We spent Thursday and Friday wondering if relatives and friends would make be able to make it to a special family event this past weekend. We called family to tell them of the impending snowstorm. One family’s members in Massachusetts were able to leave early Friday night and made it safely to our home at about 5am. Another family member arrived at the airport on Thursday and others arrived Thursday. Others who were hoping to make it to the “ engagement party” were unable due to the weather. Some were from Pennsylvania, New York City and Virginia. We’re sorry they missed this wonderful event but hope to see them all soon.

Needless to say they missed the wonderful Mulled Wine that my son prepared. He is an excellent cook and I wish I had his talents. He knows what spices to add to anything and isn’t afraid to experiment. He tastes a little and adjusts the mix by adding a little more of this or that. In the case of mulled wine he added a few more spices. He reminds me of my grandmother and mother-in-law, both of who were able to cook without measuring ingredients and ended with sumptuous dishes.

For anyone wondering about the ingredients for this weekend’s mulled wine, the ingredients included two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, sugar, orange pieces with rind, orange juice, cinnamon, apricot brandy, and whole cloves. Heat the ingredients for a couple of hours and its ready!

Are you creative? Try a mulled wine “from scratch.”

Cheers, Kathy