TRADITIONAL HAMPSHIRE APPLE JUICES

Hot Spiced Apple Punch

(6 to 8 servings)

2 bottles  apple juice (Cox& Bramley is good)

½ orange – spiked with a few cloves

thinly pared rind ½ lemon

1 cinnamon stick

a few allspice berries (optional)

2 – 4  tablespoons brown sugar (according to taste)

Heat all ingredients together gently, add sugar to taste; allow to infuse for at least 15 minutes.  Do not allow to boil.

If serving in a glass put a tea-spoon in the glass before pouring in the punch.

You can further enliven this punch with a slosh of brandy or rum before serving.    Then put your feet up by the fire!