A Caroling Party

[donna]

Singing carols and having a party was a century old tradition. In olden days the tradition of paying a wandering singer for his song with a coin, sweet or cider originated in England. On Christmas Eve, carolers tramped over ice and snow from house to house, singing carols and wishing all a Merry Christmas. They would receive a hardy welcome and given food and drink.

In the last half of 19th Century several of our favorite carols were written. They included "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", "O Little Town of Bethlehem", and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". Today when you sing carols you join in voices of history that heralded in the Birth of Christ.

A recipe from this time period was Hot Cranberry Toddy.

6 cups cranberry cocktail
1/2 cup sugar
3 i inch strips lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 inches stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon clove
1/3 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons butter
Combine cranberry cocktail, sugar, lemon juice, and 2 cups of water in pan. Tie lemon peel, stick cinnamon and cloves in cheesecloth. Add spice bag to pan. Simmer for 10 minutes. Discard bag. Add orange juice and butter. Heat. Makes about 10 servings.

Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas.

 

[JOHN42768]

Orange Cranberry, a match made in heaven