31 Days to Bless Your Home, and How to Have Fun Doing It Too!
Week 3: The Glamorous Side of Homemaking: Cleaning, Organizing, and Decluttering
Day 17: Recipes for Wassail/Mulled Cider and Maxine’s Peanut Butter Fudge
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT
I crave this drink on the first cool evening! Mmmmm! There is something about apples, cinnamon, and fall! I want a fire in the fireplace, some romantic music, a cozy sweater, s’mores, and a mug of something hot, such as pumpkin spice latte’ or cider!
This is perfect for cool fall nights, Christmas parties, and family get-togethers too. Make sure you save this recipe for your next Christmas party! One reason I enjoy it so much is that I can leave it in the slow cooker all day, and the house smells like heaven!
This drink is also known as Wassail, but traditionally, wassail is often spiked. There are many variations, but I prefer the recipe with apple cider, oranges, pineapples, and spices, but no alcohol.
Wassail/Mulled Cider
Ingredients:
2 quarts apple cider1 c. brown sugar4 – 6 cinnamon sticks24 whole cloves4 cups orange juice concentrate (thawed)2 cups pineapple juice1. Combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.2. Boil over medium heat, reduce, and cook over low for about 5 minutes.3. Add orange juice and pineapple juice and heat.4. Transfer to slow cooker and heat on low.5. It is ready to serve when hot, but you may keep it in the crock pot on low for several hours.6. Strain before serving.7. I like to garnish with cinnamon sticks or fruit slices.8. Enjoy!
Here is an extra treat! One of my mother’s best friends from my home church growing up used to make the most scrumptious peanut butter fudge! I want to share her recipe with you. This is perfect for the holidays coming up, to give as a hostess gift, or to serve at your next get-together with friends and family. The best part is that it’s easy, and it’s fail-proof! Enjoy!
Maxine’s Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients:
4 c. sugar6 TBSP butter/margarine1 12 oz. can evaporated milk1 c. peanut butter7 oz. marshmallow cream1 tsp. vanilla1 c. nuts
- Mix first three ingredients; bring to a rolling boil.
- Boil for nine minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. (Be careful; mixture scorches easily.)
- Add peanut butter, marshmallow cream, nuts, and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
- Pour into a buttered 13 x 9 inch pan.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
*Optional: To make chocolate fudge, substitute the peanut butter for 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels. After boiling the first three ingredients for 9 minutes, stir in chocolate until it melts. Then, continue with the remaining steps.
I think you will be thrilled with today’s challenge:
Week Three Challenge: It is time to roll up our sleeves and give our homes some extra TLC this week. What have you been putting off? This is the week to tackle it!
Today’s Challenge: You have worked hard this week, so relax with a delicious fall and/or holiday drink, such as wassail, or mulled cider. Treat yourself to your favorite sweet too, such as Maxine’s awesome fudge!
You will certainly want to join me tomorrow for some more fun fall crafts to do as a family!
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Thank you and God bless!
Shari Lewis
