Mistletoe Man

Mistletoe Mistletoe is an herb that's surrounded with traditions, most of which stem from the fact that this parasitic plant grows so differently than other herbs. (In fact, some people trace its name to the Old English word mistil, meaning different.) It grows on host trees, from seeds planted in the bark by the birds who feast on the white berries that ripen during the winter. Dating back to Druid days, mistletoe has been a part of Yule or winter solstice celebrations, and the "kiss of peace" that was once exchanged by warring clans under this special plant has now evolved into a Christmas kiss. The plant has been used in folk cultures to treat epilepsy; medicinally, it is used as a sedative and to slow a rapid heartbeat. Recent research suggests that it may also slow the growth of cancerous tumors, and it is being used in Germany to supplement chemotherapy. Mistletoe is not a culinary herb, but the berries are not poisonous, as is popularly believed. (Note: there are at least two quite different species of mistletoe, European and American. The cultural traditions that surround the European plant have been assimilated to the American plant, which does not have the same medicinal qualities of the European.)

China's Hot Spiced Christmas Eve Tea

This warm and cheering cranberry- and orange-flavored tea is a natural for Christmas Eve. The recipe makes 12 cups.

• 12 cups water
• 12 whole allspice
• 3 small cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp whole cloves
• 12 tea bags (an orange-spice tea is nice)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Combine allspice, cinnamon, and cloves with the water in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Cover and steep for about 5 minutes. Stir and strain. Strain a second time to clarify (a coffee filter is handy here). Add sugar and stir until dissolved. At serving time, stir in juices, pour into a glass or stainless steel pan and reheat to serving temperature. (Don't boil)