Wassail

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Core and bake as for Baked Apples I: 8 all-purpose apples such as Pink Lady, Winesap, Braeburn, or Granny Smith

2. Step 2.

   Combine in a saucepan: 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 cup water; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground mace; 6 whole cloves; 6 allspice berries; 1 cinnamon stick

3. Step 3.

   Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat in a large bowl with an electric mixer until stiff but not dry: 12 egg whites

4. Step 4.

   Beat in another large bowl until light in color: 12 egg yolks

5. Step 5.

   Fold the whites into the yolks. Strain the hot sugar and spice syrup into a large pot. Add to the syrup in the pot and heat just until steaming: 6 cups dry hard cider; 6 cups apple cider; 2 cups brandy

6. Step 6.

   Whisking briskly, gradually beat the hot brandy mixture into the egg mixture. Cut the baked apples into chunks and add to the wassail. Ladle into warmed mugs, placing a piece of baked apple in each mug.