Traditional Holiday Wassail

The word "wassail" comes from an Anglo-Saxon toast to good health and
wholeness. All you do is throw a few ingredients in a pan on the
stove, set it on simmer, and replenish the liquid as needed. We
always get compliments on how wonderful our homes smell and how tasty
the wassail is. Here's the secret:

Apple cider to fill a largish soup pot
One apple, cut horizontally to make circular round slices 1/2-inch
thick
One orange, cut into round slices 1/2-inch thick
3 whole cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice berries
One 2-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, cut into small rounds

1. Place all ingredients in a large soup pot and bring to a simmer,
then reduce and allow to simmer uncovered, adding cider as liquid
evaporates.

2. When guests arrive, ladle out a mugful of the hot cider for each
person, adding a splash of bourbon or brandy, if you like, and serve
with an additional cinnamon stick in each mug.