comfort itself

December 14 2009 by Kristin at The Kitchen Sink in Uncategorized » 19 comments

After all that moping last week about my trouble getting into the holiday spirit, I discovered that the solution is actually incredibly easy. And it’s this: pour yourself a hot toddy. I also recommend throwing on some holiday music and adorning your home with metallic balls and fronds of pine and twinkling lights. But if you’ve tried these things to no avail—or if you’re just short on time, the toddy will suffice, I think. So, if you find yourself in the same boat as I was in last week, hop to it. It’s time to toddy.

And while we’re on the subject, I’ve concluded that the hot toddy is one of the most underappreciated fixtures on the holiday scene. Cookies take the spotlight, fruitcake gets all the fuss, and cooks can’t see past the Christmas dinner centerpiece, be it roasted goose, a crown roast, or rosy slices of prime rib. Meanwhile, the hot toddy slips quietly into the background. Today, though, I plan to give it it’s holiday due.

Consider: during what other time of the year is it acceptable to sip a warm, boozy beverage at any hour of the day, often well before the standard cocktail hour begins? Practically any holiday-related excuse will do. Mid-holiday shopping pitstop? Bring me a Baileys and coffee, waiter! An afternoon open house? Why, sure, I’d love an Irish coffee! Just returned from an hour at the ice rink? I think I’ll pour myself some glögg! The cocktail party host is offering up hot buttered rum? Don’t mind if I do!

But I think the most enticing (if feeble) excuse to have a hot toddy is a quiet stretch of December afternoon at home and, for this occasion, I recommend the hot cider pictured in this post, doctored with mulling spices and spiked with a nip of dark rum. It couldn’t be easier. Just set a large pot full of your favorite cider over a low flame. In the cider, float some orange slices and peels, a few cinnamon sticks, a star anise or two, if you have it (I didn’t), and some cloves. The heat will do all the work, infusing the cider with some spice and brightness.

And the fragrance? It will smell as though comfort itself has arrived in your kitchen and decided to stay a while, unfurling and raditating it’s cozy, holiday aroma throughout your house. Next, splash some rum in the bottom of a mug and then add a ladel of cider. Fold yourself into your favorite corner of the couch, tucking your legs up under you. Wrap your hands around the mug and breathe it in deeply.

Then drink it, of course, and realize that, finally, it’s the holidays.

Hot Mulled Cider with Dark Rum
Adapted from Ina Garten

16 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider
4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 oranges, peels and juice
8 whole cloves
6 star anise, optional (I omitted)
dark rum, optional

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, cover and bring to a slow boil. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, along with a splash of dark rum if desired, and serve.

19 comments so far. »
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tara says on December 14 2009 at 3:27 pm:

We’ve been having hot tea toddys this year, with bourbon. Perfect to sip by fireside. They’re wholly underappreciated drinks, you’re so right.

And you know what? Your words have a similar effect of comfort and welcome and warmth. This is a lovely post.
Sara says on December 14 2009 at 4:58 pm:

i still am not in the holiday spirit quite yet. Maybe this is what i need!
Whitney says on December 14 2009 at 5:16 pm:

I don’t know how you can’t be in the spirit with a drink like that!
joanser says on December 14 2009 at 5:24 pm:

mmmmm. so good. I can smell it here in Louisiana! Thanks, Kristin!
Amanda says on December 14 2009 at 6:24 pm:

I decided that December was going to be the month of hot beverages. And if whiskey or Baileys happen to find themselves in my drink, who’s to know??!
jessica says on December 14 2009 at 9:17 pm:

I love your mugs!! where did you buy them??
tracieMoo says on December 14 2009 at 11:37 pm:

this might get me into the holiday spirit. Does look really comforting..
Jennifer @ maple n cornbread says on December 15 2009 at 8:37 am:

SO funny, my guy and I were saying similar last week…then we dug out the hot apple cider and spiced rum. A homemade hot toddy sounds awesome though!
Missy says on December 15 2009 at 8:38 am:

This sounds delightful right now–it’s cold and windy today (for Austin, anyway.) The photo of your Christmas tree is magical.
Ali says on December 15 2009 at 8:57 am:

I hear the sleigh bells ringing…Better being that Hot Toddy recipe with you; I bet it goes perfect with a side of Doodle Don! Love the tree picture BTW!
jordan says on December 15 2009 at 1:50 pm:

i love your blog. its such good guidance!
hungry dog says on December 15 2009 at 3:57 pm:

Great idea for lifting the spirits and filling your house with spicy holiday goodness.
Devon says on December 15 2009 at 5:48 pm:

Nothing like a good excuse for a drink. Everyone in my office could use a hot toddy.
Julia (Color Me Green) says on December 16 2009 at 12:46 pm:

i’ve always thought a hot toddy was tea with lemon, honey, and whisky.
Katie says on December 16 2009 at 1:04 pm:

I just stumbled onto your website after searching for granola (which I will be making tonight) and wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying searching around! I will add this to my google reader and hope to try many of the recipes!
kms says on December 16 2009 at 3:05 pm:

epitome of comfort. love it.
Megan Gordon says on December 17 2009 at 12:13 am:

Delightful! I recently made cider on my blog as well and keep stumbling across new recipes on the web. Lovely photos.
Julie says on December 21 2009 at 11:28 pm:

Ah, that looks so good. I’ve never had a toddy. Maybe time to try one
Trina says on December 28 2009 at 3:11 pm:

Hello, I’ve been reading for some time since the Bitten blog mentioned you. Everything looks and sounds delicious, but this is the first recipe I’ve made…twice, it was so good! With and without rum, it was a hit at two parties.
My college roommate and I made hot toddies once without really knowing what they were. I believe we made tea and put rum in it….and they were terrible. This has restored my faith.