Wassail

I know Wassail is traditionally a Christmas drink, but I ran out of time last month to post it.  And since it's so cold these days, I thought it might be a nice thing to have on one of these frigid nights. Or maybe just to file away for next year.  

This recipe is from Jeannie Wood, a lady we know from political circles.  I really like it because all the spice is contained nicely in the oranges, so there aren't a lot of pieces to have to worry about when you ladle it up.  And this is always a big hit at Christmas in Dixie.

3 medium oranges studded with whole cloves (just cloves stuck into the peel of the orange, I maybe put 12-15 or so cloves in each orange)

2 qts apple juice

2 cups pineapple juice

2 cups orange juice

11 oz can of apricot nectar (I can never find this so I substitute peach nectar)

1/3 cup lime or lemon juice

3/4 cups sugar

Combine juices and sugar and bring to a boil.  Add the oranges and simmer 20 minutes.

As a variation, you could probably add cranberry juice or cinnamon sticks to change the flavor a bit.