GLÖGI... ,.... I fell in love with the local Christmas drink, glögi. It was a hot drink made from berry juices, cinnamon, cardamom, and a whole lot more spices. I had it every chance possible. However, at the last tasting in the local coffee shop, the glass was decorated with a cookie on an orange slice with a little bit of blue cheese. Just incredible!

I was so relieved when I found the recipe online, because I doubted if I'd ever face another winter in Finland.

Traditional Finnish Christmas Drink

1. 1 1/2 liter of berry juices (a mix of grape, apple, black currant)
2. 8 cloves
3. 2 cinnamon sticks
4. orange rind without much pith
5. ¼ cup sugar
6. pinch of ginger power
7. 8 cardamom seeds

In a large saucepan add juice and other ingredients. Let sit for four hours and go wrap Christmas presents. After sitting, bring the mixture to boil for five minutes, and then let it simmer for ten minutes. Remove from heat, strain out the spices and rind. It can then be refrigerated or, better yet, enjoyed immediately. Serve warm.

If you like alcohol, you can mix the glogi with red wine in a half and half mixture. Or, you can top it off with vodka. I prefer my glogi strait with blanched almonds floating on top and a few of raisins soaking up the flavor at the bottom of the glass.

MARTIN