Around here, holiday memories begin in the kitchen and last a lifetime. So, we’re taking time to give thanks to recipes that have been passed down to us and honor the traditions that have made this time of year so special. Our chef, Scarleth, recalled a few of her favorite holiday memories—like this Ponche Caliente! Each year, over the holidays, Scarleth and her family gathered at her grandmother’s home in Mexico. While she and her cousins were having fun collecting pine cones outside, Scarleth’s aunts worked on the holiday meal, starting with a warm fruit punch called Poche Caliente. The whole house would smell like Christmas because the ponche had so many spices and fruits in it,” Scarleth recalls. The recipe begins by spicing boiling water with cinnamon, agave, and star anise. Then, fruits like guava, tejocote, red apples, pears, raisins, and tamarind are added and steeped for two hours. So, grab your favorite mug, take a sip, and stay warm and cozy this holiday season.
Ingredients
10 c Water
1 ¼ c Guava whole
1 ¼ c Tejocote whole (You can use more Red Apples)
1 Pilloncillo or 1 c Dark Agave Nectar
1 c Red Apples, diced large
1 c Green Apples, diced large
½ c Golden Raisins
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Star Anise
1 c Black Plum, large diced
1 c Pears, large diced
4-5 Tamarind Pods, peeled
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Ingredients
10 c Water
1 ¼ c Guava whole
1 ¼ c Tejocote whole (You can use more Red Apples)
1 Pilloncillo or 1 c Dark Agave Nectar
1 c Red Apples, diced large
1 c Green Apples, diced large
½ c Golden Raisins
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Star Anise
1 c Black Plum, large diced
1 c Pears, large diced
4-5 Tamarind Pods, peeled
Directions
In a large pot, add water, piloncillo or agave, cinnamon sticks, and star anise
Bring to a boil
Add all fruit and simmer on medium for 1- 2 hours uncovered
over medium-high heat, until fruit is tender and ponche is sweet
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