Wassail

12 servings

2 qt apple cider
4 C orange juice
Juice of 2 lemons
3/4 C honey
4 cinnamon sticks
2 T whole cloves
2 T whole allspice
1 t nutmeg
~~~~~~~~~~
Combine all ingredients in large saucepan. Heat to boiling and simmer 10 minutes. Strain out spices. Serve warm.

Spiced Tea

4 servings

1 T loose tea
6 cloves
Approximately 1 square inch orange peel, cut into small pieces
3 C boiling water
~~~~~~~~~~~
Place ingredients in tea ball and immerse in boiling water. Steep as usual.

Grapefruit Dessert Sauce

Grapefruit Dessert Sauce

Add segments from 2 grapefruits to saucepan with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Cook on medium-high heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat; add 1 whole clove. Serve 2 tablespoons over angel food cake, ice cream or a citrus sorbet.

Apple Cider Syrup

Apple Cider Syrup

Use apple cider, not apple juice, when creating this reduction syrup. Start with 3 cups of apple cider, or double it to get a bigger batch.

Cinnamon Apple Syrup: In a small stainless-steel or enamel saucepan bring 3 cups of apple cider, a stick of cinnamon, and 2 whole cloves to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer over medium heat for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until cider thickens and is reduced to 1/3 cup. Strain.

Apple-and-Herb Syrup: In a small stainless-steel or enamel saucepan bring 3 cups of apple cider, two 2-inch sprigs thyme, one 2-inch sprig rosemary, and one 2-inch sprig marjoram to boiling. Reduce heat, simmer over medium heat 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until cider thickens and is reduced to 1/3 cup. Strain.

Spicy Apple Syrup: In a small stainless steel or enamel saucepan bring 3 cups of apple cider and 1 serrano chile pepper, cut in half, to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer over medium heat for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until cider thickens and is reduced to 1/3 cup. Strain.