Mulled Wine

Drinking fresh mulled wine is like drinking a hug.  Among the cannon of "holiday" drinks, I find myself looking forward to a steamy mug of mulled wine more often than its peers.  Eggnog & hot chocolate are lovely, but both sit heavily and act more like desserts.  So, while you're waiting up for Santa why not trade your mug of nog in for a piping hot mug of mulled wine.

Mulled Wine  recipe from Ina Garten

4 c. apple cider
1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
1/4 c. honey
2 cinnamon sticks *
1 orange or clementine, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves *
3 star anise *
4 oranges, peeled, for garnish

*if you don't have cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or anise seed on hand their ground counterparts will do just fine.