Gløgg

Every year my parent's have a Christmas block party in their neighborhood. Each family visits a neighbor's house for drinks or cookies or appetizers. And every year, their neighbors, the Lovewells, make their famour (or infamous?) glogg. Glogg is a spicy alcoholic beverage made with red wine and whiskey and served hot usually during Christmas. It's a traditional hot drink served in Sweden. Glogg is similar to mulled wine, but it's got more of a kick. You can buy bottles of Glogg now at certain supermarkets (Trader Joe's) and you just need to heat and serve. Basically, to me, glogg is just a more fancy Hot Toddy. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS (1 serving)

• 1/2 teaspoon finely Shredded Orange Peel
• 1 Stick Cinnamon, Broken
• 2 Whole Cloves
• 1 Cardamom Pod, Opened
• 3/4 cup Red Wine
• 2 tablespoons Whiskey
• 2 tablespoons Madeira or Port
• 1 teaspoon Raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon Honey, or more to taste
• 2 Whole, Blanched Almonds

For spice bag, tie the shredded orange peel, cinnamon, whole cloves, and opened cardamom pod in a double layer of cheesecloth (or you can use a coffee filter). In a 2-cup microwave safe measuring cup combine wine, whiskey, madeira or port, raisins, honey, and spice bag. Microwave, uncovered, 1 to 2 minutes or till heated through, but not boiling. Remove from microwave and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes and up to 3 hours to develop more flavor.

When ready to serve, microwave for 1 to 2 minutes more or untill heated through, but not boiling. Remove spice bag. Serve in a mug. Add almonds and garnish with a cinnamon stick.