WASSAIL (for eight)

 

two 3-inch cinnamon sticks plus eight for garnish

10 whole allspice

8 whole cloves

1 quart cranberry juice cocktail

1 quart apple cider

2 tablespoons sugar

1 Granny Smith apple

1 cup Calvados or apple liqueur

 

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1. Wrap 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice and cloves in a 6 by 4 inch piece of cheesecloth and tie with string. Simmer cranberry juice, cider, sugar and spice bag in a 5 quart heavy pot, uncovered, skimming froth occasionally, 10 minutes.

2. Halve apple and cut into ¼ inch thick slices. Add apple slices and Calvados to mixture and simmer 2 minutes (slices will remain crisp). Serve hot and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

 

from Gourmet Magazine, December, 2002