Wine

The next item on our list is wine! Yes, please!

"Harry watched Hagrid getting redder and redder in the face as he called for more wine, finally kissing Professor McGonagall on the cheek, who, to Harry's amazement, giggled and blushed, her top hat lopsided" (Sorcerer's Stone 204).

Since making wine is an enormous undertaking involving an immense amount of time, we're going to maybe cheat a little bit and make mulled wine instead. Very Holiday-feast-appropriate I think! The recipe I found is from about.com.

You Will Need:

one bottle (750mL) of red wine (I used Cabernet Sauvignon)

One peeled and sliced orange (I left the peels on)

1/4cup brandy

8-10 cloves

2/3cup honey or sugar (I used honey)

3 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp fresh (or 2tsp ground) ginger or allspice

(serves 4-6)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker. Warm the mixture on low-medium for 20-25 (do not boil), stirring occasionally to ensure the honey/sugar is dissolved.

2. When the wine is steaming and everything is combined, ladle into mugs (leave the seasonings behind, you might want to use a sieve) and enjoy!

It's quite strong, but would be quite delicious on a chilly winter (or autumnal, as the case may be!) night! Enjoy!