Wassail

Directions

1. 1
   Core the apples and fill each with a teaspoon of brown sugar.
2. 2
   Place in a baking pan and cover the bottom with 1/8-inch of water.
3. 3
   Bake in a 350F oven for 30 minutes or until tender.
4. 4
   Combine the sherry or Madeira, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon, sugar and water in a large, heavy saucepan and heat without letting the mixture come to a boil.
5. 5
   Leave on very low heat.
6. 6
   Beat the egg yolks until light and lemon-colored.
7. 7
   Beat the whites until stiff and fold them into the yolks.
8. 8
   Strain the wine mixture and add gradually to the eggs, stirring constantly.
9. 9
   Add the brandy.
10. 10
    Pour into a metal punch bowl, float the apples on top and serve in 8-ounce mugs.