Wassail

This is about as traditional as “traditional holiday beverages” can get. [Figgy pudding optional]

INGREDIENTS
1 dozen apples, cored and baked

1 Cup water
4 Cups sugar
1 Tbsp grated nutmeg
3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
1/2 tsp ground mace
6 whole cloves
6 allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick

1 dozen egg whites, beaten til stiff

1 dozen egg yolks, beaten [and kept separate from egg whites]

4 bottles Madeira or sherry
2 Cups brandy

STEPS

Combine water, sugar, and spices in a saucepan, bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat Madeira and brandy to boil in separate pans.

Fold stiffly beaten egg whites into yolks, in a large bowl. Strain spice/sugar mixture into egg mixture; combine quickly.

Mix hot wine into the egg/sugar/spice mixture, stirring quickly with each addition. Add the hot brandy. Mixture should be foaming some. Now add the baked apples, just before serving in mugs.