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Exeter Community Library Highlights ‘Coalminer’s Champagne’

by Exeter Community Library

Nov 12, 2021

The Exeter Community Library welcomes Amy Dougherty of Coal Country Boilo to the library on Monday, November 15th in a program titled “Cheers to Boilo,” where she’ll introduce the history behind the tradition of Boilo, a throat-soothing, influenza-defeating mulled beverage. Dougherty will share recipes and tips on how to create Boilo at home, and will provide a small sample to taste.

According to Coal Country Boilo’s website, when eastern Europeans settled in the northers coal region of Schuylkill County Pennsylvania, they brought with them a traditional delight called Krupnik, a delicious spiced honey liqueur known mostly throughout Poland, Belarus and Lithuania.

Due the limited availability of ingredients in the early 1800’s, resourcefulness reigned and Boilo made its first appearance. Because Boilo homemade, a myriad of recipes developed varying from family to family, town to town. Deriving its name from its method of cooking, Boilo begins with a traditional blend of spices and is brought to a boil with various fruits, honey and other ingredients before being laced with whiskey and served warm as a delicious and festive treat.

Participants are encouraged to bring an 8-ounce jelly jar to fill with non-alcoholic Boilo. They may enjoy the beverage as is, or take it home and add their favorite spirits. Bag-o-Boilo spice packet kits will also be available for sale on site for $10 cash or $11 by credit card. Each kit comes carefully packaged and wrapped in an organza bag, perfect for gift-giving this holiday season. Spice packets will remain available for purchase at the library after the program, and any sales after the program date will benefit the library.

The library encourages all who are interested to register by Saturday, November 13th by emailing [email protected] or by calling 610-406-9431. Attendees should be 21 or older. For more on Coal Country Boilo, visit www.coalcountryboilo.com.

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