'SEE THE BLAZING YULE BEFORE US' ~ ROASTED CHESTNUTS / ORANGE-INFUSED MULLED WINE

See the blazing yule before us,

fa la la la la la, la la la la.

~ A delightful evening by the fireside

(Hubbard Lake)

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ROASTED CHESTNUTS

~ Simple yuletide fun shared with family and friends

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Cut an 'X' on the flat side of each chestnut. Arrange nuts in single layer on a baking sheet and bake 20-30 minutes, turning often, until outer shell and inner skin can peel away easily. Peel with the help of a small sharp knife and eat while HOT to the fingers.

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ORANGE-INFUSED MULLED WINE

~ Perfect fireside drink

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1 bottle Burgandy, Cabernet sauvignon, claret or other red wine

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup port, brandy, or Grand Marnier (optional)

juice of 1 lemon

1 Tbsp. whole allspice

1 tsp. whole cloves

strips of 1 whole orange

3 cinnamon sticks

additional cinnamon sticks

Combine wine, sugar, port (brandy or Grand Marnier), lemon juice, allspice, cloves, orange strips and cinnamon in large pot. Simmer gently for 20 minutes (do not allow to boil). Strain into serving cup or mug (tea strainer works well). Serve hot with additional cinnamon swizzle sticks.