WASSAIL

INGREDIENTS:

1 gallon apple cider                      2 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon
2 teaspoons whole cloves         2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons whole allspice          2 oranges studded with whole cloves   

Heat cider, cloves, allspice, cinnamon and sugar to boiling.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.  Strain wassail.  Pour into punch bowl and float 2 clove studded oranges.  Good with fruit cake, pound cake, cookies or breads.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:  Juice from two oranges and two lemons.

YIELD:  Serves 32.

This recipe and variations of it date back to the Colonial early settler days and a seasonal drink during the Christmas holidays.  Most of the early settler recipes used Ale, Port wine, Brandy and other alcoholic beverages to kick the wassail up several levels and bring the Holiday cheer in very quickly.....grin if you must!

Bill aka Mickey Porter December 2008.