Christmas spice and all things nice
Sharing comforting festive treats to soothe your senses this winter.
Launching in early January: The HSP Revolution online community to support your journey of empowerment as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
After exploring gaslighting, the Drama Triangle, and our tendency to slip into rescuer mode, The HSP Revolution thought it was time for something a little more festive.
There’s no doubt that Christmas can have its stresses, but it’s also a moment when we can savour the season, and I wanted to share a recipe for a treat I really love — one that reminds me of fun family times when I was growing up.
As a teenager, it was always my job to make a warm drink to hand to guests as they arrived on Christmas day, and I would generally welcome them with a glass of mulled wine or non-alcoholic mulled apple.
Many HSPs are particularly sensitive to smells, and what more cheering or comforting aroma could there be than mulled spices?
Cinnamon and cloves
I recently made a mulled apple as a winter warmer for the parents at my daughter’s fifth birthday — and it was real hit, and very easy to make. (Detailed instructions and recipe below).
I used a fantastic ready made mix made by Katie King, at FitforaKingPremium on Etsy, but you can easily create your own. Typical spices to include would be three or more of the following: cardamon; cinnamon sticks; allspice; whole cloves; star anise pods; orange rind; cranberries; vanilla pods. Some people like more of a heavy clove flavour, while others prefer a sweeter cinnamon taste, so it’s about mixing the spices until you find the combination that suits you.
I’m always on the look out for more inspiration, and I hope we can swap some fun ideas for other festive treats in the comments.
I’ll be sending one more edition of The HSP Revolution next week, and then taking a break until I’ll be back in early January with an invitation to join the new The HSP Revolution online community.
I hope you’re keeping warm and well,
See you next Friday,
Mulled Apple Recipe
Place the spices in a cotton spice bag with drawstrings.
Pour one litre of apple juice into a large saucepan and heat to just below boiling.
Add the mulling spices and two tablespoons of brown sugar or honey. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until all the flavours have infused. Remove the spice bag.
Serve the drink warm in a mug with a little garnish of orange peel, or a cinnamon stick, for a festive winter warmer.
Sample Ingredients:
1 litre of apple juice (I use Copella cloudy apple juice).
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
5-6 whole cloves
5 cardamom seeds
4 whole star anise pods
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup of orange juice
1 orange cut in slices
1 vanilla stick