How About A Warm Drink In The Cold Weather?
By Tom Herrin
What we eat is pretty important. A good balanced diet that is especially designed for what we need can make minor improvements in our overall health that can add up to big things. What we drink can be every bit as important. Most of us are aware that we need water and lots of it. There are times when we just want something more. In the colder weather, it’s nice to have a good warm drink. The right drink can warm us inside and make us feel good all over. How long has it been since you had a wassail? Maybe you’ve never had it. It is one of those things you have for some special occasions, but it can be a pretty good drink for almost any time.
The Nutrition Side
Wassail contains a good fruit juice. Apples are known for their health benefits. We all remember that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It may be one of the most familiar sayings I know of. Apples contain Vitamin C which is well-known for its ability to help fight off disease. It also contains antioxidants which not only help fight diseases, but also some cancers. They are also filled with healthy fiber which plays a critical role in protecting the colon. In many recipes, you are also using some orange juice, which has more good nutrients, and lemon juice, which can act as a natural diuretic.
What’s In A Wassail?
There are many recipes for wassail. This one is called “Cider Wassail Recipe” from Taste of Home magazine. The ingredients are:
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 1 ½ cup orange juice
- 3/4 cup Dole 100% Pineapple Juice
- 1tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
- Dash ground cinnamon
- Dash ground cloves
Directions Couldn’t Be Simpler
In a saucepan, combine all of the ingredients.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Discard cinnamon sticks.
Serve hot in mugs.
Makes 10-12 servings.
Hey this sounds so easy, even I can do it. This can be a great drink for a cold day. Serve it for the family as a special treat, or serve it at any kind of event and your friends will comment on how good it is. Some of them are likely to say how long it has been since they have had it. Either way, you will be the hero of the day. You have served a delicious drink and provided a healthy treat. Just be careful with that stuff, it’s hot!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.