This Christmas, with so many holiday happenings just not happening, we are most appreciative of the little things that truly bring joy; decking our halls with much loved ornaments and heirlooms, the smell of cookies baking and the old-fashioned daily delivery of Christmas cards from friends and family far away. During this season of miracles and light, we are reminded with the passing of the winter solstice, that the darkest days are soon to be behind us, and better days are truly ahead.
With that in mind, we have but one question.
Are you ready for some Wassail???
A pre-Christmas tradition from ye olde Europe of gathering, toasting the trees, scaring away spirits and blessing the harvest, Wassailing is the COVID activity you need right now—outside, bundled up and at a social distance. Fire up your fire pit, and stir up the traditional medieval hot apple cider or if you prefer--egg your nog, spike the cocoa or put a little Irish Jig in your coffee—anything to make the evening merry and bright will do. Invite a few of your nearest and dearest to come on over- BYOB -bring your own blanket! Jack Frost may be nippin’ your nose but your wassail will warm up your toes (recipes following).
Serve up your adult beverages with some fondue, chowder or chili and you might even forget that it’s cold outside. We suggest you deck out your silverware in some of our holiday-best designs, anything from cozy red plaid bows and woodsy reindeer to whimsical Christmas trees and snowmen. Even your silverware will be socially distanced! Whether the gathering is inside or outside, Cutlery Couture makes it a special occasion! Next thing you know, spontaneous caroling could break out!
From our homes to yours, we wish you joy this holiday season and a very healthy and happy 2021.
Boozy Wassail (you can make and serve in a crock pot!)
Ingredients:
- 1 inch fresh ginger grated fine
- 10-12 cloves
- 6 all spice berries
- ½ gallon Apple Cider
- 1 pint fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 navel or blood orange sliced in rounds
- 1 lemon sliced in rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Bourbon, whiskey or Apple Jack Brandy
Tie the ginger, cloves and allspice in a cheesecloth pouch-place in slow cooker and add remaining ingredients, stir. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Serve in mug with 1-1 ½ oz liquor with spirit of choice. God rest ye merry!
Haute Chocolate—for grown ups!
Ingredients:
- 8 C whole milk
- 4T sugar
- 1 Vanilla Bean
- 2 oz chopped dark or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 t sea salt
- 1 C Bourbon
- 4 oz Frangelica
- 4 oz Irish Cream
In a sauce pan heat milk, sugar salt and vanilla bean but don’t bring to a boil. When it is hot, whisk in chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and add the liquors—serve with marshmallows and good cheer.
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