Ingredients

Peel of 1 large orange

2 tablespoons whole cardamom pods

2 bottles red wine

1 bottle ruby port

1 pint Cognac or brandy

1/3 cup light brown sugar, more to taste

12 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

Raisins and sliced almonds for garnish (optional).

Preparation

  1. Using metal tongs, hold the orange peel over a flame until it starts to singe and brown in spots. Put it in a large pot.

  2. Using the flat side of a knife or cleaver, or a rolling pin or mallet, crack and bruise the cardamom pods. Add to the pot with the orange peel. Add the wine, port, brandy, sugar, cloves and cinnamon. Gently simmer over low heat until the whole house smells like spice, about 20 minutes. Taste and add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Serve garnished with raisins and almonds if you like.