Festive drink to mull over

What better way to greet family and friends this Christmas, than with a lovely warm glass of mulled wine?

I make this homemade mulled wine every year. The family love it.

And it certainly brought some big smiles and good cheer to everyone at last week’s Christmas cookery class at Carrickfergus Cookery School in the Carrick YMCA.

Enjoy all the festive fun and food and have a very happy Christmas!

Mulled Wine

Serves 10-12

You will need:

3 large oranges

10-12 cloves

1.7 litres water

225g granulated sugar

2-3 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla pod, halved

2 star anise (optional)

2 bottles red wine

method

1. Make a base syrup: Quarter the oranges and stud with the cloves. Place in a large saucepan with the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, halved vanilla pod and star anise if using.

2. Heat gently and stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring to the boil.

Simmer gently for 30 minutes and then strain. Store in a sealable jug or container until required.