Holiday Wassail

Although this isn't a traditional wassail because it doesn't contain ale or wine, it's a terrific recipe. Using the slow cooker makes it hassle-free and easy on the hostess. You can spike it with rum or brandy, if you wish. Makes about 24 (1/2-cup) servings

6 cups apple juice
1 (32-ounce) container cranberry raspberry juice cocktail or cranberry juice cocktail
1 (6-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups water
4 (2 1/2- to 3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 orange, cut into 4 horizontal slices
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 tbs. Angostura bitters
2 cups rum (optional)

In a 6-quart electric slow cooker, combine the apple juice, cranberry raspberry juice, undiluted orange juice concentrate, undiluted lemonade, sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, orange slices studded with the cloves, and bitters.

Cover and cook on the low heat setting 6 to 7 hours. just before serving, stir in the rum, if desired. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks and orange slices with cloves. Serve hot in mugs or heat proof punch cups. Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat in a microwave oven or serve chilled.

~ The Best Slow Cooker Cookbook Ever