Virgin Wassail Bowl (no alcohol)

VIRGIN WASSAIL BOWL

- 1 cup brown sugar
- 12 whole cloves
- 2 Tbsp (or more) ground cinnamon
- 2 lemons, sliced thin
- 2 oranges, sliced thin
- 1 apple, sliced thin
- 1 gallon sweet cider
- 1 pint 7-Up or ginger ale

Make syrup of brown sugar and 1 cup water; add cloves and cinnamon.
Simmer for 10 minutes; add fruit. Simmer for 10 minutes longer with
cider; do not boil. Add 7-Up just before serving. Serve in mugs with
cinnamon stick. Yield: 20 servings.

Virgin Hot-Buttered Rum/Brandy (no alcohol)

Simple as can be. That old north wind is blowing in Bellingham right now, and hot-buttered rum hits the spot, especially if you've been out in the cold.

1.) Go to the grocery store and purchase some hot-buttered rum batter. Harvey's is a popular brand, but Haggen makes their own this time of year, as well. I think Reser's also makes it (I'm a Harvey's man, myself).

2.) Go to the spices section and pick up a bottle of rum or brandy flavoring, or both (Locals: Fred Meyer has both varieties).

3.) Prepare according to instructions, substituting a few drops of the flavoring for the booze.

4.) Sprinkle a bit of cinammon and/or nutmeg on top, as you like it. Garnish with cinammon stick and/or lemon.

5.) Be warm, and make merry!

If you prefer alcohol in it...well, you know what to do. :)