Mulled Wine

Directions

1. 1
   Put sugar and water in a 5 quart heavy pot over medium-high heat and stir until all of the sugar dissolves.
2. 2
   Scrape the vanilla seeds from the pod and add it to the pot along with the vanilla bean and rosemary.
3. 3
   Slowly simmer for an additional 5 minutes at very low heat.
4. 4
   Meanwhile, in a piece of cheesecloth place the cinnamon, cardamom and cloves in the center.
5. 5
   Pull the four ends together and tie kitchen string around it to make a small pouch.
6. 6
   Make sure to leave enough string to tie around the outside handle on the pot for easy removal.
7. 7
   Add the spice pouch, wine, brandy and cut fruit.
8. 8
   Let it simmer on low for about 1 hour.
9. 9
   Never let it boil.
10. 10
    Serve warm.