Mulled Wine (v)

I am addicted to this. It's the soothing, warming, inner core fug of happiness it distributes and it dissipates I think ;-)

For 6 generous servings you need:
1 bottle good quality red wine
2 clementines cut into slices
1 cinnamon stick
4-5 cloves
125g caster sugar
pared rind of a lemon
1/4 whole nutmeg, grated
1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Place everything into a pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the spices are aromatic. Serve warm in glasses and spread seasonal good cheer :)

Child's Hot Toddy

Lex moaned at me for not making him a hot toddy earlier in the week, so this is for him.

For one person you need:
1/2 lemon cut into thick slices
2 tsp honey
boiling water
a little love

Place everything in a mug and add the boiling water about 2/3 up the side of the mug. Mix well and then top up with cold water and love. Serve with a hug.

Hot Toddy (v)

We had no lemons so this was made with oranges. It was nice. Use agarve nectar if you're vegan...

For one person you need:
1/2 orange cut into thick slices
1-2 tsp honey or 1tsp agarve nectar
Boiling water
1-2 shots whisky

Place the honey/nectar, oranges and alcohol in a mug. Pour over boiling water and leave to steep for 2-3 mins, crushing the orange as you do so. Sip and feel better.

Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie (v)

This idea popped in to my head earlier today. I have a bit of a thing for peanut butter at the moment and this even got Lex drinking it!

For one person you need:
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup soya milk
1 scoop vanilla swedish glace if you want it to be extra thick and luxurious

Blitz till thick and creamy and then down in one. Remember to wipe off the mustache when you've finished.

Mango Lassi

My normal choice of lassi is just spiced sweet lassi, but I have a tub of frozen mango I am slowly working my way through... This takes seconds to throw together but really does add another dimension to an Indian banquet at home.

For 2 tall glasses of thick, luscious, cooling comfort you need:
1/2 tub value runny yogurt
handful ice cubes
handful frozen mango
1/2 yogurt tub of cold water (or more if you want a thinner lassi)

Lob everything in to a blender and blitz till smooth (about 1 minute or so). Serve.