How a snow experience turned into an idea for entertaining at home.
See the history of The DePuy Canal House by clicking on the link below:
One December, my husband and
I were invited to a birthday dinner in High Falls, New York at a restaurant
called The DePuy Canal House. (see link above)
When we set out to drive the
hour and a half, snow was falling. By the time we reached the NY State Thruway,
we were in the middle of a blizzard. Visibility was gone and the only way to
see where we were going was from the back lights of the cars or trucks directly
in front of us. Turning the car around and heading home was no longer an
option. Teeth grinding, hands gripping, and hearts beating, we crept along the highway for three hours.
Our friends suggested we all
meet up at their house a mile or two down the road from the DePuy Canal House ,
where we were dining. There was no way we could get up their road, our car
sliding left and right as we tried to navigate our way up the hill. Instead we
went directly to the restaurant, the 1797 old Stone House Tavern, opened by
Simeon DePuy, a prominent citizen of High Falls, NY.
The stone tavern was picture
perfect covered in snow. An image out of the movie, White Christmas. Downstairs in the barroom, a fireplace was
roaring and the most wonderful aroma from apple, cinnamon and clove spices
filled the air. The steaming and fragrant mug of hot mulled cider was rewarding after coming in from the winter blizzard. We waited at the bar for the birthday party to arrive. Over
the next few hours or so, people straggled in from their snow adventures.
After a marvelous dinner and
birthday partying, we went outside to find our car buried in the deepest snow I
have ever seen. Not able to dig our way out we were lucky to get the
last room in the Inn across the road.
I’ve never forgotten this
adventure, nor the warming taste of the hot mulled cider. Did they spike it
with something?
On a snowy, winter day, have yourself an easy entertaining gathering. Just add candlelight, hot mulled cider or hot mulled wine and
store bought nibbles. And don't forget the music. A roaring fire of course, if possible.
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| Hot Mulled Cider |
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe:
2 quarts apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons whole cloves
grated nutmeg
1 orange, sliced
In a large saucepan bring all the ingredients to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the cider and ladle into mugs. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Tip: for a spiked drink, add 1 cup of dark rum to the saucepan.
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| Hot Mulled Wine |
Hot Mulled Wine Recipe:
1 bottle fruity red wine
1 orange
1/4 cup of brandy
8 whole cloves
1/3 cup sugar
3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
2 teaspoons allspice
Peel and slice the orange. Julienne half of the peels to add to the liquid. In a large saucepan, not aluminum, combine the orange peel and the rest of the ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the mulled wine and pour into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
You might want to make a hearty stew or soup. For example, rustic bowls of oxtail and
onion soup. Make ahead, freeze and pull out when the snow comes down.
If you'd like this recipe, please email me and I will be happy to print it.
Stay warm and cozy and don't forget to entertain.
As Always,
xxoo Sheila
