The best aromas of Christmas must be that of mulled wine and warm mince pies. Since I will spend Christmas in Delhi (sniff) I’ll share a taste of what I will miss, you cannot beat my mulled wine recipe – try and see for yourself.
You will need the following:
2 bottles of good red wine – I use cab sauv which works really well. It is a myth that you can use rubbish wine. Repeat after me: rubbish wine = rubbish mulled wine.
1 big orange stuck with cloves (see above)
2 sliced oranges
2 sliced lemons (I use unwaxed)
6 level tablespoons sugar or honey
2 inch cinnamon stick
2 level teaspoons grated ginger – you can use ground ginger but it doesn’t smell so nice
2 tablespoons cherry brandy or Cointreau – you don’t need to add this but it really makes a difference.
Stick all the ingredients in a big pot with 2.5 litres of water. Heat until the sugar is dissolved. Keep it simmering for at least 20 mins after that. The trick to good mulled wine is DO NOT LET IT BOIL. If it boils then the alcohol goes and you are left with a version only suitable for your Muslim friends.
Now for the mince pies… I have never made them even though I am a fairy cake expert but I can’t really be bothered but I do like eating them and can recommend the ones from Waitrose or good ol’ M & S as I think butter and fillings should be generous. 
I usually love cakes and treats from Konditor & Cook but I think their mince pies are a bit expensive especially as they look pretty ‘rustic’ or just plain awful. .. £16.50 for 12 is a bit much unless they can convince me that the ingredients are ultra premium.
These mince pies from Fortnum & Mason are in the higher price bracket but what an experience you will have just buying them…their Christmas window displays and instore decorations are simply divine, definitely worth it.
ENJOY!
Bubbly
