House bound. Time for a hot toddy! I hope you have these ingredients on hand if you are ice and snowed in because this is the perfect drink for today. If you only have brandy, use that. If you have an apple in the house, peel, core and dice it. After you bring the water to a boil, add the apples, reduce the heat and let simmer covered for 15 – 20 minutes to infuse the water with flavor. Then remove and discard the apples pieces and follow the remaining steps to make the drink. I like the sweetness of Vietnamese cinnamon offers but if you only have sticks, use those. Hope everyone is staying safe and warm!

Apple Brandy Hot Toddy
makes 2

1 ½ cups water
2 tbsp. honey or agave nectar
½ cup fresh lemon juice {about 2 small lemons}
1 cup Calvados apple brandy
¼ tsp. ground Vietnamese cinnamon
2 cinnamon sticks

In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the honey. Using a whisk, stir until dissolved. Add lemon juice, brandy and Vietnamese cinnamon; stir until warmed. Remove from heat and pour in two heatproof glasses/cups. Garnish with cinnamon stick and serve.