Ponche Navideña

Our pre-Christmas Eve (yes, we start early) celebration was inspired by a trip to La Michoacana, a Mexican grocery chain in most cities in Texas. Congregating in the kitchen, we simmered a big pot of Posole all afternoon. We finished the evening off with a fresh batch of Ponche Navideña. This traditional Mexican Christmas punch, originating in San Miguelle de Allende, smells like heaven. It is citrusy, warm, and sweet -- that kick of tequila doesn't hurt either.

Ponche Navideña

16 oz. frzn. tejocote (hawthorne apples)

16 oz. frzn. guayava (guava)

8 oz. frzn. sugar cane

4 apples, sliced and cored

1 orange, sliced

4 prunes, dried

1 gallon jamaica (hibiscus tea)

1 1/2 c. sugar

2 - 4 sticks cinnamon

6 cloves

Combine all ingredients in a large pot & boil for 10 minutes. Serve in mugs with a shot of tequila, or your liquor of choice.