March 3 - National Mulled Wine. Try This Mulled Wine Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 small oranges or 1 large
• 1 bottle of affordable Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache)
• ¼ cup brandy
• 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 4 whole cloves
  Optional garnishes: Fresh whole cranberries (about ¼ cup), cinnamon sticks, additional orange rounds or half moons

1. To prepare the oranges, if using two small, slice one orange into rounds and the other in half. If using one large orange, slice it in half through the round middle, then cut one of the halves into rounds.
2. Place the rounds into a medium heavy-bottomed pot or small Dutch oven. Squeeze the juice from the remaining oranges into the pot.
3. Pour the wine into the pot, followed by the brandy. Add one tablespoon of the sweetener for now.
4. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves.
5. Warm the mixture over medium heat until steaming (about 5 minutes), and watch it. When you start seeing the tiniest bubbles at the surface, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
6. Carefully taste, and add another tablespoon of sweetener if it’s not sweet enough. If it’s not spicy enough to suit your preferences, continue cooking over low heat for 5 to 10 more minutes.
7. Serve in mugs with your desired garnishes!