Charles Dickens by Don © by garryknight
Today we celebrate the bicentennial birthday of renown British author Charles Dickens, born born at Landport, in Portsea, back in 1812. Dickens, who authored such iconic works as Great Expectations, David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol, would go on to be remembered for both his mastery of prose and dedication to social reform.
Charles Dickens Punch
recipe by Lesley Jacobs Solmonson adapted from Punch by David Wondrich, via 12bottlebar.com
- Rind and Juice of 3 Lemons
- 6 oz by weight Demerara Sugar Cubes (see note below)
- 16 oz Pusser’s Rum
- 10 oz Remy Martin Cognac
- 40 oz Boiling Water
Yield: 8 Cups
Peel all three lemons with a swivel-head vegetable peeler, leaving behind as much of the white pith as possible. Add rinds, sugar, and spirits to a fire-proof bowl. Place a warm spoon of spirits over the bowl and light on fire. Slowly pour the flaming contents of the spoon into the bowl, igniting it. Let the contents of the bowl burn for 3 – 4 minutes, gently stirring occasionally (be careful not to put out the flame). Cover the bowl with a lid or metal pan, extinguishing the flame. Add the juice of the lemons and the boiling water. Stir, cover for five minutes, and stir again. Place content of bowl into a loosely covered sauce pan and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes. Serve.
