Wassail

"Wassail, wassail, all over the town.  Our bread it is white and our ale it is brown.  Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree., With the wassailing bowl we'll drink to thee."


I was in a Madrigal troupe at one point and this was one of the songs we often sang.  I can't have wassail, or any spiced cider without singing it.
This recipe is my own.  It is a combination of a number of recipes I've seen over the years.  The important thing is to start with good cider.  Good cider is dark and may have small bits that settle to the bottom, and you have to shake it up before pouring.  If you can see through it, it is not good cider, but just apple juice.
The key is to let it simmer for a long time to allow the flavors to come out of the cinnamon sticks and cloves.  Your house will smell amazing!!
You can do this on the stove if you like, just bring it to a boil in a large pot and then turn down to a low simmer.

Wassail

2 quarts apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice (sometimes I just drain a can of pineapple and use that juice)
5 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
pinch ground ginger
pinch ground nutmeg

1.  Place all ingredients in the slow cooker on high.
2.  Allow to come to a bubbly simmer (about 2 hours) then turn on low for 2-4 hours.  Serve hot.