Mulled Fruit Drink With Shortbread

A healthier version of mulled wine and fruit cake. Grape juice takes the place of wine in this easy recipe, and a delicious orange shortbread complements the flavours.

To serve to children or those people who would prefer a non-alcoholic drink, this recipe proves that mulled fruit juice can be just as delicious as mulled wine and still offers that same wonderful aroma.

Although red wine seems to be one of the few alcoholic drinks that actually has health giving properties, research has shown that these same benefits are available to us in non-alcoholic grape juice. This easy recipe combines grape juice, blackcurrant juice and orange juice, (so good for the immune system and excellent sources ov vitamin C) and mixes with warming and aromatic spices which are also nutritious.

These spices include star anise, with its 8 pointed star shape pod containing seeds which have the aniseed flavour. Although we do not use this spice very much in western cookery, it is one of the ingredients in Chinese five-spice powder. Cloves and cinnamon with their health giving properties, combine with ginger to give an appealing alternative to traditional mulled wine. Serve it with the crumbly orange shortbread and they will be back for more.

Mulled Spicy Fruit Juice

Makes about 12 servings

Ingredients

• 2 litres red grape juice
• 1 litre blackcurrant juice (not cordial)
• Half cup of fresh orange juice
• Half a cup of water
• 1 sliced lemon
• 2 tbs honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tsp finely chopped fresh root ginger
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 2 tsp star anise

Method

1. Mix all the fruit juice and other ingredients together in a large saucepan.
2. Simmer on low heat for about half an hour to allow the flavours to blend and the aroma to rise. Do not allow to boil.
3. Stir gently to ensure the honey has dissolved,.
4. Strain, and serve in mugs, with plates of orange shortbread.

Orange Shortbread

Makes enough for 6 people

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup / 170 g unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/4 cup / 50 g white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups / 210 g plain flour
• Pinch salt

Topping

• 2 small oranges for zest
• 1/4 cup / 50 g castor sugar

Method

1. Mix the sugar, flour, vanilla extract and butter in a food processor.
2. Pulse together until the mixture resembles crumbs. (Alternatively use your fingers to rub the mixture together.)
3. Form into a ball and place in an airtight container for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile make the topping by finely grating the cleaned peel of the oranges and then mix with castor sugar. Put to one side.
5. Press the shortbread mixture into a well greased baking tray, 9” x 9” (23cms x 23 cms) and prick with a fork.
6. Bake the shortbread in the middle of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 180 C or 350 F until it starts to look golden.
7. Remove from the oven and while the shortbread is still warm, cut into squares or rectangles and sprinkle with orange and sugar topping. Leave to cool.

Mulled Fruit Drink with Cinnamon Sticks

Easy Recipe for Orange Shortbread

Star Anise in Mulled Fruit Juice

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