Boilo

I thought I'd share a recipe for a wonderful drink that our son-in-law, Tom, my husband, and now our grandson make, the day after Thanksgiving. It is something that Tom made every year with his best friend, Terry, who passed away from Leukemia, several years ago. We loved Terry, so this is 'sort of' a way we keep him in our thoughts. You may be thinking right now, that is a silly way to remember him, but if you knew Terry and what a fun loving person he was, you'd understand.

The ingredients:

2 Qts. Four Queens Whiskey (Don't be surprised if you can't find this brand in your liquor
store, it is 101 proof, so just substitute with what you can get)
2 Qts. Ginger Ale
2 C. Honey
2 C. Orange juice
4 Lemons (squeeze the juice & add to pot)
4 Oranges (squeeze the juice & add to pot)
8 Cinnamon Sticks
4 tsp. Caraway Seeds
2 Tbs. Whole Allspice
16 Whole Cloves
3 Vanilla Beans
Thomas is rolling the oranges and lemons before he slices and squeezes them.

Large pot ready on the stove to cook in

Add all ingredients except honey and whiskey to a large pot. Boil until reduced to half. Strain and return liquid only to pot. Add honey. Remove completely from source of heat and add whiskey. (NEVER BOIL THE WHISKEY) Return mixture to heat and cook on very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember DO NOT simmer or boil. Cool in a covered pot. Pour into bottles after cooled, filtering through cheesecloth.

We save the solids that we strained and use it in a potpourri pot during the holidays. Keep what your not using refrigerated or it will get moldy. This will keep your house smelling like Christmas all through the holidays.