Farmhouse Wassail for a Cold Wintry Evening

Get this heating up while you sing Christmas carols around the neighborhood OR take a thermos-ful along for the annual cross-country skiing jaunt OR to warm the hunters when they come in from their deer-stands! Thanks to Gooseberry Patch for an excellent recipe!!

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 1 huge pot

Ingredients

• 3  cups sugar
• 9  cups water, divided
• 5  cinnamon sticks
• 6  cups cranberry juice (made from concentrate)
• 3  cups  orange juice (made from concentrate)
• 3  tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Combine sugar, three cups water and cinnamon sticks in a large stockpot; boil for 10 minutes.
2. Add juices and remaining water; heat through.
3. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving (or let the kids use them!).
4. CROCKPOT VERSION --
5. On HIGH, combine as in Step #1 above; when sugar is dissolved, add remaining ingredients and turn down to LOW.
6. VARIATIONS --
7. Substitute cran-raspberry, apple-cherry, or grape for the O.J. Mmmm-good!
8. ADDITIONS:.
9. I'll take a shot of brandy in mine. You decide!