Mulled Cider Wine Food

THE BEST MULLED WINE

Steps:

• Add the cider, cloves, cinnamon, allspice and peppercorns to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until reduced by a third, about 10 minutes.
• Strain the cider through a sieve into a clean pot, then discard the spices. Add the red wine, port, half the clementines and half the apples. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until warmed through, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low to keep warm. Garnish cups of warm mulled wine with the remaining fresh apple and clementine slices. (Do not serve the steeped fruit from the pot.)

CLASSIC MULLED WINE

Steps:

• To prepare the oranges, if using 2 small, slice one orange into rounds and slice the other in half. If using 1 large orange, slice it in half through the round middle, then slice one of the halves into rounds. Place the rounds into a medium heavy-bottomed pot or small Dutch oven. Squeeze the juice from the remaining oranges into the pot.
• Pour the wine into the pot, followed by the brandy. Add 1 tablespoon of the sweetener for now. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves.
• Warm the mixture over medium heat until steaming (about 5 minutes), and keep an eye on it. When you start seeing the tiniest of bubbles at the surface, reduce the heat to the lowest of low.
• Carefully taste, and add another tablespoon of sweetener if it's not sweet enough for your liking. If it's not spicy enough to suit your preferences, continue cooking over very low heat for 5 to 10 more minutes.
• Serve in mugs with your desired garnishes! If you're adding cranberries as I did, you can add them to the pot to make it look extra festive.
• If you expect to polish off the mulled wine within 20 minutes or so, you can keep it on the stove over extra-low heat (it will become more spicy with time). Otherwise, remove it from the heat, cover, and rewarm over low heat if necessary. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days, covered (pour it through a strainer if you don't want it to become any more spicy than it already is).

MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Combine apple cider, dry red wine, maple syrup, peppercorns, orange or tangerines, and apple(s) in a medium pot. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Serve warm, in mugs.

MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer on the grates of the grill or over a burner. Divide among individual mugs and serve hot.

QUICK CIDER-MULLED WINE

Steps:

• Bring wine, brandy, apple cider, star anise, cloves, and 2 cinnamon sticks to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer until flavors are infused, about 15 minutes.
• Divide among mugs, garnish with 6 cinnamon sticks, if using, and serve.
• Do Ahead
• Mulled wine can be made 2 hours ahead; cover and store at room temperature, or chill up to 3 days. Rewarm over medium-low heat before serving.

MULLED CIDER WINE

Steps:

• Pour the wine, cider and Allspice Simple Syrup into a pitcher or punch bowl. Ladle into glasses. Garnish with orange slices.
• Combine the sugar, allspice and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and let cool to room temperature before using.

HOT MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

MULLED WINE

Steps:

• In the basket of a coffee percolator place the allspice berries, peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger and citrus zest. Pour the wine and honey into the percolator. Attach basket, cover and let percolate for 1 to 2 hours. Serve hot.