Crock pot Traditional Wassail Recipe
Wassail is a traditional English drink that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a spiced, mulled cider that is typically served hot, often with baked apples.
* Serves 6 to 8 people.
* You can make the wassail ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat it before serving.
Ingredients:
* 2 quarts of apple cider
* 1 quart of sherry
* 1/2 cup of brown sugar
* 6-8 cloves
* 2 oranges, sliced
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 2 apples, cored and filled with brown sugar
* 2 lemons, sliced
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except cinnamon sticks, apple, and lemon slices in a slow cooker. Whisk until honey melts.
Add cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and lemon slices. Cook on low heat for at least 2 hours, up to 6 hours.
Serve immediately or set to “keep warm” for up to 5 hours.
Variations:
• Some recipes call for the addition of eggs, which are beaten and added to the wassail to create a creamy texture, see below.
• Others use ale or beer instead of cider, which gives the wassail a slightly different flavor.
• You can also add a splash of bourbon, brandy or rum to the wassail for an extra kick.
• Add 1 quart cranberry juice and substitute 2 sliced lemons for 1 can of pineapple juice
Feeling adventurous?
Adding eggs to a wassail recipe might sound unusual, but it’s actually a historical aspect of traditional wassail recipes, particularly in medieval England. The eggs would enrich the drink and add a creamy texture. Here’s how you can incorporate eggs into your wassail recipe:
Method 1: Tempered Eggs
Ingredients (in addition to your chosen wassail recipe):
* 2-4 eggs
* 1-2 tablespoons of the warm wassail mixture (to temper the eggs)
Instructions:
Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them lightly.
Temper the eggs by slowly pouring a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the warm wassail mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot liquid.
Gradually pour the egg mixture into the crock pot, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Continue to cook the wassail on low for another 30 minutes to allow the eggs to thicken the mixture.
Method 2: Egg Yolks Only
Ingredients (in addition to your chosen wassail recipe):
2-4 egg yolks
Instructions:
Whisk the egg yolks lightly in a bowl.
Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the warm wassail mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
Gradually pour the egg yolk mixture into the crock pot, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Continue to cook the wassail on low for another 30 minutes to allow the egg yolks to thicken the mixture.
Note: Using only egg yolks will result in a richer, more velvety texture, while using whole eggs will add a slightly lighter texture and a bit more body to the drink.
Safety Considerations:
When adding eggs to your wassail, make sure to:
Use pasteurized eggs or egg products to minimize the risk of salmonella.
Temper the eggs properly to avoid scrambling them.
Cook the wassail to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
The fragrance from this recipe will fill your home with the warmth of the winter spirit.
Blessed Yule, Enjoy!
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