Morika
Celestial Member
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Registered: 01-2008
Location: www.underthenewmoon.com
Posts: 1168
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Wassail Punch for Yule
Wassail Punch
1 dozen apples; baked
1 cup water
4 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. freshly ground nutmeg
2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground mace
6 whole cloves
6 allspice berries
1 stick cinnamon
1 dozen eggs, separated
4 bottles sherry or Madeira wine
2 cups brandy
*Ancient England gave us the custom of "wassailing". It is based on the tradition of friends gathering in a circle, whereupon the host drinks to the health of all present. He sips from a glass of hot punch or spiced ale, then passes the glass. A special bowl was used as the vessel. As each friend raises the vessel, before sipping he or she proclaims the Saxon toast, "Wass hael!" meaning "be whole" or "be well". Although many versions exist, this one contains the symbolic ingredients: apples, representing fertility and health; spices, signifying riches and variety; eggs, a symbol of life and rebirth; as well as wine and brandy. This beverage is served hot, so plan on a heatproof punch bowl. this makes enough for a crowd. Just how large a crowd depends on your groups taste for rich, spicy wine drinks. Figure on at least 16-18 servings.*
**Cook's notes: This also can be made with a combination of beer and wine, preferably sherry, with roughly 4 parts beer to 1 part sherry. The resulting flavor is authentic to the Colonial period, but far less familiar to contemporary palates.**
Prepare the punch: Combine water, sugar, and spices in a large stainless steel, enamel or glass saucepan. Bring to boil over medium high heat, and boil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until light in color. In separate pans, bring the wine (and beer, if used) and the brandy almost to the boiling point. Fold the whites into the yolks, using a large heatproof bowl. Strain the sugar and spice mixture into the eggs, combining quickly. Incorporate the hot wine with the spice and egg mixture, beginning slowly and stirring briskly with each addition. Toward the end of the process, add the brandy. Now, just before serving and while the mixture is still foaming, add the baked apples.
Presentation: Serve in heatproof cups or punch glasses. Guests are welcome to take part or all of an apple
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Every New Moon...New Beginnings...Fresh Start.
Morika
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12/20/2008, 6:13 pm
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Ravens Dream
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Registered: 01-2008
Location: White Mountains, Arizona
Posts: 435
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Re: Wassail Punch for Yule
Thank you, Morika! 
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Perched in the uppermost branches.....Looking for shiny things!!
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12/20/2008, 7:09 pm
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Zonipa
Witch Helper
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Registered: 11-2005
Location: Heart of the Ozarks
Posts: 5206
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Re: Wassail Punch for Yule
Deeeeelish! 
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12/20/2008, 7:23 pm
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