There is an ancient word that epitomises the festivities of the colder months; 'Wassail'. The term Wassail first appeared around the 1500's in the cider making counties of England. Villagers would gather together on a frosty evening, bonfires lit, singing folky carols, blessing the trees in the old orchards and banishing evil spirits, all to ensure the vitality of the next seasons harvest.
This recipe is the sort of feast I can well imagine the villagers passing around the table. A joint of handsome pork adorned with the seasons trimmings, all washed down with a glass of local cider.
