Over the years I’ve often been asked about the mulled wine I serve at holiday events.  Well, it’s time to let the secret out: I got it off the internet.  https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-mulled-wine-251995

Serves 10 to 12

Ingredients

• 2 (750-milliliter) bottles red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
  (nothing too expensive)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 whole star anise pods
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• Peel of 1/2 orange, white pith removed

Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, orange peel or slices, cranberries

You’ll also need a slow cooker, corkscrew, measuring cup, vegetable peeler, ladle, knife, and cutting board.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir the wine, brandy, maple syrup, cloves, star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel together in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker.
2. Heat on LOW for 1 hour. Cover and heat on the LOW setting until hot, about 1 hour.

Lower the heat to warm, ladle into mugs, and garnish. Reduce heat to warm for serving. Ladle into mugs or heatproof glasses and garnish as desired.

Leftovers can be kept in a covered container in the fridge.  Strain first.

For a half batch, halve the wine, brandy, and maple syrup, but keep the other ingredients at the same amount.