WHAT THE DICKENS?

MARION McMULLEN looks at a new book of festive recipes inspired by the life and work of writer Charles Dickens

INGREDIENTS (Serves 6-8)

1ltr strong dry hard cider or scrumpy; 2–4tbsp brown sugar, according to taste; 2–3tbsp apple brandy, or more to taste; 6 cloves; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 small piece of ginger; a little grated nutmeg, or some small; pieces of nutmeg; orange and lemon slices

METHOD

1. Put all the ingredients into a saucepan and heat very gently for 15–20 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil.

2. When you are ready to serve, fish out the spices and fruit with a sieve or slotted spoon, then pour the liquid into heatproof cups.

■ Recipes from Christmas With Dickens by Pen Vogler, published by Cico Books, (£9.99). Photography by Ria Osborne © CICO Books Wassail is mentioned in The Pickwick Papers