A Wassail Party

 If you're still looking for a holiday party then, think of a wassailing one. These have been in England for centuries as carolers or wassail singers perform for a cup of punch and a hot nibble. It can still be had even days after the holiday.It's a fun and way to keep up this ancient tradition.

What is wassailing? It's a centuries old English tradition rooted in pagan and folk customs. wassailers go door to door, mostly in villages and hamlets or even visiting orchards to sing and make noise. THis usually is singing to scare away evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest, especially for the apple orchards.Morris dancing (a folk dance that has dancers wearing jingly loud bells sewn on their shirts)and shooting guns provide more noise. You don;t have to have this - maybe some Christmas bells and everyone's favorite carols will suffice. Like the original carollers your guests will need a good sip and a tasty plate. Since  the activity revolves around apples .it's then no surprise that the punch has apple cider as the main ingredient. If you;re hosting a sleepover then make this boozy recipe. Add dark rum or dark bourbon along with star anise, cloves and cinnamon to give it kick,A non alcoholic version can be made.Just sub in orange juice for the dark rum or bourbon.

Foods to go with this can be savory and sweet. Keep in mind the original recipes called for foods that kept singers warm and sated.Original hosts roasted geese and turkeys. A roast turkey, whether made at your local grocery ro cooked at home  would be a good main course. If you;re up to it then have stuffing and hot gravy for a hearty dish. (Forget the sides, this is not a sit down holiday dinner) You can also buy sliced turkey at the store and have it on toasted slices of rye or sourdough. Finger foods also work here too. There could be  smoked salmon and dill spread or different English cheese such as cheddar and Stilton. Try the Welsh Caerphilly which is like Brie and can be spread on toasted bread rounds. Mini shepherd' pies or even Cornish pasties are also great to serve guests. Wassail can go with sweet treats as well. Think simple cookies like buttery shortbreads or simple sugar cookies. Fresh baked gingerbread people are also a fun treat. Fruitcake slices are the most traditional to serve but you can continue the apple theme with apple cake or apple pie.

Try a traditional wassail feast for your CHristmas party.It's a fun way to connect the past and the present.Enjoy the food , punch and sings celebrating the season.

Wassail,Wassail

This is the time for a hearty wassail punch. It's an ancient British  custom that's  been around for centuries and influenced holiday punches around the world. What is it exactly and why is it so important to the Yuletide tradition?

This is  was the topic of an article in the New York Times Dining section today. The piece, written by Rosie Schaap tells of her Anglophile's addiction to this holiday punch. It's basically a fruit drink ,made with both hard an d soft cider along with Madeira for sweetness and ale for kick. Spices are added as they were hundreds of years ago.There are also spices such as cloves and allspice for bite. Some add orange or lemon peels for a refreshing citrussy taste and smell.

Wassail is a relatively easy mix.to have fun with.All you need is a punch bowl and some creativity.It is nice to have the alcoholic version however you can also make a tee totaler's one using apple juice and soft or non alcoholic cider. Wassail calls for whole sliced apples too . You can use any kind really however the honey crisp are the best Some also call for pineapple however that's your decision as is the decision  for eggs added too. Some other punches, usually cream based do call for this last t give it body however it can birder into egg nog territory.

Wassail is a fun tradition . Try it however you want , whether traditional or with twists. It's a fun way to bring in the holidays.