Holiday Wassail

Trim Healthy Mama is a book written by two sisters, Serene and Pearl.  I’ve not read the book, but I have been following the Facebook page and learning a lot about combining foods to help with weight loss.  While I don’t need to lose a lot of weight, I do need to trim down some (25 pounds gained in 25 years of marriage), and get back into shape.  I will probably be prone to arthritis like my sweet mom was since I already have aches and pains.  Keeping the weight down will help me in the long run.  You can check out the web site here.

I came across this recipe the other day on the Trim Healthy Mama Facebook page and decided to give it a try today.  Oh, my! The house smelled like Christmas as my son Sam and I began our Christmas decorating.  I know that traditionally a wassail is an alcoholic beverage drunk while making a toast to a person’s health.  This recipe is non-alcoholic and is actually very good for one’s health!

1 bag fresh cranberries

3 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. whole cloves

3 whole anise stars (I didn’t have these, but I used a few drops of anise oil.)

2 quarts water

1 orange cut into slices or 2 tsp. pure orange extract

Pure Stevia extract to taste  (I used honey.)

Put the cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and anise stars into a large pot. Add 1-1/2 quarts of water. Cover and bring to a rolling boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about an hour.

Pour the wassail through a strainer into a 2-quart jar.  Add the remaining water to make a complete half gallon.  Add sweetener to taste.

Serve hot with a twist of orange.