Instructions: * (Over the years I have reduced this to 1/2 to 1 cup because the original amount makes it very sweet)

Serve almost hot in mugs with a cinnamon stick.

A "touch" of Calvados (French) or apple brandy is festive.

I serve this Christmas Eve before dinner and at breakfast Christmas Day.

NOTES : I have a great "Holiday Wassail" recipe that includes crystallized/candied ginger among the spices used. I also use candied ginger in cooking when I do not have fresh ginger available. It can be added to tea for a little spice and sweetness. I have found that it keeps very well in a tightly sealed jar on the cupboard shelf.

This wassail is always a favorite with people and its healthy too. My mom made it every Christmas when I was a child and now my teens insist we have it every year. It makes me happy to fix it - it brings back pleasant memories and makes the house smell so good. My mom is in a nursing home with Alzheimers in another state - so when I fix it I always think of her and wish she was with us.

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