Pic Today 12/15/10

HOT MULLED SPICE

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hot mulled drinks (wine or cider)

are popular the world over

at Christmas time.

Each country has its own name and recipe

for hot, spiced holiday drinks:

England/America -- Hot mulled wine

Germany -- Glühwein

Poland -- Grzane wino

France -- Vin chaud

Nordic Countries -- Glögg

Italy -- Vin brulé

Serbia/Croatia -- Kuvano vino

Romania -- Vin fiert

South America -- Candola

Bulgaria -- Greyano vino

Latvia -- Karstvins

(I'm sure I'm missing a few.)

Variations on the recipe are fairly similar.

They more or less include familiar aromatic spices,

including cinnamon, cloves, allspice and

especially nutmeg and mace (the dried outer-covering

around nutmeg) which are subtle flavorings

for breads, cakes and pies, especially this time of year.

Simply add these spices to red wine or apple cider,

along with sugar (to taste) and orange slices.

Heat gently on the stove for 15-20 minutes and serve.

And raise your mugs as you toast the holidays.

Now off to the spice store with you!!!