Glogg

MAKES 15 SERVINGS

1.5 liter port wine (6 cups)
1 cup raisins
15 cardamom pods, cracked
5 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1-1/2 cups brandy
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 orange, sliced
Blanched almonds for garnish (optional)

In a large pot, heat the port wine to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and reserve.

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add raisins, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain this mixture into the reserved port, reserving raisins. Add the brandy, sugar, orange slices and reserved raisins to the port and stir to combine. Let mixture stand for 3 hours and remove orange slices.

To serve, gently heat glogg over low heat then pour into 3-ounce cups, adding a few raisins and almonds for garnish, if desired. Or pour room temperature glogg into 3-ounce cups and microwave for 25 to 30 seconds; garnish with raisins and almonds.

Nutrition facts per 1/2-cup serving: 262 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 25 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein, 5 mg sodium, 0 g fiber

Hans Gotling, Chicago