I can't remember a Christmas season without it.
My mom would have her old-school crock pot on the counter; filled to the brim with this decadent broth of heaven with a few slices of orange/lemon or sticks of cinnamon floating on top. It tasted more like the holidays than any dessert or drink I can remember, and even now I can't leave her home during these cold winter months without having a glass or two. The warmth it brings on such a snowy day is immeasurable, the nostalgia it evokes is hard to shake, and the number of flavor palates you can satisfy with just one drink is infinite. You can add more citrus if you like, or more tart flavors with cranberry if you prefer. If you want it to be more like cider, hit up those flavors. Whatever your taste preferences are, you can switch up your wassail to match.
This recipe is by far my favorite. I had tried it a couple years ago at my Uncle's home for Thanksgiving, and remembered it was amazing. This year, we spent our Thanksgiving at his home once again, and my heart almost jumped when I saw the wassail once again on his table; calling my name. I fell in love all over again, and shyly asked for the recipe (knowing it was practically a treasured family heirloom). Eric shared it with me, and I was so excited to have his permission to share it on here. Ryan prepared this recipe on Sunday, and by the time Monday morning broke, the entire pot was gone. This probably goes without saying, but I'm making another batch tomorrow.
And in case you were wondering, pomegranates have absolutely nothing to do with this recipe. My photo needed some texture, and I just think pomegranates are gorgeous. (and downright tasty).
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Grammy Pat's Citrus Wassail
Ingredients:
1 1/2 C sugar (this is a ton of sugar, but it's the way Ryan likes it. I think it only needs about 1/2 C)
6oz can frozen orange juice
6oz can frozen lemonade
10 C water
1 t vanilla extract
1 t almond extract
Method:
Mix all ingredients together in a crock pot or large pot. Bring to a simmer and serve hot.
Recipe from Grammy Pat Price
Makes about 10 servings
yum yum yum! I love wassail too. You had me all excited though with that pomegranate :( I wonder how one would taste in a wassail.
ReplyDeleteAdelina! Go ahead and toss in those pomegranates! It will add some beautiful color, and I'm sure would be such a fun tartness to an already sweet wassail recipe.
DeleteI add Pineapple juice, marachino cherry juice, orange juice and apple cider along with brown sugar instead of white sugar. I make it every Christmas and everyone loves it ! Once in awhile I add Apricot Brandy to it too... ;o)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that I float oranges studded with cloves and marachino cherries in it too...
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