Joyeux Noel, y'all! Today I have a Christmas memory to share, and a very special recipe that could become a Christmas tradition.
When we lived down in southern Burgundy near the historic market town of Cluny, on those frosty December days when it was boot and overcoat weather on market day, friends and villagers all gathered at our "winter bar". It was called the Café du Centre Chez Sissis, which everyone just called Le Sissis (pronounced "CC"). There, only around the holidays, they served piping hot mugs of homemade vin d'orange, fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla and citrus. We all crowded in to warm our hands and sooth our souls with the warm wine. Then we ventured out into the cold to shop at the stalls, and came back again for another mug.
Vin d'orange is similar to the hot mulled wine often served in the States, but instead of a base of apple cider or red wine, it has a base of rosé and fresh oranges. It's the color of a sunset. And it is heaven in a cup.
The good news is, it's super easy to make, as in it takes about 5 minutes, and will lend a festive French touch to your holiday party. It's a make-ahead affair, it needs to steep. But it's tasty after just a few days, or you can leave it to marinate in the fridge for 6 weeks or so. And it's not just a summer drink–in warmer weather, mix it with a bit of sparkling wine or Perrier, and serve it on the rocks.
And we wish you a all a wonderful holiday, full of love, family, friends, and fun.
RECIPE: Vin d'orange
This will serve 4, but consider doubling it if you have a big jug–it will come in handy for the season.
1 bottle of rosé
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vodka (or 1/2 cup, if you want it stronger)
2 oranges, cut in small pieces (with the rind, do not peel)
1 small lemon, cut in small pieces
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 of a vanilla bean, split lengthwise
******
1/4 cup brandy
orange slices to garnish
Put all of the ingredients except brandy in a jug with a tight-fitting lid. Stir or shake well to dissolve sugar. Store it in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. Give it an occasional shake to keep the sugar dissolved. After 6 weeks (or anytime your are ready to serve it), strain it and then add the brandy. Heat to serve and garnish with orange slices. Any that remains can be stored in the fridge indefinitely.
NOTE: the flavor will intensify over time. But after even 3 or 4 days, it will be flavorful and delicious.
In the COMMENTS: Suzanne, I’m exhausted just thinking about cooking for your multi-diet brood. Bravo! And can we please have the recipe for 3 minute ice cream, vegan or otherwise?
Favorite READS: Francine has an interesting book for us: The New Parisienne: the Women and Ideas Shaping Paris by Lindsey Tramuta. The author is an expat married to a French guy. David Leibovitz does an interesting interview with her on Substack. For the Christmas season, and for gift-giving, Natalia recommends Un Calendrier de l’Avent, an advent calender, that has a story to tell every day. There are many versions out there, in French or in English; there are 24 little doors to open, one each day. Here is a fun one for kids of all ages, in French. And as you know, Natalia, there are also wonderful chocolate advent calendars! She also recommends a magazine called The Good Life in France, which I am really enjoying; and a substack blog called A table in France, by a Brittany chef. My friend Sandi recommends a cozy, and funny, mystery series by Benjamin Stevenson. Everybody in Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a good one to start with.
9 thoughts on “A French Christmas Tradition for You”
https://suzannedunaway.substack.com for my three-minute ice cream and the chocolate one is on youtube but I added coconut milk to melted chocolate, dash of vanilla, sugar to taste and then put over a bowl of ice and whipped until thick. Has to be served quickly but I did freeze a bit and let it soften before serving the second time. Coconut milk is a great substitute for cream for vegans! LOVE the wine on cold days but who can WALK out of the bistro after a cup of that? Merry holidays.
https://suzannedunaway.substack.com for my three-minute ice cream and the chocolate one is on youtube but I added coconut milk to melted chocolate, dash of vanilla, sugar to taste and then put over a bowl of ice and whipped until thick. Has to be served quickly but I did freeze a bit and let it soften before serving the second time. Coconut milk is a great substitute for cream for vegans! LOVE the wine on cold days but who can WALK out of the bistro after a cup of that? Merry holidays.
https://suzannedunaway.substack.com for my three-minute ice cream and the chocolate one is on youtube but I added coconut milk to melted chocolate, dash of vanilla, sugar to taste and then put over a bowl of ice and whipped until thick. Has to be served quickly but I did freeze a bit and let it soften before serving the second time. Coconut milk is a great substitute for cream for vegans! LOVE the wine on cold days but who can WALK out of the bistro after a cup of that? Merry holidays.
Thank you! I look forward to trying this!
Thank you! I look forward to trying this!
Thank you! I look forward to trying this!
Thank you,Lynn,for not only beautiful pictures accompanyings such a wonderful recipe(MIAM!!!) and its charming histoire ,but,especially, giving us a Christmas celebration in a cup (or glass!) that I am going to make immediatement! I have not had the pleasure of trying this delight before,and the thought of using both rose AND oranges sends me directly to Cloud 9!
Between this and so many super suggestions, WOW! The festivities have begun!!!!
My book idea for this time is,bien sur,another Noel-y enjoyment wrapped up between its pages:”Comfort
& Joy” by Kristin Hannah.She is such a gifted writer,one whose volumes never disappoint.This one is definitely no exception!
Thank you,Lynn,for not only beautiful pictures accompanyings such a wonderful recipe(MIAM!!!) and its charming histoire ,but,especially, giving us a Christmas celebration in a cup (or glass!) that I am going to make immediatement! I have not had the pleasure of trying this delight before,and the thought of using both rose AND oranges sends me directly to Cloud 9!
Between this and so many super suggestions, WOW! The festivities have begun!!!!
My book idea for this time is,bien sur,another Noel-y enjoyment wrapped up between its pages:”Comfort
& Joy” by Kristin Hannah.She is such a gifted writer,one whose volumes never disappoint.This one is definitely no exception!
Thank you,Lynn,for not only beautiful pictures accompanyings such a wonderful recipe(MIAM!!!) and its charming histoire ,but,especially, giving us a Christmas celebration in a cup (or glass!) that I am going to make immediatement! I have not had the pleasure of trying this delight before,and the thought of using both rose AND oranges sends me directly to Cloud 9!
Between this and so many super suggestions, WOW! The festivities have begun!!!!
My book idea for this time is,bien sur,another Noel-y enjoyment wrapped up between its pages:”Comfort
& Joy” by Kristin Hannah.She is such a gifted writer,one whose volumes never disappoint.This one is definitely no exception!