2 Red Delicious apples
2 whole cloves
2 whole allspice
2 whole cardamom pods, crushed
1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
1 qt. ale
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. dry sherry
3 eggs, separated

Core apples, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch-thick slices. Put slices in shallow baking pan. Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees) for 10 minutes, until apples are tender, but still firm. Tie cloves, allspice, cardamom and cinnamon in a small piece of cheesecloth. Place in a kettle with 1 cup of ale, the ginger and nutmeg. Heat very slowly for 20 minutes over low heat (do not boil).

Remove spice bag. Stir in remaining ale, 1/2 cup of the sugar and the sherry. Heat slowly for 20 minutes. Beat egg whites in a large bowl until foamy-white. Slowly beat in remaining 1/2 cup sugar until soft peaks form. Beat egg yolks in small bowl until light; fold into beaten whites. Slowly beat hot ale mixture into the eggs until mixture is smooth. Carefully pour the Wassail into a heatproof punch bowl; float baked apple slices on top. Serve in heatproof mugs.