Glögg

Glögg (pronounced Glug) is a traditional Scandinavian beverage generally served around Christmas time. Not only is perfect for warming you on a cold winter evening, but will fill your home with wonderful scents! Since I have not had this beverage before, I consulted my cousin Cindy who makes it during the holidays and is married to a native Norwegian from the west coast of Norway. Cindy and Magne frequently visit family and now lead tours to Norway and are active in the Norwegian-American community here in the United States. Glögg is similar to mulled wine, but is not as sweet and more potent with the addition of brandy. Traditionally they are served in small cups with a spoon for scooping up the almonds and raisins which have acquired wonderful flavor in the spiced booze bath. In my opinion the reasoning for the small cups is that one cup will leaving you warmed and relaxed, but 2 or more cups might leave you seriously considering joining the Polar Bear Club! Cardamom pods look like a small seed and generally can be found in your spice section. From my family to yours God Jul!

Ingredients

1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
2 cups (.5 liter) of brandy
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 cup of slivered almonds
Peel of 1 orange
10 cardamom pods (bruised)
1 cinnamon stick (bruised)
5 whole cloves
4 pieces of crystallized ginger

Technique

Add all ingredients to a crock pot, stir and simmer for at least 1 hour if not longer. Do not boil. Remove cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, whole cloves, orange peel and ginger. Evenly divide raisins and almonds into cups and pour liquid over it, sip and scoop out the raisins and almonds with a little spoon and enjoy! Skål!