MULLED ZIN (HOLIDAY ZINFANDEL WINE PUNCH)

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Push the whole cloves into one of the small oranges until it's completely"studded," then place the orange in a baking dish and roast it in the oven until it's soft, which will take between 35 to 40 minutes.
• In a non-reactive saucepan over medium heat, combine the roasted orange, zinfandel, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, 4 of the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, allspice, and the brandy or Cognac.
• Raise the heat to medium-high, stirring constantly until the honey is melted and the sugar is dissolved, which will take about 4 minutes, but DO NOT LET BOIL (the flavor of the wine and spices combination will deteriorate if the mixture reaches the boiling point).
• Strain the mulled wine and pour into six coffee glasses or cups, slice the remaining small orange into 6 slices, and garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.