| The Melaniff Family Cookbook |
| Wassail |
| It is still customary in many parts of England to hand round the wassail, or health-bowl, on New-Year's Eve. The custom is supposed to be of 12th Century Saxon origin, and to be derived from one of the observances of the Feast of Yule. |
The Wassail Song |
| Here we come
a-wassailing among the leaves so green, Here we come a wand'ring, so fair to be seen. |
| Love and joy come to you, And to your wassail too, And God bless you and send you a happy new year, And God send you a happy new year. |
| We are not daily
beggars who beg from door to door, But we are neighbor's children whom you have seen before. |
| Chorus |
| We have a little
purse made of ratching leather skin; We want some of your small change to line it well within. |
| Chorus |
| God bless the Master of this house,
likewise the Mistress too; And all the little children that round the table go. |
| Chorus |
| Ingredients |
| 2 Qts Apple Juice or Apple Cider |
| 1 Pint Cranberry Juice or 16 oz can Whole Cranberry |
| 2 Cinnamon Sticks |
| 1 t Allspice |
| 1 Orange, quartered |
| 8 whole Cloves |
| 1 C Rum |
| Procedure |
| In a pot, combine all ingredients except rum. |
| Simmer on high for 1 hour. |
| Simmer on low for 4 to 8 hours. |
| Add Rum and strain through a sieve. |
| Serve in a punch bowl. |
| www.melaniff.com 1998 |