The winter solstice is almost upon us here in the Southern Hemisphere (June 21). I have previously stated on the blog that I am not a winter person, so when the winter solstice comes around and we have the shortest day of the year it gives me hope that the worst is over! Every day now, no matter by how tiny an amount, will get longer and then soon it will eventually get warmer 🙂 .
As well as the shortest day of the year, it is also my beloved’s birthday! So this evening we celebrated it a bit early with family by lighting the fire (we only do this about once a year and use ducted heating the remainder of the year), having a big meal, toasting marshmallows and for the adults sipping mulled wine! So very lovely!
Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg (If you can get your hands on the real thing and grate it that would be better, but the neither the Richmond market or our local grocer had any.)
- Peel of 1/2 orange
- Peel of 1 lemon
- 750mls red wine (fruity such as Merlot works well apparently, I used a Cabernet and that was fine)
Method:
- In a large saucepan, place the sugar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon and orange peel.
- Pour in just enough red wine to cover the base of the saucepan.
- Simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved and then bring to the boil. Keep boiling until the liquid turns into a thick syrup. This takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Turn down heat and add the remaining wine.
- Gently increase the heat and warm the wine for about five minutes.
- Strain the wine and serve warm!
- 5 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg (If you can get your hands on the real thing and grate it that would be better)
- Peel of ½ orange
- Peel of 1 lemon
- 750mls red wine (fruity such as Merlot works well apparently, I used a Cabernet and that was fine)
- In a large saucepan, place the sugar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon and orange peel.
- Pour in just enough red wine to cover the base of the saucepan.
- Simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved and then bring to the boil. Keep boiling until the liquid turns into a thick syrup. This takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Turn down heat and add the remaining wine.
- Gently increase the heat and warm the wine for about five minutes.
- Strain the wine and serve warm!
The Family Menu Plan For This Week
Baking: Banana Cake
Monday: Pumpkin Soup
Tuesday: Beef Stroganoff
Wednesday: Left Overs
Thursday: Gnocchi Bake
Friday: Home made Pizza
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: Sausages and Steamed Vegetables
If you are looking for further recipe inspiration, check out my complete list of Family Friendly Recipes. All of these recipes are in the database of the Planning With Kids Free Menu Planner. You can use the menu planner to plan a week of meals for your family and then print out the associated shopping list.