Festive Cheer

?Tis the season of goodwill and hopefully there will be many occasions for all of you reading my blog to be merry and bright. I wish you all a very, happy festive season.
One thing that could always be guaranteed to put my Mum in a festive mood was a little tipple.
Her favourite, at this time of year was mulled wine and mince pies. Yesterday I made some  and I'd like to share the recipe with you .

Mulled Wine

500 ml water
6 cloves
half a cinnamon stick, lightly crushed
pinch of grated nutmeg
thinly pared rind of half a lemon
1 bottle of red wine
granulated sugar

Put the water into an enamel or stainless steel saucepan and heat gently, then stir in the spices and lemon rind.
Heat to boiling point and simmer for ten minutes.
Strain the liquid into a bowl and add the wine
Sweeten to taste with sugar (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Return to the pan and heat without boiling.
Serve immediately
Makes about 10 wine glasses( avoid breakage by putting a spoon in the glass as you pour the wine in )

If you have mince pies with it that is perfection, but chocolate truffles are nice too !

Here is a recipe for the tee-totallers and drivers.-

Non-alcoholic Fruit Punch

1 litre of red grape juice
thinly pared rind and juice of 3 oranges
6 cloves
4cm cinnamon stick, lightly crushed
granulated sugar
2 eating apples, thinly sliced

Put the grape juice, orange rind and juice and spices into an enamel or stainless steel saucepan and heat to boiling point. Simmer over a low heat for 10 minutes. Add the sugar and stir occasionally until it has dissolved. Strain the liquid and discard the orange rind and spices.
Add the apple slices, and serve immediately.
Makes about 10 wine glasses.

Making either of these recipes will fill your home with the most wonderful, Christmassy aromas and get you in the festive spirit.