Recipe

CLASSIC MULLED WINE

Let’s cozy up with some mulled wine. Turn on some music, build a fire or light some candles, throw some spices and wine in a pot, and embrace the holiday season. It’s really that simple. I’ve always associated mulled wine with holiday parties, but a single batch is perfect for two to four people. Mulled wine is unbelievably easy to make, even on a weeknight, and fills your home with holiday fragrance. This mulled wine is for wine lovers. I’ve encountered a few mulled wines over the years that tasted like sweet potpourri, but not this recipe. It’s fruity and spiced, but the wine still shines through. You just might even have all of the ingredients at home! If so, you’re just fifteen minutes away from mulled wine. Let’s make some.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 small oranges or 1 large • 1 bottle of affordable

Merlot, Zinfandel or

Garnacha (also called

Grenache) • ¼ cup brandy • 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste • 2 whole cinnamon sticks • 3 star anise • 4 whole cloves • Optional garnishes:

Fresh whole cranberries (about ¼ cup), cinnamon sticks, additional orange rounds or half moons.

INSTRUCTIONS

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).

The Matchmaker tips for Christmas - Lara Besbrode

The season for happiness, cheer and sparkling lights is upon us. And if you’re single this time of year, or recently started dating someone new, you might be wondering how to navigate dating during the festive season, including what to expect. For starters, it’s good to know that the festive period is one of the busiest for dating and finding love online. Many singles will turn to dating apps for a quick fling. But the key is to date with a relaxed, cautiously optimistic attitude. After all, your goal is to set a strong and healthy foundation for your relationship. Dating during the holiday season should leave you feeling confident and comfortable in your own decision. As opposed to diving into deep, intimate gatherings with friends and family with your new date, try planning one-onone romantic days or evenings together. If you’ve been on 1-2 dates, consider iceskating (hand-in-hand, under the spectacle of festive lights!), visit a Christmas market together, or sing your hearts out to a festive karaoke playlist. And if you’ve been dating for more than a couple of months, consider planning a short weekend cabin getaway or hit the ski slopes! Keep it light, fun and festive. Remember that dating online during the festive season can be a little tricky. For one, prepare to factor in an additional layer of complexity as the festive season falls within cuffing season, a time when many singles will embark on a romantic search for a partner to pass the colder months (which starts in October and ends just after Valentine’s Day). While some say this phenomenon is driven by desperation and loneliness, it’s also important to look at the brighter side of the equation! Human nature is wired to prefer companionship, love and warmth! Visit thematchmaker. uk, we match people all over the world so book in a free discovery call today.