Alright, alright...I give in!

I was chastised by many for not having shared my Wassail recipe, in a previous post, while bragging about it. I've made it my personal creed NOT to do anything remotely crafty or domestic on my blog, because that might possibly mislead you into thinking that I actually Do things that are domestic. (Sorry, to get your hopes up Robin!)

Well, back in the day, I used to fancy myself something of a culinary genius. I think we've all been there. Fresh from the alter, anxious to please my new husband with all my domestic brilliance. I made up recipes and cooked them for my husband and family. I even made a recipe book a few years ago, and gave it out to my family for Christmas. I've been told by some of my sister-in-laws that it's the only recipe book they use!

Now, before you pass out from shock, please understand that this was the younger, more ambitious and more energetic Sherrie.

There is something about having 3 children in 3 1/2 years, that can wipe the fun right out of you. Now, I'm lucky to have a meal cooked every night. And yes, cheese tacos, mac 'n' cheese, and frozen pizzas are regular menu items now days.

So, since I've been lacking in the holiday spirit, and the domestic department lately, I thought I'd unburden myself by sharing my Wassail recipe with you.

I started making Wassail for Thanksgiving when I was 10 years old. (So when I said 20 years ago, I wasn't exaggerating!) My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Sevy, had the class all help make it one year. I was so excited to come home and share it with my family. That year, we (Mom and I) made Mrs. Sevy's recipe for Wassail. Over the years, I've altered the recipe slightly, adding an ingredient here and there, taking out things I didn't think worked. I've had some years when I tried new ingredients and it turned out simply awful. But the last few years, I think I've got it mastered! I have NEVER missed a year of making Wassail since that year in 1988. Now, I'm passing on the delicious blessing to you.

Are you sick of my talking yet? Are you thinking, well get on with it then, where's the recipe?

Now, I'm having second thoughts. What if I've hyped it a little TOO much, and now you'll be expecting some magic potion of youth and vitality, and you'll be disappointed when it turns out to be just plain old Wassail, delicious as it may be.

Maybe I won't share.........

Ok, I will. Here it is:

Best Ever Holiday Wassail

1 gallon apple cider (not juice, cider has more zip. Yes, that's important)

4 oranges (these are for juice, you could use frozen juice, but it's not the same)

2 lemons

ground nutmeg (I don't know how much--just shake the bottle, probably 4-5 shakes)

or about 1 tsp, if you are a measure freak.

ground cinnamon (same rule applies, only use a lot more, probably 10 shakes)

or 1 TB-ish

ginger (4-5 shakes, or 1 tsp)

1 bottle of stick cinnamon (just dump it in--about 10-15 sticks)

16-20 whole cloves (you can use ground cloves (1 tsp), but it's not as pretty)

Pour cider into large pot or crockpot, set on Low heat. Slice oranges and lemons in half. From each orange, cut a slice and set aside. Juice oranges and lemons with juicer (or just squeeze 'em if you're really strong), and pour juice into cider. Add spices. Stir. Stick cloves in sections of orange slices. Put slices in cider to float as garnish(now it's tasty and pretty. Simmer 1 hour. Serve Hot (duh.)

There you have it! Now you know I don't measure when I cook. I just dump stuff in and hope it tastes good. But if you're a OCD control freak, and HAVE to measure stuff, you can. I'm pretty sure it won't taste as good, though, if you measure it. I'm not sure why. I think a little dash a rebellion is my secret ingredient.

So, go try it, and then, tell me how much you LOVE it!!!