Better Late than Never by Monica

Winter has its perks. Cold weather nights, and sometimes afternoons, are so inviting to a warm cozy drink. I'm not talking about hot cocoa, but a bit more adult beverage that is absolutely delicious, a Gluehwein (aka mulled or spiced wine.) In Germany Gluehwein is usually served during the Christmas season all over the Christmas markets. One of my fondest memories of Germany include seating around with family and friends sipping on Gluehwein and eating traditional Christmas cookies. Gluehwein is now a tradition in our household, one that we also cherish with our dear friends, as we did for our Ladies of the Knife Christmas Fondue dinner at Martha's this past December. I am enclosing the recipe for your enjoyment.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (preferably German, but a nice Merlot of Shiraz will also do nicely)
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. honey
12 cloves
1 large cinnamon stick
1 large bay leaf
1 Orange, sliced and peeled (remove the pith from the peeled orange)
1 small lemon, sliced and peeled (optional-if using lemon, remove the pith as well)

Preparation:
Pour the wine in a medium size pot and set on the stove at medium heat. Add the sugar, honey, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf and orange (and lemon) zest/s until the wine simmers (do not boil as it will make the wine bitter.) Add the orange/lemon slices once the wine has simmered and continue simmering for another 5 minutes or so, or until the flavors have melded. Serve warm. Prosst!!!