Autumn Punch-RPF

Autumn Punch
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1/2 of a vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 64 ounce bottle apple-cranberry juice
4 medium purple and/or green plums, pitted and sliced
1
750 milliliter bottle Gewurztraminer, or other fruity white wine*
Ice cubes

1. Place cloves and vanilla bean in center of a double-thick 6-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring corners of cloth together; tie closed with clean string. Pour apple-cranberry juice into a large container or pitcher. Add plums and spice bag. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
2. Remove and discard cheesecloth bag. Stir in Gewurztraminer. Serve beverage and plum slices over ice. (Or omit the ice and heat the juice mixture and wine in a 4-quart Dutch oven until hot. Serve in heatproof mugs.) Makes 10 to 12 servings.