The holiday season brings a unique blend of warmth, joy, and mouthwatering flavors that can brighten even the coldest days. One of the best ways to capture this festive spirit is through the delicious treats that adorn our tables. In this post, we will dive into three timeless holiday favorites: mulled red wine, pumpkin muffins, and gingerbread cookies. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or creating thoughtful gifts, these treats are sure to add cheer to your holiday celebrations.
The Essence of Mulled Red Wine
Mulled red wine is a beloved drink that perfectly embodies the coziness of the holiday season and every year I make lots of it to give as Xmas presents or to serve it to my friends and family during the Advent and Christmas season. Most of the time it's made with red wine and a delightful mix of spices, but I also add brandy or a sweet wine that gives it an extra kick that makes my mulled wine or as we call it in Iceland, Glögg, a truly special warm beverage that is ideal for chilly, festive days or evenings.
To craft your own "instant" mulled wine, begin with one bottle of red wine—something a bit fruity like Merlot that works well. Combine the wine in a pot with spices such as 2 - 3 cinnamon sticks, 4 - 6 whole cloves, 1 - 2-star anise and the zest of one orange. Heat the mixture gently for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, taking care not to boil it as this can diminish the wine's character. Sweeten to your liking with 1/4 - 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar or if you prefer honey, or a mixture of sugar, brown sugar or honey, to taste.
When serving, pour the mulled wine into mugs, garnishing each one with a few raisins and/of whole almonds or if you prefer with a slice of orange and a star anise or cinnamon stick. This makes for an inviting centerpiece at your holiday gatherings, encouraging conversation and warmth amongst guests.
Now if you want my recipe with a kick, see below:
Ingredients
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ - 1 cup brandy, to taste
1 whole orange with peel - thinly sliced
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cardamom
8 whole cloves,
2 - 4 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise (optional)
¼ - ½ cup Port, Sherry or Greek Mavrodaphne wine, to taste (optional)
2 - 3 bottles red wine, to taste
Preparation Method
In a large pot, over low heat, melt sugar in brandy. Add orange slices, ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise (optional) and bring to boil.
Lower heat and add the sweet wine of choice and 1 bottle of red wine. Mix carefully and let simmer for 2 - 3 minutes. Do not boil!
Remove pot from stove and keep the wine mixture overnight at room temperature.
The following day, add 1 - 2 bottles of red wine (to taste) and heat thoroughly.
If not using immediately or making it to give as a present to a dear friend or family member, pour the mulled wine into sterilized bottles, allow to cool and then seal with a cork or other cap.
Yield: Enough for 18 - 20 persons!
The Joy of Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin muffins are the perfect embodiment of fall /winter flavors, offering a soft and moist texture that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. The scent of baked pumpkins and spices can increase your feelings of coziness by 23%, making them a fantastic choice for chilly mornings or as snacks throughout the day.
To make 12 regular sized muffins you will need the following ingredients:
A.
1 2/3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
B.
1 ½ cup sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
½* cup warm water
Optional topping: pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
Preparation Method
Start by pre-heating oven to 175 ̊C (350 ̊F) and then, lightly oil a 12 cup muffin tin or 2 x 12 cup mini muffin tins
Mix all the dry ingredients in A.
Then, with an electric mixer, beat together sugar and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time and beat until mixture lightens in color. Add pumpkin puree, water and mix well. Lastly add the dry ingredients (A) and stir carefully until thoroughly mixed.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin and sprinkle with a pumpkin and sunflower seeds (optional).
Bake muffins for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick or tester inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes and then transfer to a backing rack to cool completely.
These muffins are fantastic on their own or served with a cream cheese frosting. They also make lovely gifts when packaged in festive boxes, perfect for sharing the spirit of the season with friends.
The Allure of Gingerbread Cookies
No holiday season would be complete without the delightful crunch of gingerbread cookies. Loved for their distinctive flavor profile, the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create a festive treat that evokes fond memories for many.
Most families have a recipe that is handed down through generations, mine included, that I have already posted here on this website so please just tap on this link and it will take you to my family´s yummy gingerbread recipe. I hope you will try the recipe . . . . and like it as much as I do!
After baking for about 10-12 minutes until golden, allow them to cool. Decorating with icing, edible glitter, and colorful sprinkles turns this baking activity into a creative joy for all ages.
These cookies work not just as treats but also as beautiful decorations for your holiday setup. Hanging them on a tree or displaying them on your table boosts the festive atmosphere immensely.
Instead of cookies, you might want to check out my Gingerbread Cake that I also make during the pre-Christmas season... and also often serve with the traditional Nordic Glögg (mulled red wine).
More Serving Suggestions for a Festive Touch
Presentation is essential when serving these delightful treats. For mulled wine, pair it with a cheese platter that includes rich options like brie and aged cheddar, alongside an assortment of nuts and dried fruits.
You can enhance the pumpkin muffins by slathering them with cream cheese frosting or enjoying them plain alongside a warm, spiced latte. They also complement any breakfast or brunch menu beautifully.
For the gingerbread cookies, serve them with the mulled wine, a steaming cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa. This combination provides a comforting taste experience.
Another fun idea is to set up a decorating station for your guests, allowing them to personalize their own cookies as part of the festivities.
Embracing Holiday Cheer Through Flavor
As we embrace the holiday season, savoring memorable flavors is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with those we cherish. Mulled wine warms chilly evenings, pumpkin muffins provide comfort, and gingerbread cookies spark nostalgia.
So, whether you whip up these treats for a joyful gathering or indulge in them during quiet moments, they will embody the season's joy. Gather your cooking supplies, invite loved ones for a baking session, and enjoy the festive flavors that this magical time of year has to offer!
Share your experiences or any delicious variations of these holiday treats—each story adds to the festive cheer. Happy baking and toasting!
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