Mulling Spices

The mood for festive cold-weather fun is established by mulled wine. Create our easy mulling spice blend to use yourself or to give to hosts of holiday parties. also applies to mulled cider!

Ingredients :

Because of the mulling spices :

• Star anise, 8

• Eight cinnamon sticks and sixty (5g, 1 tbsp) cloves

One batch of mulled wine has to be made :

• Star anise, two

• 2 sticks of cinnamon

• 20 cloves

• a single (750ml) bottle of dry, full-bodied red wine, like Zinfandel

• 0.5 cups of water

• 1/3 cup honey plus additional to taste

• 4 sliced mandarin oranges (like Cuties)

Special Equipment :

• cheesecloth or spice bags

• Cooking twine, if desired

STEPS :

     1. Spices are toasted :

Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to a medium pot with a heavy bottom. Spices should be heated on medium until aromatic, about 1 minute, while stirring to prevent burning.

     2. Oranges, wine, and honey are added :

Once the spices are fragrant, slowly pour the wine into the pot and whisk in the honey using a metal (or other non-staining) spoon. Add half of the orange slices; reserve the other half for serving.

For about 3 minutes, cook the mixture on medium while stirring often.

     3. Examine the wine :

Reduce the heat and let the wine steep for 30 minutes. Make sure the liquid is steaming but not boiling (approximately 170°F) and stir it occasionally.

     4. Take the spices out :

Remove the spice bag from the wine if you used one.

If you're not using a spice bag, you can either use a skimmer to fish the orange slices and spices out, or you can strain the mulled wine by placing a strainer over a medium heat-resistant basin.

     5. Serve after tasting :

Refill the pot with the spiced wine. Taste the wine and make adjustments as necessary: if it is too strong, add up to 1/2 cup water; if it is not sweet enough, add more honey.

Pour into heatproof cups and place an orange slice on top of each. Cover the remaining mulled wine with a lid or move it to a big thermos to keep it warm. Throw away the spices.

     6. Store :

Any leftover mulled wine should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Read More Recipes : CLICK HERE