Nottoway Punch

I wish I had taken a closer picture of it but I didn't. To much disappointment I know...but this AWESOME punch is non-alcoholic my friends. BUT.. it's still a HUGE hit at parties.

Here's the story behind it then I'll share the recipe.

It got it's name from this home(picture below) located on the Mississippi River in the South Louisiana town of White Castle...named for the white castle that sits there.

It's Nottoway Plantation. Yes, being the big, fat nerd that I am - I worked as a tour guide here on the weekends when I was a student at LSU. I was a history minor and just loved giving tours and spending time in this beautiful house and gardens. If you ever get a chance to visit I do suggest it.

One cool fact about the house is that they wanted to use it as Tara in the hit film 'Gone with the Wind', but the owners at the time said 'no'.

You can even get married here and stay the night for a 'romantic' getaway or just go out there for dinner. FYI - it's a 20-minute drive from Baton Rouge.

On to the story of the punch though..

During the winter and holiday months we would serve guests, who came to tour the home, a cup of cider or as my Mom likes to call it, Nottoway Punch. She was totally obsessed with it and actually got them to give her the recipe.

Again, I have served it the past 3-years at holiday events and people and kids totally love it. I barely have any left and I double the recipe!

Here it is. I suggest making it as well.

Nottoway Punch
* 2 quarts of unsweetned apple cider
* 1 tbsp of allspice
* 1/4 cup of brown sugar
* 1/4 cup of white sugar
* 4 cinammon sticks
* 8 to 9 whole cloves
Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 30minutes and serve!

It makes your house smell awesome too!