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    Holidazzzzzzzze.

    Drink enough of this and that is what will happen.

    An overwhelming feeling of deep relaxation will wash over you and any awkward, inappropriate or just really annoying things that family members may say to you at your annual party will simply slide right off your back.

    Some call this alcoholism. I call it smart planning.

    Any time a bunch of people that love you and think they know what’s best for you gather in a room together, where you happen to also be, they feel like it’s their job to help you “fix” your life. This, of course, never occurs with my own family, since mine is a very quiet and reserved bunch. But, I know that this is a common problem and, anyone that knows my family, knows what a huge lie that is. There is no shortage of “I-could-do-a-better-job-at-your-life-than-you-do” personalities in my family. So, I get it.

    The truth is that only people that really care about you and actually want you to succeed in life act like this. They are also the same people that forgive your bad jokes, tell you when you have food in your teeth and run over to watch your kids when you are sick. It’s with these people in our lives that a simple game of taboo can turn into a gut-wrenching, hours-long, laughter-fest that we can hopefully spend our holidays with.

    During these mostly nice and beautiful, but sometimes overwhelming parties, it’s always nice to have something warm on the stove to keep everyone satiated. It doesn’t hurt when that something makes your whole house smell like winter spices and contains some alcohol.

    So, this holiday season keep everyone happy and make a huge pot of mulled wine.

    Peas, Love & Happy Holidays,

    Danielle

     

  • Ingredients

    1. 2 bottles merlot
    2. 1 large orange, sliced into 1/2 in slices
    3. 1 c sugar
    4. 2 cinnamon sticks
    5. 4 star anise
    6. 8 cloves
    7. 4 allspice berries
    8. 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
    9. 6 cardamom pods
    10. 2 large bay leaves

    Instructions

    1. Using the back of knife, very gently press down on the cardamom and allspice berries until they just begin to crack.
    2. Add them to a medium pot along with the star anise, cloves and cinnamon sticks.
    3. Place over medium heat and cook just until the spice start to become fragrant.
    4. About two minutes.
    5. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot.
    6. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
    7. Serve hot and enjoy!
    8. Optional garnish: Cinnamon Stick and Orange Zest

    Notes

    1. *You can halve this recipe to make a smaller batch
    2. **You can leave this simmering on the lowest heat to keep warm through out a party.
    3. Or double this recipe to make a large batch and then transfer to a crock pot to keep warm!

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