What's Your Family's Unique Wassail Recipe?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various personal recipes and traditions related to wassail, with participants sharing their experiences and thoughts on the beverage. The conversation includes anecdotes about family recipes, historical references, and humorous exchanges about the meaning of wassail.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a family recipe for wassail that includes apple juice, orange juice, and various spices, noting a tradition of making it for years.
  • Another participant mentions a humorous misunderstanding about the term "wassail," associating it with a boat and canvas.
  • Several users recall having wassail served during school events, but did not personally prepare it.
  • One participant expresses surprise at learning that their hot spiced cider recipe is actually called wassail.
  • Another participant discusses their experience with glogg during the holidays, mentioning a pre-mixed version they purchased.
  • One user references a humorous recipe from a Christmas book, highlighting the tradition of toasting health while going from house to house.
  • Another participant shares their own wassail recipe that includes apple cider, orange juice, and grapefruit juice, with an option to add rum.
  • One participant provides a link to a Wikipedia article about wassail, contributing additional context to the discussion.
  • There are repeated mentions of a humorous sea shanty associated with wassail, with some playful banter among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the definition and preparation of wassail, with no clear consensus on a single recipe or tradition.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and family traditions related to wassail, reflecting a variety of interpretations and recipes.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in personal recipes and traditions surrounding wassail may find the shared experiences valuable.

ragschef
ragschef
Messages
698
I made a batch of wassail and brought it to work this morning and everyone here was like "what's wassail?" with their noses turned up. I used my grandmother's old recipe (minus the brandy) and I've made it a tradition in my family for years now. Here's the recipe I use:


1 gallon of apple juice
1/2 gallon OJ
PC cinnamon plus blend (about 4 tbsp)
Mulling spices (LOVED PC's mulling spices when they carried them!)
whole cloves poked into an orange
Ground Ginger (about 2 tbsp)
1 cup packed brown sugar


I place the mulling spices in my tea infuser and the cloved orange in the bottom of the crock pot. I pour the juices in and the spices on top. Whisk until the spices settle and put the lid on the pot. I let it steep on high for about an hour and then let it warm for the rest of the day while people sip on it.


When I make it at home I add 2 cups of dry brandy to it. Really adds a lot of flavor, but can't legally have it at work! :)


Just wondering if anyone else has a wassail tradition, and if so, how do you make it?
 
I thought you needed some big sheets of canvas and a heavy-duty sewing machine.Of course, it's not necessary unless you have wassail boat.
 
We used to have it served during Madrigal Dinner in High School. Someone else made it though.
 
I use a recipe similar to that - I just didn't know it was called Wassail. We always just called it hot spiced cider. :o


At least now I know what "Here we go a-wassailing..." means now.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
At least now I know what "Here we go a-wassailing..." means now.
Click to expand...

Sure - it's an old sea shanty. You sing it after you make wassail from canvas and then go out on the lake in wassail boat.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I knew KG would turn this around.... (smirk)
 
We usually have glogg during Christmastime, but I usually go buy the mix from IKEA and throw in some spices and alcohol (if I'm in the mood). This year, since I went to see mom, I bought a bottle with alcohol already in it and brought it home with me.
 
I have a Christmas book by Sandra Boynton that has a wassail recipe in it. It starts out, "In a largish pewter kettle, combine 125 gallons of ale, 1 bushel whole cloves..."It also describes the tradition of going from house to house drinking toasts to the health of all those who live there. It says, "After the third house, toasts are usually drunk to the furniture, as well."
 
My wassail recipe has apple cider/ orange juice (12 cups each) and
grapefruit juice (2 cups) bring to a boil, then simmer, adding to it a syrup made with :

1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 8 cinnamon sticks and 24 whole cloves (tied in cheesecloth) - boil this for 10 minutes, then add to simmering juices. This is incredible !!!! For those who like alchohol, the person who gave me the recipe said you can add rum to this. ( I have never tried it with rum)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
chefann said:
I have a Christmas book by Sandra Boynton that has a wassail recipe in it. It starts out, "In a largish pewter kettle, combine 125 gallons of ale, 1 bushel whole cloves..."

It also describes the tradition of going from house to house drinking toasts to the health of all those who live there. It says, "After the third house, toasts are usually drunk to the furniture, as well."
Click to expand...




What's the name of your book, Ann? We LOVE Sandra Boynton at our house!!
 
I think it's just "Christmastime." It's several years old, but absolutely hilarious. I found it in paperback on Amazon. My copy is hardbound.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0749310359/?tag=pfamazon01-20Wait! Here's the hardcover: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0894806351/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Sure - it's an old sea shanty. You sing it after you make wassail from canvas and then go out on the lake in wassail boat.
Click to expand...
ragschef said:
I knew KG would turn this around.... (smirk)
Click to expand...

Some would say I either don't have both oars in the water or I've been at Chefann's recipe.

elefant.gif
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are typically used in a family's unique wassail recipe?

A family's unique wassail recipe often includes a blend of apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Some recipes may also incorporate cranberries, ginger, or even a splash of brandy or rum for added flavor.

How do you prepare and serve wassail for family gatherings?

To prepare wassail, combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low heat for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve it warm in mugs or heatproof glasses, and garnish with fresh fruit slices or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.

Can I make wassail in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, wassail can be easily made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, combine the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to heat the ingredients, then switch to the slow cook setting for about 1 hour.

What variations can I try to make my wassail recipe unique?

To make your wassail recipe unique, consider adding different fruit juices like pineapple or pomegranate, experimenting with various spices, or incorporating herbal elements like rosemary or thyme. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup.

Is wassail a non-alcoholic drink, or can it be made with alcohol?

Wassail can be made both as a non-alcoholic drink and with alcohol. The traditional recipe is often non-alcoholic, but many enjoy adding a splash of brandy, rum, or bourbon for a spirited version. Just be sure to label the drink accordingly for guests.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Can PC Southwest Seasoning Replace Spices in Cowboy Chili Recipe for Gifts?
  • vick
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
12
Views
7K
skmartin41
Delicious Dips: Spice Up Your Snack Game with Our Dill and Southwestern Spices
  • ChefPaulaB
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
12
Views
2K
ChefBeckyD
My Family's Favorite Recipe: 3 Times and Counting!
  • bgilmore
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
14
Views
6K
Intrepid_Chef
How to Convert Regular Minestrone Soup to a Delicious Dcb Version?
  • wadesgirl
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
5
Views
2K
wadesgirl
Quick and Easy One-Pot Baked Ziti Recipe | Perfect for Microwave Cooking
  • kreaser
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
7K
ShellBeach
Strawberry Cream CuPampered Chefake Question
  • kam
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
11
Views
2K
tys1031
What's for Dinner....thursday, March 25
  • pamperedbybarbara
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
2K
ChefBeckyD
Instant 3, 2, 1 Cake: Ready in 1 Minute!
  • anoelle
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
9
Views
4K
anoelle
Delicious Chicken Ranch Pasta Recipe: Easy and Cheesy!
  • DebPC
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
5
Views
7K
pchockeymom
Semisweet Chips or Baking Squares?
  • pamperedlinda
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
3K
RebelChef
Back
Top