When the temperatures outside are chilly, mulled drinks warm us from the inside out and the scent of melding spices add an extra bit of comfort and aromatherapy. Spices can be purchased pre-mixed—local purveyor Savory Spice offers a combination of Saigon cinnamon, allspice, Ceylon and Madagascar cloves, blade mace and cardamom seeds. It’s also easy to create your own mix, and difficult to go wrong when adding your favorites. Mulling Spices, from $7.50. SavorySpiceShop.com
Simple Mulled Wine (or Cider)
1 gallon apple cider OR
1 bottle red wine, plus 4 cups apple cider
1 orange, sliced into rounds
2 cinnamon sticks
2-4 star anise seeds
6 whole cloves
2 tablespoons sugar, honey or maple syrup
Combine your choice of drink with spices in a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes up to one hour, careful not to boil and burn off the alcohol if using wine. Strain the spices and serve with extra orange slices, cinnamon sticks or anise.