Hot Spiced Punch

daisygrl64's Note:

Serve this spicy punch with a spoon so no one misses the raisins and almonds at the bottom of the cup. Land-O-Lakes Cookbook.

• Total Time: 4 hrs 50 mins
• Prep Time: 4 hrs
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1.5 quarts

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cups grape juice or 2 cups dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger , chopped
• 8 whole cloves
• 6 slices orange peel (cut 3x1/2-inch)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2⁄3; cup raisins
• 2⁄3; cup slivered almond

Directions:

1. in 3 qt saucepan combine all ingredients except raisins and almonds.
2. let stand at room temperature for 4 hours.
3. cook over medium heat until mixture just comes to a boil (15 to 20 mintues) reduce heat to low, simmer for 15 minutes.
4. strain, discard spices.
5. return to saucepan. add raisins and almonds.
6. continue cooking over low heat until raisins are tender.
7. serve hot with a spoon in each mug.