Wassail Bowl
The ancient English hot ale punch with roasted apples—a Yuletide tradition.
- 48 ozbrown ale(or amber ale)
- 8 ozdry sherry
- ½ cupbrown sugar
- 6small apples(cored)
- 3cinnamon sticks
- 12whole cloves
- 6allspice berries
- ½ teaspoongrated nutmeg
- 1 inchfresh ginger(sliced)
- Roasted apple slices, cinnamon stickgarnish
- 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Core apples and place in baking dish; roast 30 minutes until soft.
- 3In large pot, combine ale, sherry, and spices.
- 4Heat gently until steaming (do not boil).
- 5Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- 6Add roasted apples to pot.
- 7Transfer to warmed punch bowl.
- 8Serve warm in heat-safe mugs.
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Wassail derives from the Old Norse 'ves heill' meaning 'be in good health.' This Saxon drinking ritual became central to English Christmas celebrations. The hot ale and apple punch was traditionally carried door-to-door in the wassail bowl, accompanied by songs and well-wishes.
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