Cooktop Cove: Dump orange slices and 2 & get ready for a warm comforting winter treat
By Kate Elliott
Every party needs a couple of good bottles of wine. However, while wine is always welcome, give your guests a special treat by making mulled wine. It's no more difficult than simply opening a couple of bottles, especially when using the recipe that follows. Plus, it will give guests something warm, spicy and comforting to sip on — a must for any party thrown in the fall or winter months.
When making mulled wine, always start with a superior red wine. Its depth and flavor pair much more nicely than cheaper wine with the added spices and fruit. Adding brandy is a personal decision, but it can provide a lovely, rounded flavor that brings together the flavors of the wine and spices. This is one mulled wine that's guaranteed to get your party started!
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
8
5 minutes
2 hours
2 hours, 5 minutes
2 750 milliliter bottles of high-quality red wine
1/4 cup brandy
4 large oranges, sliced with peel
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
4 whole cloves
Place all ingredients, except half of the orange slices, into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, just until warm.
Ladle the drink into clear heatproof mugs, and garnish it with the remaining orange slices.