Deb Ponzek is a mom, chef/restauranteur and author of several popular cookbooks including The Dinner Survival Cookbook and The Family Kitchen. This week she’s sharing her go-to fall cocktail for entertaining—an easy mulled wine perfect for sharing with neighbors on Halloween or enjoying by the fire pit with friends.
Spiced Mulled Wine
Serves 10 to 12
Ingredients:
- Peel of 1 lemon
- Peel of 1 orange
- Two 750-ml bottles red wine
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split (optional)
- 8 whole cloves
- 12 whole peppercorns
- One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 star anise
Directions:
- Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel of the lemon and orange, being careful not to pick up any of the bitter white pith from the fruit.
- Cut the peel into strips and combine in a large pot with the wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, cloves, peppercorns, sliced ginger, nutmeg, and star anise.
- Bring to a simmer over low heat and let simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm.
Bourbon Brown Butter Roasted Cauliflower
This flavorful Thanksgiving side dish is special enough for the big feast but healthy enough to eat any night of the year.
Local Moms Network and The College Corner’s 2026 College Prep Guide presented by Gorilla Grip
Get ready for college admissions with our go-to guide.
Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet
Elf on the Shelf is back and I made a list with instructions and photos of Elf ideas using items you already have around the house every day until Christmas! Download the FREE Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet Printable to keep handy all month long and share with a friend who needs new Elf ideas this year.