Dump the Nog; Drink Glühwein Instead

Glühwein is the German version of the ever-popular mulled wine, which keeps us wine lovers toasty during the holidays.

Try this recipe:

4 quarts dry red wine (Perhaps German red wine* is tough to find; try an Aussie Shiraz, California Zinfandel, or Chilean Merlot instead - keep it value-priced)
1 pint brandy
1 cup sugar
6 cinnamon sticks
12 cloves, whole
1/8 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp mace
2 oranges, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

1. Pour the wine into a large pot and heat over low heat
2. As wine begins to warm, add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is  dissolved
3. Add brandy
4. Heat thoroughly over med-low heat
5. Add lemon and orange
6. Steep for about 1 hour over low heat
7. Serve hot and garnish with orange slices, stick of cinnamon or lemon slice 'pocked' with whole cloves

*German Red Wine to look for:  Trollinger, Lemberger (Blaufränkisch), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Schwarzriesling (PInot Meunier - a Champagne grape)