Boy I tell you what, the temps here in Hoosierville have plummeted to abominable lows. And unfortunately they’ve stayed there. A few weeks ago it snowed and snowed and then almost ever since it’s remained below freezing, so the snow just stays and stays.
That was from a week or two ago right after I shoveled the driveway. What a royal pain.
But, this Sunday we head off to Utopia, so all is well!! In the meantime, here’s what I use to ward off the icy fingers of Hoosierville. It’s called ITF’s Hot Wassail Punch, and I got the recipe from my Mom.
You’ll need:
2 qt. Apple Cider
2 cup Orange Juice
2 cup Pineapple Juice
0.5 cup Lemon Juice
0.5 cup Sugar
12 whole Cloves
4 Cinnamon sticks
Combine ingredients in large kettle.
Stir, bring to a boil.
Now be careful and don’t let it boil over. I have a bad habit of forgetting about stuff on the stove, one time I boiled this over and it made a big old mess on the stovetop. I hope I learned my lesson!
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
Dip into your favorite mug and let it cool a minute, it’s smoking hot. Then you can drink it.
As you get toward the bottom of the kettle, it seems to get stronger and stronger. You may dilute it with a little water if so desired.
There it is, one of ITF’s secrets to survival in this frozen land! This recipe makes enough for about 1 person for the evening, but if you’re in a generous mood you might want to consider sharing with others.
7 Responses
December 24th, 2005 at 2:25 am
Yes, Tom, all is well in that you are heading to Utopia on Sunday. It was 54 degrees with no wind and no rain at 10:00 this evening–a nice, balmy December night indeed. Even heard some li’l ol’ froggies croaking last night.
EG
December 24th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
C’mon Tom, it’s not that cold! I hope you and Mrs. ITF have a great time in “Utopia”. We’ll miss you guys!
December 24th, 2005 at 12:13 pm
Ahhhhh!
Yesterday I was getting a tad jittery. I’m trying to kick MDH (as in MD Habit) yet ITF was not quite forever.
Now this morning, a post!
Another bonus: the ITFs are coming to Utopia! I wonder what tickets cost to see them.
And yet another bonus (for EG, anyway): She gets her green Christmas.
And now, for a shameless plug that Brer ITF would surely approve: Please Show Your ID.
January 1st, 2006 at 1:14 am
Hey Tom, Kudos to your Hot Wassail Punch!!!!!!!! It rocks!!! We tried it side by side with “store-bought fake” Wassail mix and guess which one went down first. No comparison!!!! Thanks man. and hope you guys have a wonderful, blessed 2006
January 1st, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Isn’t that drink the best? Maybe not the best, but it’s pretty amazing. And as far as cold…it’s not nearly cold enough.
-Kaitlyn
January 2nd, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Now look here, Thomas ITFerson Troyer, you want me to give up MD and have to survive without even every-other-daily fixes at this joint.
I know there are more computers in Utopia than my two. But if there aren’t, stop by and use one of mine.
Alternately, go over to ShoeLady’s place and use their computer since she’s not blogging right now anyway.
Now get crackin’, pal!
Oh, and after you get to a computer, you can read my “Spy Doctors” post (click my name) and launch some sort of corrective campgain here. Thank you.
Smirking with great satisfaction, Mark mutters, “There! I guess I told him!
February 19th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
[…] So anyway, ITF is back. And Mark, you’re right, I’m not doing my part in helping you break the MD habit. I apologize, and I appreciate the offer for computer use. Same to you if you ever find yourself in Hoosierville! […]