NOSE-WARMER PUNCH (mulled red wine, about twelve 1/2 punch cups, serving eight)

3 bottles dry red wine

1-1/2 cups brandy

1-1/2 cups sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

8 whole cloves

3 small lemons, zest scored lengthwise with a channel knife and fruit sliced thin

1. In a large, heavy saucepan bring the wine and brandy to a simmer with the sugar, cinnamon and cloves, stirring, and cook at a bare simmer for 2 minutes.

2. Stir in the lemon slices and ladle into heat-proof cups.

from Gourmet Magazine, December, 1994