Homestead Christmas: Gluhwein: traditional & non-alcoholic

image source: duden.de

Another fond memory I have of our yule-tide traditions is Christkindlemarkt or the traditional Christmas markets found over much of Germanic Europe.  There's nothing quite like it for putting a smile on one's face.  Wandering through the many booths, viewing the arts, crafts and local food favorites is one of the coziest memories I have of growing up.  A trip to the market just wouldn't be the same without a stop-off at the Glühwein stall to warm up, the smell of mulling spices in the air and the warm mug in your hand as you gaze out over the twinkling lights and merry sounds around you.  In the absence of the traditional markets in our neck of the woods, we still like to make this holiday favorite for ourselves.  For those among us that prefer a non-alcoholic version, I've got you covered!  So keep on reading and I hope you enjoy a warm, and festive Yule with all your family and friends.

Traditional Glühwein

1 bottle of good quality red wine

1 cup of water

juice of 1 lemon

5 tbs sugar

3 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 oranges - cut into bite size pieces

orange slices for decoration

How to make it: Put first 6 ingredients in a pot and bring it close to boil then reduce to simmer.
Add cut orange to the wine.
Let simmer.
Remove clove, cinnamon stick and orange pieces before serving it into lightly pre-warmed glasses. Decorate glasses with an orange slice.


Non-Alcoholic Glühwein also known as Kinderpunsch (Children's punch)

2 – 3 whole Cloves

2 crushed Nutmeg (or app. ½ tsp Ground)

1 - 2 Cinnamon Sticks

Whole Lemon, unpeeled, quartered

Whole Orange or Tangerine, unpeeled, quartered

1 gallon red grape juice (preferably unsweetened)

Pour the juice into a dutch oven or thick bottomed pot. Start warming it up on the stove.  Add the spices to the juice. Add the quartered lemon and orange/tangerine. Allow to soak or slightly simmer at least a half-hour, but not more than an hour. Remove the whole spices and lemon and orange/tangerine.

Keep covered and on lowest heat.  Serve in prewarmed glasses or mugs and decorate as above.

Enjoy!


 
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