Toast to good health with traditional wassail
The practice of wassailing is a time-honored tradition that has spanned centuries . When wassailing , people go door-to-door , singing and offering a sip of drink from something called a wassail bowl . Most do it to spread holiday cheer and wish good health on their neighbors .
The word “ wassail ” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase “ waes hael ,” which loosely translates to “ good health ” or “ be whole .” Wassailing remains popular in some communities , though caroling has overtaken it as a way to spread cheer through singing .
Wassail drink was originally made from mulled ale , curdled cream , roasted apples , eggs , cloves , ginger , nutmeg , and sugar , according to the holiday customs and traditions resource WhyChristmas . Most wassails are now mulled ciders , which are popular in late fall — notably around Thanksgiving . Wassail was traditionally enjoyed on Twelfth Night ( January 5 or 6 ), but it can be used to toast to good health and merriment at any time during the holiday season .
There are many versions of wassail beverages , including this “ Traditional Wassail ,” courtesy of “ The Farmer ’ s Almanac .”
Traditional Wassail
Serves 8 to 12
5 to 6 large baking apples , peeled and cored ( such as Baldwin , Gravenstein , McIntosh , or Stayman Winesap ) 1 cup sugar 2 quarts beer or ale 2 cinnamon sticks , broken in half , or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Zest of 1 lemon 1½ cups sherry or sweet red wine
Preheat oven to 400 F . Cut the apples into thick slices , and arrange in layers in a covered casserole dish , sprinkling a few teaspoons of sugar over each layer . Cover and bake for 30 minutes . ( The apples will get puffy and soft .)
While the apples bake , combine the beer , spices , lemon zest , and remaining sugar in a large saucepan . Heat slowly , bringing just to a simmer . ( Don ’ t let the mixture boil .) When it is hot , add the sherry and keep heating until the mixture reaches a simmer again , still not boiling . Place the hot baked apples in a punch bowl , and pour the hot wassail over them . Serve hot . n
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