemon

1 orange

2 tablespoons of brandy or rum

75g brown sugar

Instructions

Heat pan and add wine, do not allow to boil, but rather a steady heat.

Add sugar and allow to dissolve.

Squeeze juice of the lemon into pan, add rind of the lemon into the pan.

Half the orange and stud with cloves, place both halfs into the pan and stir.

Allow 30 minutes on a steady heat, place spices and brandy into the pan, continue to heat for another 15 minutes. Do not allow to boil.

To Serve

Using a ladel, avoiding bits of rind etc. pour into small tumbler glasses. Place a spoon in each of the glasses to conduct some of the heat away from the glass. Wrap paper serviette around the glass to make holding the hot glasses more comfortable.

To make larger amounts of mulled wine, multiply all ingredients equally.

Once everyone has a glass you can give the greeting WASSAIL

Old English/Old Norse for 'Be in Good Health'

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