A Simple Sangria

> I was thinking of drinking today....A nice wine or sangria ,with some hot bread.....Why?  Just mellow..Kind of bummed out by the latest atrocity...the mass murder in Newtown ,Conneticut....But alas...This is a food blog, If you want to hear about that...My other blog, Keith's Space and others are talking about the grisly details ad nauseum...But if you like me, just want to mellow out and try to not think about the evil in the world ...Here is the solution...a nice pitcher of Sangria...

Sangria! The name is derived from sangre, Spanish for "blood," and this ruby-red concoction is truly the essence of any proper fiesta. Stud your pitcher with whatever fruits look good at the market, making sure to load up on sangria's signature citrus. We love merlot or Shiraz, but you can create a lighter punch with a crisp white or rosé. No need to spend a bundle — an inexpensive bottle will do the trick. Salud!

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 bottle(s) (1.5 liters) red wine
• 1 1/2 cup(s) fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup(s) brandy
• 1/3 cup(s) sugar
• 2 (nectarines) pitted and cut into wedges
• 1 orange, cut in half then sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 (Kirby (pickling) cucumber) sliced
• 3 cup(s) seltzer or club soda, chilled
• Ice cubes (Plenty of ice cubes!)

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In 3- to 4-quart pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, and sugar; stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in fruit and cucumber. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours or overnight.
3. To serve, stir seltzer into pitcher. Fill glasses with ice and pour sangria. 

Serve With Freshly Baked Bread-

Enjoy! Chill Out...Eat and Drink well my friends!