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Christmas: Cider Wassail

Source of Recipe

From "Christmas 101" by Rick Rodgers


Recipe Introduction

"Here's a wassail for today's tastes - this sherry-free version is sweeter and less bitter. The roasted apples are optional but add a touch of authenticity. And when you are looking for a delicious non-alcoholic hot cider, just replace the ale with more apple juice."

List of Ingredients

◦  2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and each cut into 8 wedges
◦  2 lemons
◦  4 quarter-slices fresh ginger
◦  12 allspice berries
◦  6 whole cloves
◦  Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks
◦  Four 12-ounce bottles pale ale
◦  1 quart fresh apple cider
◦  ½ cup packed light brown sugar


Recipe

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400° F. Lightly oil a large baking sheet.

Spread the apples on the baking sheet. Bake, turning the apple slices halfway during baking, until the apples are lightly browned and tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside.

Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from 1 lemon. Rinse and wring out a 12-inch-square piece of cheesecloth. Wrap the lemon zest, ginger, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in the cheesecloth and tie with a piece of kitchen string. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice from the lemons. Set the juice aside.

In a large, non-aluminum pot, combine the ale, cider, brown sugar, lemon juice, and the spice packet.

Heat, stirring occasionally, over low heat until hot but not boiling, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker set on low and serve hot.


Makes 2½ quarts
(16 to 20 servings)


â—¦ Non-Alcoholic Wassail:
Substitute and additional 1 quart apple juice for the ale.