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.

Ingredients

2 Qt 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 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.

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