Wassail - Yules drink of choice

11/2 cups water
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 baked apples, cut into small pieces
5 egg whites
11/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
8 whole cloves
1 quart ale
1 cup cooking sherry
1 cup Irish whiskey


Bring water and cream to a slow boil and remove from heat. Beat the egg
whites well. Thoroughly mix in all the remaining ingredients except the
alcohol. Allow this mixture to cool slightly- enough so the heat from it
will not crack your punch bowl. If you have a non-glass container for your
wassail, you can skip the cooling process. Blend in the alcohol just before
serving, and be sure to offer the traditional toast to the old apple tree
before drinking.