Gluhwein

3/4 Cup Water or orange juice
3/4 Cup sugar (I would use less next time!)
4 (or more) cinnamon sticks
1 Orange
10 whole cloves
1 bottle red wine

1. In a saucepan, combine the water or o.j., sugar, an cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer.

2. Cut the orange in half, and squeeze the juice into the simmering water. Push the cloves into the outside of the orange peel, and place peels in the simmering water. Continue simmering for 30 minutes, until thick and syrupy.

3. Pour in the wine. Heat until steaming, but don't let it boil. Remove the orange peels and cinnamon sticks. Reserve cinnamon sticks and place one in each mug.

4. Serve hot in mugs or glasses that have been preheated in warm water.

Chicken, Rice and Pasta Soup

2 cartons chicken broth
5 or 6 oz. pasta (shells, penne, etc)
fresh spinach
2 C. cooked chicken, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 C. cooked wild rice
crushed red pepper flakes
chopped baby bella mushrooms
splash of wine
salt & pepper
grated cheese for the top

In a large soup pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the pasta ane cook until al dente. Add the spinach, chicken, red pepper, garlic, and rice. Cook over high heat approx. 5 minutes. Add mushrooms salt and pepper to taste, cooking a few more minutes Serve and sprinkle with grated cheese.