This post has not been planned the way I finally framed it! Then what actually in my life has happened according to the plans or typically the way I wanted it to be! However, whatever, I and Mehebub discussed over the glass(s) of Mulled Wine is worth writing and I didn't find anything else better than this to finish the year!

Something we never discussed in the last 10 months; well before I wrote about the same on Facebook a few days back. On the evening of Christmas, when we both were sitting idle on the cozy chairs with our glasses of Mulled Wine; he suddenly asked, "tell me one thing, you still think about the incident that happened 10 months back! ain't it?"

I knew what he was referring to but I couldn't help but ask "which incident are you referring to!" while sipping my mulled wine!

"You know Debjani what I am referring to; I am talking about the "Steven Johnson syndrome; what you have gone through! I am talking about the post you written on Facebook a few days back in Bengali! Can't you forget that!" He replied arrogantly and helped himself with another glass of the Mulled Wine.

"You are on your 3rd glass of Mulled Wine; is it you talking or the Mulled Wine? do you think is it possible for me to forget that my face is not as it used to be! That I cannot smile fully now and that damn thing affected me; my soul" I asked and was trying to smile as well knowing that I cannot smile like before even now; I cannot move the facial muscles fully!

"It was an incident, not even an accident; it could be me instead of you! You could have died! You know how rare is steven johnson syndrome! But the fact is, we have you with us and that is what matters; nothing else!" He replied!

"You mean don't even how I look now? How do I speak now? Do you think I will be the same as used to be 10 months back anymore!" I was frustrated. He generally does not discuss this. He knows I avoid anything and everything related to this! Then why today!

"Debjani I saw you writing that. I must tell you what matters is; that you are with us! We never discussed what happened to your parents ever given you did not want that! You know yourself better than me! You know you care a damn how you look and neither I. To Pasta, it matters that her mother is with her not how she looks or how she speaks!"

"What about you Mehebub? No effect you mean to say?" I was almost furious!

He was smiling (and that was irritating) and then he replied "I assume you know me better than that and I don't think I need to justify myself to a steven johnson syndrome Survivor about whom I am proud of. By the way, the Mulled Wine is awesome! Make some more! Is it going to be part of the Blog?"

"Hmmm yes, the Mulled Wine will be and also the discussion we are having!"

He smiled and put the glass and then replied "you remember it was also a Christmas evening when we came to know that "WE" were pregnant with Pasta!"

I was looking to the little thing seating with us and having the Strawberry Lemonade and realized once more Life is good; with them!

I know I am a survivor; I know I don't care how I look but one more thing I know this man is much beyond a husband; he is the friend probably Santa gifted me years back!

A little bit about Mulled Wine:

On this note, my readers here is the recipe of Mulled Wine I make at home and a few details about the beverage. A Red wine-based hot/ Warm spicy beverage having its origin in the United Kingdom! It is a Christmas drink.

Mulled Wine was originated in the 2nd century by the Romans as a winter drink to maintain their body heat during the war. It was the Europeans who started mixing hot wine with spices. You may read this interesting post on Wine for further details.

I was not able to click the pictures on the same night. We finished the entire thing. I finally ended on making another big bowl full of Mulled Wine on 31st which was my 5th batch this year. I finally ended by clicking the same just the way I want it.

Here's how I make Mulled Wine at Debjanir Rannaghar:

Mulled Wine

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Mulled Wine is a spicy Wine-based warm Christmas beverage

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 5 Servings

Ingredients

• Red Wine: 1 Bottle (750 ml)
• Orange: 2
• Lemon Juice: 1 Tbsp.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ Cup (optional)
• Cinnamon Stick: 1 (large)
• Star Anise: 2
• Clove: 8-10
• Brown Sugar: 4 Tbsp.
• Orange Zest: 1 Tbsp.

Instructions

1. Sliced Oranges with the skin on. Half will be used as the garnish.
2. Take ⅔ Red Wine, half of the Orange rounds, Lemon Juice, Apple Cider, Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Clove, Brown Sugar, Orange Zest in a saucepan, and heat high flame for 2 minutes till the sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce the flame and keep heating the wine for 10-12 minutes.
4. Add rest of the Wine and heat for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve Warm Mulled Wine with your choice of garnish.
6. I have used Orange slices to garnish the Mulled Wine

• Author: Debjani Chatterjee
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Beverage
• Cuisine: Continental

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 150 ml
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 22.1g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 0.4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 28.7g
• Fiber: 2.6g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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*I was diagnosed with Steven Johnson syndrome around 10 months back which is a rare and severe Skin Reaction. In my case, a medicine worked differently also and I was affected by it. Fortunately, Doctors detected the symptoms at a very early stage and hence the effect was least. After 4 days at the Hospital and several doses of Steroids, I was released but the medicine again affected me and I had Palsy. I was not able to move the facial muscles, I could not laugh and I could not speak properly. I was told that the muscles will take more than 6 months to move like earlier. Though I am almost 90% recovered today but still, people can see the differences! This post of mine is the ode to life; to the family and to the year 2017 that has given my life back!

Wish you all a very happy new year!