Italian Spiced Wine to sip under your tree

Ashley and Jason Bartner, proprietors of La Tavola Marche Agriturismo and Cooking School, sends this to warm the cockles of our Christmas season hearts.

Italian Spiced Wine ~ Vin Brule'

1 liter of red wine
100 grams of sugar (just under 1/2 cup)
a few cloves
a stick of cinnamon
a bit of nutmeg
lemon peel grated (or half lemon, half orange peel)

Bring all ingredients to a low boil & add the sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved - lower flame. Filter or strain. Serve warm & enjoy!


And may this time of joy bring you hopes and memories as bright as the taste of this beverage.

Swiss Muesli

Muesli, for many a breakfast treat, was originally created around the turn of the century by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for his patients. The good doctor must have known what he was doing because muesli is healthy, nutritious and, when served by Zurich's famed Bar au Lac Hotel, delicious as well.

In the season's spirit of giving, the hotel has released its recipe.

Birchermuesli Baur au Lac

Serves 3-4

1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup farmer's cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup half and half
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup golden apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup pears, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup bananas
1/3 cup strawberries
1/5 cup blackberries
1/5 cup blueberies
1/4 cup raspberries

Mix all ingredients to combine and serve.

Even non-cooks can present this to their families.