Hot Italian Mulled Wine - Vin Brulé for the Festive Season

Image courtesy of giallozafferano.it

Italian hot mulled wine or vin brulé (the Italians use the French word) is very popular in winter time, especially at Christmas markets and during the Festive Season and New Year's Eve. We will be making vin brulé when we get together with friends to celebrate the Winter Solstice solstizio d'inverno. The Winter Solstice in Italy and for the northern hemisphere, will be on the 21st December, this year.

Being in the countryside, therefore more aware of the rhythms of the seasons, I now understand why the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year, should be celebrated. It signals a powerful transition point between seasons and a great reason to get together with friends to celebrate that the days, from now on, will become longer.

To help you celebrate the forthcoming Festive Season and New Year with good cheer.... here is our recipe for Vin Brulé. Enjoy! 

Vin Brulé
Serves approx. 50 glasses 
Ingredients: 
5 litres of dry red wine ( we used the local red grape called 'Sangiovese')
1/2 litre of orange juice
125 g sugar (according to taste)
8 cloves
15g cinnamon sticks (about 5)
1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
2  or 3 large oranges, peeled and sliced

Method:
1. Pour wine and orange juice into a large saucepan. Add the sugar and mix well.
2. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg powder  and thinly sliced oranges to the wine. Stir.
3. Heat gently for about 15 to 20 minutes without allowing the mixture to boil. Stir occasionally and taste for sweetness. Add more sugar if desired.
4. Serve vin brulé warm or hot  (in heat-resistant glasses).
Enjoy!

Auguri di Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo

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Extra virgin olive oil- Healing remedies of the Sabine Hills

We had to climb a mountain to get some rutin (ruta) leaves so we could make a healing lotion using our local extra virgin olive oil. It was absolutely worth it!

View over the Sabine Hills from Monte San Martino

The first time Sally and I tried to climb Monte San Martino, starting at the '4 winds' 'i quattro venti' crossing, we came across a huge herd of what seemed like giant goats. We called out for the shepherd and our only response came from two large sheepdogs, who definitely did not want us to pass.....so understanding the message, we retreated to safer ground. 

The next time we climbed this mountain to visit the ruined monastery perched on it's peak, we organised a group of 20 friends to come along for a picnic ( and as potential goat protectors) and of course did not see one fierce goat on the whole trail! 

Meeting some of the curious locals ( luckily only sheep this time!)

View from the top over the medieval village of Fara Sabina

Ruined monastery walls where the rutin plant grows

We have returned several times and have always enjoyed the spectacular views from the top. It is really magical. On our second trip with friends, we also learnt all about this 'magical' plant called Rutin that is said to have amazing healing properties. The rutin, ruta plant grows in abundance near the ruined monastery and we were given a local recipe on how to make this healing lotion: "place a couple of small branches of Rutin, (found next to the ruined monastery on a local hilltop) in a sealed container and cover with extra virgin olive oil, for 6 weeks. Then take out the plant and the lotion is ready". Extra virgin olive oil has the ability to absorb the healing properties (and smell) of the rutin plant ( as with other plants or herbs). Rutin is said to be great for circulation and also used as an anti-inflammatory ( only to be rubbed into the skin).
The smell of this plant so bad ( I agree, it really stinks) that it is said to have been used in medieval times, to keep witches away!

Author's note: This information about the healing properties of Rutin was given to me by one of our local ladies, Signora Lina, and not to be taken as a medical fact. As with all topical lotions using natural herbs and plants, please use with great caution. Rutin maybe good for your circulation but it can also irritate the skin.

Come along and visit this area, the Sabine Hills, with Sally and I, on a Convivio Rome Italian Cooking Holiday or a One Day Cooking Class, or Half Day Olive Tour or Wine Tour. There is so much to show you in this undiscovered land.

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