Winter Warmers

CHRISTMAS DRINKS
Welcome friends and family with a seasonal drink.  Here is an enticing array of warming drinks to keep those chills at bay. Traditionally Mulled drinks were mixed at the fireside and heated with a red-hit poker.

MULLED WINE
This is a real festive winter warmer
Serves 6-8

750ml red wine
4 tbsp brandy
120ml water
1 cinnamom stick
8 cloves
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
 good pinch of - ginger & nutmeg
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan, except the brandy. Heat gently over a low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Taking care not to boil as this will evaporate the alcohol.Remove from the heat and allow the flavours to infuse. Add the brandy and serve. Ladle into heat proof glasses or cups, adding a cinnamon stick if you wish too.


HOT TODDY
This traditional drink is jsut perfect after a brisk winter walk on a chilly day!

 Serves 4

300ml/1/2 pint water
8 tsp runny honey
4tsp lemon juice
4 shots of whisky

Boil the water in the kettle. divide honey,lemon juice and whisky between four heatproof glasses and slowly add the hot water to each glass.
Stir well to ensure the honey has dissolved and enjoy!


EGGNOG
A traditional Christmas drink

 Serves 4

4 egg yolks
600ml/1 pint full-fat milk
1 tbsp brown sugar
125ml/4fl oz brandy
1/2 tsp grated cinnamon
4 cinnamon sticks

Lightly whisk the yolks into the milk. Add the sugar and brandy and whisk. Strain the eggnog into glasses and chill. Before serving, sprinkle the top with grated cinnamon and place a cinnamon stick into each glass.


SPICED CIDER PUNCH
This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful Christmas aromas!

1 litre/ 1 3/4 pint dry Cider
juice of 1 orange
75g/ 3oz soft brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
12 cloves
grating of fresh nutmeg
1 orange, cut into thin slices.

In a large saucepan, add the cider, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves & nutmeg. Heat gently and simmer for a few minutes, but don't let it boil. Add the orange pieces and allow to to sit for a few minutes before ladling into glasses.


SPICED HOT CHOCOLATE
This is perfect for those cosy nights by the fire.

85g dark plain chocolate, broken into pieces
300ml milk
1 tbsp caster sugar, (or to ones own taste)
100ml whipped cream
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp  nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Put the chocolate, sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon & nutmeg into a small heavy-based saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the chocolate has melted. Gently bring to the boil, whisking all the time, until smooth and frothy. Pour into warmed mugs and top with the whipped cream and a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate,... enjoy!