Mulled Wine

One of my favorite ways to celebrate fall is to simmer something with a cinnamon aroma to let it permeate the kitchen.  I was hunting for a mulled wine recipe that would be simple and require the least ingredients.  This recipe turned out well, as it has been well received by friends, and I'm happy to drink it on my own if there are no takers (when I can.)  It's makes for a pretty site while it is simmering in the pot or slowcooker.  

2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp whole allspice or fresh ginger
1 750 ml bottle of dry red wine
2/3 cup honey or sugar
1 orange, sliced
1/4 cup brandy (optional)

tie up cinnamon, cloves, and allspice or ginger in cheesecloth or place in large tea infuser.  pour wine and honey into slow cooker, stir until all dissolved.  cover.  cook for low for two hours or until steaming.  remove the spice sack before serving.  serves 4-6

Link to recipe

For a great mulled apple cider, this recipe works quite nice.  I also love to use good quality apple juice, instead of the cider, as I'm not a big fan of the pulp.

Mulled Apple Cider

apple juice can be substituted.

• 4 cups of apple cider
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
• 1/2 orange, sliced
• 1-inch peeled, fresh ginger, cut into 6 slices            

Combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer over a low flame for 20 minutes. Strain and serve.

The fried chicken list

QFC fried chicken...their baked chicken is yummy as well

Nothing makes me happier than a bite into a great piece of fried chicken.  The meat I'm not so interested in, as I'm into the combination of the crispy skin, crunchy bone, with a small piece of tasty meat to round out the bite. 

My love affair with fried chicken began at an early age.  I remember that my favorite part of swim trips to the YMCA was the trip to KFC afterwards.  It was so much fun sharing the family bucket of chicken with my aunty, uncle, cousins, and brother. 

While my love for fried chicken has remained consistent, the places that offer fried chicken have increased dramatically I'm happy to report.  Here's the current list of my fave sources for fried chicken.  Of course, it's all about being lucky enough to catch a fresh batch of fried chicken coming out of the vat of oil.  It really doesn't matter where it comes from at that point.

1.  QFC (Bellevue and Ballard location in particular)
2.  Old Country Buffet
3.  Jollibee (Southcenter mall)
4.  Fred Meyers (Redmond location)
5.  Albertsons
6.  KFC and Ezelle's