so, while in nyc, christy mentioned that it was nearly spiced wine time. well, it is finally that time here, and this is what i have come up with. this is with christy in mind, i hope she tries it and likes it:


my spiced wine


10 c (roughly) shiraz grenache (i used hardys boxed wine. cheap and good)
1 airplane bottle grand marnier (or any orange liquor)
1 airplane bottle brandy
1/2 c apple cider spice blend from whole foods (it has bits of dried citrus, clove, cinnamon, and lots of other stuff)
1/4 c sugar
1 orange cut into 8ths

i have a large coffee percolator, and put everything except spice blend in bottom part of percolator. i put the spice blend in the top part where coffee would go. i let it percolate, then it was ready. but if you didn't have one of these machines, then combine everything into a large sauce pan or crock-pot and let simmer slowly for a while so that everything has a chance to marry. drink it hot! i had leftovers the next day and it was better. i recommend not taking a hot bath while drinking this drink 'cause it gets you really mellow, you might fall asleep in the tub. enjoy, i hope it warms to the bones!

ps i plan to come up with a white version, hum...maybe with riesling. i will post that recipe when i have mastered it.