Christmas Spice Mix

Christmas Spice Mix

Wonderfully versatile, this gift is seasoned for both sipping and sniffing. When mixed with fruit juices, it's a delicious winter warmer-upper. Boiled in water, it makes a "scentsational" potpourri that will add a heavenly fragrance to the whole house!

SERVINGS: 8
METHOD: Microwave
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients:

SPICE MIX:
* 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon whole allspice
* 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR CRANBERRY WASSAIL:
* 1 quart cranberry juice
* 1 quart pineapple juice
* 1/2 cup sugar

Directions:
Combine spice mix ingredients; place in the center of two 6-in. square pieces of cheesecloth. Bring corners together and tie with string or dental floss. Yield: 1 spice bag.

To use as a room scent: Place spice bag in a 2-cup microwave-safe measuring cup filled with hot water. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until water boils. Continue to microwave at 30% power to add fragrance to the whole house. (Add more water if microwaved for additional time.)

To prepare cranberry wassail:
Combine juices, sugar and spice bag in a 2-qt. microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and cut a vent. Microwave on high for 8-9 minutes or until mixture boils. Microwave at 50% power 3 minutes longer. Yield: 1 spice bag.