There’s something so welcoming about a hot alcoholic tipple. Not only does it taste terrific – it gives your home a fabulous festive aroma!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
400ml unsweetened apple juice
400ml unsweetened cranberry juice
500ml dry cider
100ml peach brandy (optional)
1 small lemon, thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
6 cloves
4tbsp clear honey
6 plums, pitted and sliced
Method
- In a large saucepan, put the apple juice, cranberry juice, cider, peach brandy (if using), lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and honey. Heat until just simmering, then turn the heat to very low.
- After 5 minutes, add the plum slices and continue to simmer on a very low heat for a further 15 minutes.
- Ladle into heatproof glasses and serve.
Cook’s tips
For a non-alcoholic version use 700ml of both apple and cranberry juice and omit the cider and peach brandy, and add a couple of spiced apple tea bags about 10 minutes before serving.
You can use a slow cooker to make this and keep it warm? Simply put all the ingredients into your slow cooker, then cover and cook on high for 1½ -2 hours or 2½ – 3 hours on low.
HORTGRO
HORTGRO, the industry association representing South African fruit growers, has released a series of recipes to help us make the most of the country’s fabulous natural larder.
Plums, peaches and nectarines
South African plums, peaches and nectarines are natural immunity-boosters as they’re packed with nutrients and vitamins.
What’s more, South African fruit is counter-seasonal – so it’s available when European produce isn’t.
Varieties of peach and nectarine are available in all major retailers from November until May, while plums become available from the end of December.
Location and climate
The sheltered valleys between mountains in the Western Cape are ideal for the cultivation of fruit such as plums, peaches and nectarines.
The amazing combination of Mediterranean climate, steep hillsides and over 100 years of experience has helped to produce the most delicious, high quality fruit.
Ethics
The South African fruit industry prides itself in supporting various ethical and transformation initiatives that focus on training, worker welfare, skills development and land ownership projects.
The vast majority of South African stone fruit producers choose to ship their produce to the UK, rather than flying it over.
