Wassail means different things to centuries of people. Used as a noun and verb, the word derives from waes hael, a 5th-century English toast meaning “good health,” or something apple farmers recited to encourage a bountiful spring harvest, depending on which historical account you believe. The term also pops up in Beowulf—and later in song … Read more
Plum pudding tastes best when it’s made days, weeks, or even months ahead of time, according to American culinary legend James Beard. “It was customary to make it in early Advent—the religious season before Christmas Day—and use it the following year,” Beard wrote when he published this recipe in 1963. “Everyone in the family was … Read more
Step 1 Peel 4 large russet potatoes (about 2¼ lb.) and halve lengthwise, then cut lengthwise into ½”-thick wedges, transferring as cut to a large bowl of cold water. Chill 30 minutes. Step 2 Heat 3 qt. vegetable oil (96 oz.) in a deep 6-qt. heavy pot or fryer fitted with deep-fry thermometer over medium-high … Read more