Mulled Wine

March 3: National Mulled Wine Day

Red wine usually makes Islander feel warm, like a hot flash, when it goes down her system. And mulled wine is even more warming because it is heated—which makes for a nice nightcap on a cold, winter night.

We drank mulled beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) when served at winter and holiday gatherings while living in Illinois. Our often-mentioned friend Lisa L., who lived in Germany, said mulled wine is called glühwein there (it is called gløg in Sweden and glögi in Finland).

As the last few weeks of winter march out into the coming spring season, keep warm in the meantime with some mulled wine on National Mulled Wine Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Eating Well)

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) red wine (we used Merlot)
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup sugar (or more to taste)
• 3 whole cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (we used 3 pods)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• pinch of ground allspice
• 2-3 slices orange
• 2-3 slices lemon
• cinnamon sticks (optional garnish)

Directions

In a saucepan, warm the water on medium heat over the stovetop. Sprinkle in the sugar and mix until dissolved. Add the cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice and the orange and lemon slices.  Pour in the wine. Simmer for 20 minutes.  Strain. Pour into glasses or mugs. Garnish with cinnamon sticks. Serve hot.

Banana Cream Pie

March 2: National Banana Cream Pie Day

As the winter season marches toward spring, get a taste of the tropics year-round with a banana cream pie. The bright yellow bananas bring a cheery hue to the winter blues! The sliced fruit on the bottom adds a natural balance to the sweet pudding filling of this delicious dessert. Whatever the season, eat this tropical treat for National Banana Cream Pie Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Taste of Home)

Ingredients

• ½ – ¾ cup sugar (we used less)
• 1/3 cup flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pie crust (we used Keebler brand graham cracker flavor)
• 2-3 bananas
• whipped cream to garnish (we used Cool Whip)

Directions

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Stir in the milk. Heat over the stovetop on medium until thickened, at least five minutes.  Drop a small amount of this mixture into the egg yolks and stir. Place all of the egg yolks back into the saucepan with the mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Cook about two minutes, stirring well.

Remove from heat and add the vanilla and butter. Mix well. Slice the bananas and layer them on the bottom of the pie crust.

Spread the pudding mixture over the bananas and smooth with a spatula. Cool at room temperature over a wire rack for an hour. Refrigerate to set. Fill a pastry bag with whipped cream and decorate as desired. Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with additional banana slices (optional).

Notes

• Search our blog for more banana and pie recipes.