Homemade Wassail Mix — HOUSE of PLENTY

December is here, and that means gift giving. Gift giving has always been difficult for me. I either have a hard time trying to figure out what to get, or when I finally think of the perfect gift, it's either too late, or too expensive to get. Magnified this year by a global pandemic, our holiday gatherings have changed, and for a lot of people, their financial situations have changed, making gift giving an extra challenge for me.

I have always loved receiving hand made or homemade gifts. I find them beautiful, and practical, and much more sentimental than a gift card (though I would never refuse one of those either). So this year, as in other years, my wife and I are getting creative with our gift giving. A lot of what we give will be hand crafted by herself or me. She's extremely gifted and creative in visual arts, and making things. And I'm gifted in the kitchen, and homemaking creative and fun treats. Making gifts like this to give, is a great way to be fiscally responsible, making your resources stretch the most, all the while helping you to be able to give a much more thoughtful - and sentimental gift.

For the next couple weeks, I'll be sharing some ways to make gifts to give. Perfect to package up by themselves and add to stocking stuffers, or pair with an already purchased gift to make it that much more special. Or to assemble all the tasty treats together as one large gourmet gift basket. Come and create along with me, and you'll end up with a show-stopping gift, anyone would be excited to receive.

Starting of the list of homemade treats is a Wassail mix. Wassail is traditionally a spiced, or mulled cider or wine. The mix I have for you to make today is perfect to mix with apple cider, and serve piping hot, especially on these cold December days. Oftentimes you'll find a wassail mix in a gift shop, antique store, or the like for upwards of 9 dollars. Here I'll pull back the curtain and reveal the secret to delicious hot, spiced cider, for a FRACTION of the cost.

2 cups granulated sugar

1/3 cup ground cinnamon

1/4 cup ground cloves

1/4 cup ground ginger

1/4 cup ground mace

and the secret ingredient

1 20oz container of TANG

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, and stir well to incorporate. Dispense into containers to give as gifts, or store in a mason jar or airtight container.

Mix 1 heaping tablespoon into a mug (about 12oz) of apple cider. Heat in a small saucepan on the stove until steaming, or in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir to incorporate spices. Serve immediately.