Wednesday, December 23, 2009

OMG a Recipe: Holly Jolly Holiday Beverage

Holiday cheers to one and all! *clinking of virtual glasses* It's getting down to the wire for Christmas of 2009. No matter how you celebrate this time of year, I think it's fair to say, everyone's tired and in need of a long winter's nap. So give yourself the greatest gift: a spare moment of quiet and perhaps a warm, spicy drink to pass the time with a bit of reflection on the year that almost was.


Mulled cranberry spice drink? That's hot. - Photo by  Wasabi Prime

I was trading emails with one of my bestie BFFs with the funny nickname, Ms. Angry Peanut, and she brought up a really good point. We have this picture in our mind of the holidays -- a cozy chair in front of the fireplace, holiday decor festooned about the room, a good book, and a warm cup of something tasty in hand to enjoy for the evening. But the picture is more like standing in long lines at the Post Office, white-knuckled rage while inching through a gridlocked mall parking lot, or just the general agonizing over gifts, cards, and all the extra stuff that ends up clogging up what this time of year should really be about: family, friends, and hopefully a satisfying food coma.

The Prime can't promise a Masterpiece Theatre-worthy setting to enjoy this toasty drink, but I hope you have the chance to take a moment of quiet and find a little peace for yourself this winter.

Wasabi Prime's Mulled Cranberry Spice Drink
(approx. 6 servings, unless you're real thirsty)

You will need: 1 medium-sized pot, cheesecloth and string, or a tea infuser ball
6 cups of cranberry-apple juice (can use plain cranberry and add sugar to sweeten)
Freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange, plus the peel
2 star anise
2 whole cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg and/or allspice
* Optional: 2 cups of red wine of your choice, with a splash of grand marnier or other orange liqueur

Wrap whole spices in cheesecloth and tie a string around the top to make a little bag, or place spices in tea infuser ball. Place all ingredients in a medium sized pot and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Do not allow to bring to a boil. Remove spices and orange peel, and pour into glasses to serve. Drink in front of a roaring fireplace or at least a television playing the DVD of a roaring fireplace.

Holiday wishes of good cheer, peace on earth, and safe travels to everyone!


Spicy holiday magic - Photos by Wasabi Prime

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15 comments:

  1. I like your little cranberry tree, wasabi prime. Very cute. I agree--the holidays tend to fill people with a lot of stress and anger when shouldn't we just be eating and drinking with our friends and family if we can stand them? Happy holidays to all y'all!!

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  2. I love your tree picture--super cute! Your mulled cranberry drink sounds delicious!

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  3. Aw! Cute tree to the max (both of them)! Mulled cranberry sounds goooood!

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  4. i feel peace just looking at that cranberry tree with anise topped star! i love it. happy holidays!

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  5. Love your beautiful pictures.
    I long for a time of relaxing myself, sleeping in and reading a favourite book while holding a glass of refreshing drink. The time is coming closer right now.

    Best wishes to you and your family!
    Merry Christmas

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  6. That festive little tree is too perfect- you really have knack for food styling!

    I'm in complete agreement with this whole post, down to the last drop of that delicious-sounding drink. I'll have to make some up tonight! I have a feeling that it will cure my holiday anxiety (especially if I add an extra dash of Grand Marnier).

    Merriest Christmas to you!

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  7. Thanks for all the kind holiday wishes everybody! To answer the camera question - we got a Canon EOS 50 and a few different lenses, but funny enough, all these photos were taken earlier with the old point-and-shoot!

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  8. What great photos! Merry christmas!

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  9. If by some long shot I was not yet feeling the spirit of the season, well my bells are now officially jingling! GREG

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  10. cranberry spice drink sounds yummy. I was surprised that you didn't have any booze in the drink when I read the ingredients until I see the optional ingredients at the end:) Happy Holidays Wasabi!

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  11. Your X'mas tree looks awesome! Remember...don't get drunk, dear. Again, Merry Christmas!

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  12. This sounds lovely. You've just inspired me - I wonder what a bit of leftover wine, plus POM juice and similar spices, would make? Might have to try tonight!

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  13. Oh my goodness- YUM! I just might need to make this. Is 10:30am too early? Maybe I'll wait a little while...at least until noon.

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  14. I love love love your little cranberry christmas tree :) This drink sounds really comforting and really healthy with the cranberry and cinnamon, eventhough christmas is over I am in the Holiday spirit til at least the end of January hee hee hee

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