RECIPE: Wassailing in the fall!

Who says that Wassail has to be a "Christmas Only" beverage?

I mixed up a batch of wassail for a family gathering recently and it was a BIG HIT! After all, the apples in New England are at their best creating amazingly rich cider with incredibly robust apple flavor. This warm drink should be made with plenty of time to get the spices heated, filling your home with the smell of harvest!

1 gallon of fresh apple cider (have an extra gallon on hand to add as it gets low)

1/4 gallon of orange juice

1 can of condensed lemonade

4 cinnamon sticks (have additional sticks for garnish)

2 tablespoons of whole cloves

1 orange, sliced for garnish (can use lemon as well)

Spiced Rum (TOTALLY OPTIONAL)

• place cinnamon sticks and nutmeg in spice ball (this is typically a metal ball with holes in which spices can be placed and steeped. William-Sonoma makes a terrific "crock friendly" product for about $10. Check it out here.... )
• pour apple cider and OJ into slow cooker
• add lemonade and spice ball
• float slices of orange on top
• cook on LOW for at least 2 hours
• Serve with a cinnamon stick and a splash of spiced run (if you wish)
• ENJOY!!!!