Hot mulled wine with pomegranate

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles (750 ml each) of red Spanish table wine
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup cane sugar
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 8 cloves
• A strip of orange zest (5 cm)
• 1 Gala apple, thinly sliced
• 1 Bartlett pear, thinly sliced
• 1/4 tbsp. pomegranate seeds

Preparation:

1. Combine wine, pomegranate juice, brandy, sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange zest in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes.
2. When ready to serve, return the mixture to a low simmer, bring to a boil, then add the apple, pear, and pomegranate seeds. Serve in heat-resistant glass mugs.