Do-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner

Hot Cranberry Punch

Serves 12
This ruby-red spiced drink is terrific for serving at holiday time. The inviting aroma of cranberries, cloves, and allspice will permeate your house. I also like to serve this punch over ice with a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing and different drink during warmer weather.

• One 48-ounce bottle cranberry juice cocktail
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• Three 4-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
• 3/4 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups fresh orange juice
• 2 oranges, halved and thinly sliced into half-moons

1. Combine all the ingredients except the orange juice and orange slices into a large saucepan, stirring to blend. Bring to a boil, add the orange juice, and return to boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Diva Do- Ahead: At this point, you can cool, strain the spices from the punch, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
2. Serve warm, garnished with the orange slices.

Diva Variation
To serve this drink cold, fill a 12-ounce tumbler with ice, add 4 ounces cranberry punch, and fill the rest of the way with either sparkling water or 7UP. Garnish with the orange slices.