TGIF

In anticipation of the "arctic blast" that is supposed to hit us this evening, I have a warming evening planned...kinda chick-flicky, but it will definitely take our minds off the cold outside! I've been raving about The Tudors since I watched it OnDemand early in the fall. While the history of it is a bit skewed, and Henry the VIII is a hottie instead of a bloated, syphilitic old monarch, it is a blast to watch. A friend from work is coming over to watch the first few episodes (again OnDemand...leading up to the new season beginning at the end of March on Showtime). I made another beef burgundy this morning, along with defrosting a loaf of Rhodes bread dough...the beverage for this very cold night...Glogg...from The Ski House Cookbook by Tina Anderson and Sarah Pinneo. Here's the recipe...

Glogg

1 1/2 cups vodka

10 cloves

10 cardamom pods

2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks

1 (2 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled

Zest of 1 orange

1 (750 ml) bottle inexpensive red wine

1/2 cup sugar

1. Combine the vodka, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and orange zest in a small bowl. Set aside for at least 1 hour, or covered for up to one week.

2. Combine the wine and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Add the vodka mixture, return to a simmer.

3. Strain and serve warm.