Vin Chaud – Mulled Wine

Paris sous la neige! Although I am not a huge fan of snow, I must admit that the pictures of Paris iced with snow fired my imagination. In my mind I am sitting next to a tall window on the 6th floor of a Haussmannian building, sipping from a mug of vin chaud and marveling at the sites of Paris covered in sparkling white crystals. Please join me! et voilà: Vin Chaud ~ Mulled Wine Serves 8 INGREDIENTS: 1 bottle Beaujolais Nouveau or Villages 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise 1 small lemon, thinly sliced 1 small orange, thinly sliced Wrap the following spices into a piece of cheesecloth and tie with a string: 2 cinnamon sticks (about 3 inches long) 5 cardamom pods 3 black peppercorns 4 whole cloves For the sugar syrup: 1-1/4 cups sugar 1-1/2 cups water PREPARATION: 1. Bring the sugar and water to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 2. Add the spice bag, wine, vanilla, lemon and orange slices and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. TO SERVE: Ladle into mugs and garnish with a lemon or orange slice along with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately. Et voilà!