God Bless Us Everyone!

If Scrooge can make a better world, then we may, too.

Things were bad. The rich and powerful considered themselves free of obligations. The government promoted new technologies and industries that would increase unemployment and fouled the air and water. Salaries were down, living expenses skyrocketed. Immigrants, especially the Irish, were despised. Fellowship and charity were in short supply.

Ebenezer Scrooge embraced it all!

NO! NOT THIS CURRENT ONE!

THIS OLD SOD!

Scrooge was lucky to have a friend, Jacob Marley, who cared enough to try to save him. With his help and assistance of three ghosts, Scrooge mended his ways, finding joy by embracing everyone around him.

Have joy and hope in your hearts, dear reader. There is much to do in the coming year, especially when forces are massing to steal the meaning of 1776 from us. But we will abide.

Now join in Tiny Tim’s blessing as you raise your cup of punch, “God Bless us everyone.”

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Ebenezer Scrooge’s Redemptive Smoking Bishop Punch

(Reserve two full days to make the punch. It will benefit, as well, from an additional day to be sure the flavors blend together. However, taking sips along the way are encouraged.)

Ingredients
5 oranges (Dickens would have used Seville oranges which are very bitter)
1 etrog. If you can't find an etrog, then a grapefruit or lemon will do
35 whole cloves
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
1 bottle (750 ml) red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
1 bottle (750 ml) ruby port 

Day 1:
Preheat over to 350 degrees.

Stick the oranges with 5 whole cloves each, then slice in half. Slice the etrog (or grapefruit or lemon) in half as well. Place fruit on a sheet pan and roast for 35-45 minutes until the bottom is blackened and the fruit bulges open.

Using tongs, nestle the hot fruit in a non-reactive container (glass or ceramic works well). Add the brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Pour in a bottle of red wine. Cover and set in a sunny window for 24 hours. This will give time for the fruit to release some of its essential oils.

Day 2:
The next day, remove the fruit and pour the juice through a strainer set over a large pot. Wipe the inside of the pot clean.  Press the pulp through the strainer as best you can to get every last drop. Discard the fruit skins. Now strain the wine mixture back into the same pot. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise into the pot. Heat until it begins to simmer (the "smoking" of the title).  Add the port and return to a simmer.

Right before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise. Serve hot in festive cups and give a rousing HOORAY for Christmas and for better times to come.

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From us, to you…..merry silly Christmas everyone!

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And don’t forget! Stories is an easy and fun last minute present for anyone on your list who likes a good read! I’ll be sure to send them a gift message from you, as well!