1 1/2 ounces cherry brandy

3 whole cloves

1 ounce lemon juice

2 dashes Angostura bitters

3/4 ounce pure maple syrup

4 ounces red table wine

Combine first 5 ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain, add wine and an orange twist.

The news says that two-thirds of our country is impacted by nasty winter weather. The rain has been steady (and cold) all day in Charlottesville, and I suppose I am glad it’s not snow. I am almost done with the cooking, the cleaning, and the wrapping, and now it’s time to relax for the evening.