A festively aromatic hot, mulled apple cider punch for the holidays.

Apple Wassail Bowl

6 small tart apples
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 quart apple cider
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups dry sherry
4 thin lemon slices

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10 x 6 x 1 1/2-inch baking pan.
2. Core and halve apples, arrange (cut side up) in pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until tender. Set aside.
3. Just before serving, pour cider in saucepan and heat to just below boiling point. Stir in remaining ingredients over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
4. Remove lemon slices. Pour mixture into punch bowl.
5. Garnish with apple halves.

Makes 12 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Fruit From Washington.com.