Spiced wine to wind down the old year

Whether you gather with celebrating hordes, a few good friends or yourself and a significant other, New Year's Eve is a special night. A combination of nostalgia and sadness for the year that's ending and elation over the new, fresh and promising one arriving in its wake.

Something to warm the cockles of your heart is definitely called for and we suggest this spiced wine recipe from our e-friends Ashley and Jason Bartner at La Tavola Marche, Italy.

Spiced Wine

1 liter red wine
1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar
a few cloves
1 stick of cinnamon
a bit of nutmeg
1 lemon peel grated (or 1/2 lemon, 1/2 orange peel)

Bring wine, spices and grated peel to a low boil. Add sugar and stir over a low flame until dissolved. Filter or strain and serve warm.