WASSAIL BOWL

Have you ever wondered about ' wassail ' ?  We hear it sung about every year at Christmas time.  Well, here it is - what you have been waiting for... the Carol and the receipe. After you try it, please let me know what you think.


Wassail, wassail all over the town!
Our bread it is white and our ale is brown;
Our bowl is made of the maple tree,
So here, my good fellow, I'll drink to thee.

The wass'ling bowl with a toast within,
Come, fill it up now unto the brim.
Come fill it up that we may all see,
With the wassailing bowl, I'll drink to thee.
                             -------Traditional English Carol


2 quarts apple cider
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons whole allspice
2 teaspoons whole cloves
5 cinnamon sticks
4 cups cranberry juice
2 cups orange juice
1 cup lemon juice

     Combine cider and sugar in large pan. Tie cloves, allspice, and cinnamon sticks in a cloth bag or other porous container; add to the cider mixture, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove the spice bag and discard. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer 15 minutes.
Garnish with orange and lemon slices. Serve hot. Makes about 1 gallon.