Wassail (Hot Christmas Punch) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 inch cinnamon stick
16 cloves (whole)
1 tsp. whole allspice
3 medium oranges
1 box whole cloves
6 c. apple juice or cider
1 pt. cranberry juice cocktail
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. bitters
1 c. rum (optional)

Preparation

Tie in cheesecloth bag the 16 cloves, whole allspice and cinnamon stick, broken into pieces.
Stud 3 oranges with box of cloves; cover well.
In saucepan, combine apple juice or cider, cranberry juice, sugar and bitters.
Add bag of spices and oranges; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add rum just before serving.
Garnish with slice of orange for each cup.
Serves 10 to 12.