Back for the Season with Hot Mulled Wine

I've been absent from the blog. I missed the biggest foodie holiday. I'm sorry. Election season hit and I didn't really feel like cooking. It's been hard to focus on lighthearted things when you're preoccupied with the outcome of a polarizing election and feeling helpless and upset. It feels fake to get excited about recipes when so many are hurting.

When not trying to be a millennial social justice warrior princess, I've been diving into improv with my new troupe, a group of girls who I just adore. I suppose jumping on stage and being forced to be lighthearted and funny and find humor and healing with no prep is easier than sitting down and creating a recipe and writing a post. Excited to see where our group goes in the coming year.

My darling fiance, who typically helps me with my food photography, has also been recovering from surgery. So without the help here, it was just easier to take a mini-hiatus.

Anyways, that's where I've been.

About this recipe, my grand return back to blogging--it's funny, because I've challenged myself to avoid alcohol until Christmas--is a delicious hot mulled wine. Mulled wine reminds me of nearly 10 years ago, when I was wandering the gorgeous streets of Prague during a study abroad trip. It's hot, boozy, and perfect for the season.

Texas is still lovely and warm, but if I close my eyes and sip slow I can almost hear the snow patting softly on the windowsill.

Serve a big pot for your holiday party. It's like winter sangria. And sangria is legit.

Hot Mulled Wine

• 2 bottles of mild red wine - I use a red blend
• 1 apple, cored and sliced into rounds
• The peel from 1 orange
• 1 tsp dried whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp allspice berries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole star anise
• 1/3 cup sugar

-Over medium heat, combine all ingredients.

-Let wine simmer for 10 minutes, until fragrant. Let simmer longer for a more intense flavor.

-Use a ladle to pick out the spices. Serve in heat-proof cups. Optional: serve with a sprig of rosemary.