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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Colonial Recipes: Wassail


Back in Merry Ol' England--and hence in the Colonies that celebrated the holidays in English fashion like the mid-Atlantic--wassailing was an age-old tradition. It was a time for the poor to make the rounds in the wealthy neighborhoods and earn a few pence. They would concoct a batch of wassail and sell it door-to-door. Though oftentimes the wassail wasn't the tastiest thing to pass the lips, the wealthy bought it as a matter of course, as a way to give alms without offending the pride.

But who wants to share a not-so-tasty recipe? ;-) This version is more a mulled cider that will make your house smell delightful and will be a true toast to health and happiness in this blessed Yuletide season.



Ingredients:
  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1 large can pineapple juice (unsweetened)
  • 3/4 cup tea
Place in a cheesecloth or mesh sack:
  • 1 Tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 Tablespoon whole allspice
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
Instructions: This is great cooked in a crock pot. Let it simmer very slowly for 4 to 6 hours. You can add water if it evaporates too much. Your home will smell wonderful, and this is a great way to set the tone for a holiday party!

Submitted by Roseanna White

5 comments:

  1. This sounds wonderful! I'm inhaling the fragrance already!

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  2. Sounds great! I am going to try it! Thanks, Roseanna for sharing this with us.

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  3. Mmmm. Delicious! I love the smell of Wassail simmering on the stove.

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  4. I'll be making some for my book party on Dec. 15. =) Now to find a cheesecloth or mesh sack . . .

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  5. I enjoyed reading the part in your book about Wassailing and was so glad to have read this post first! How much fun. I could smell it!

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