Mulled wine is made by heating red wine along with various spices and sliced fruits.

It can also be made with non-alcoholic wine, cider or apple juice.

It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas and is served at Christmas markets in Europe.

It is often served alongside mince pies or gingerbread, so get festive and cozy up with this delicious combo for a special treat.

Gingerbread trees

Ingredients

175g/6.5oz plain flour

1 rounded teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1/2 level teaspoon baking powder

50g/2oz margarine

75g/3oz soft light brown sugar

2 tablespoons golden syrup

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190C
2. Put flour, ginger, bicarbonate and baking powder into a bowl.
3. Rub margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Add sugar and golden syrup and mix to form a soft (but not sticky) dough ball.
5. Knead to a smooth consistency on a floured surface and roll out to about ½ cm thickness.
6. Use a cutter to cut out the Christmas tree shapes or stars
7. Place cut-outs on a greased baking tray and bake for 10 minutes

Once cooked leave on baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Decorate when cold

Can also be made with gluten free flour and/or dairy free margarine.

Mulled wine

1 bottle of red wine

1 pint of orange juice or water

4 cinnamon sticks

10 cloves

8 star anise

1 orange sliced

1/2 cup sugar (or less if preferred)

4 measures of brandy (optional)

Put all the ingredients into a large pan and heat on low for at least 15 minutes to allow all the flavours to infuse. (Do not boil)

Serve when ready – it can be kept on the hob on low and more ingredients added as needed.

For NHS safe alcohol advice see

https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/new-alcohol-advice-issued/