This was once a very popular game played most at Christmas in England. Raisins were placed in ashallow bowl or serving platter and covered with warmed brandy, which was set ablaze. The object was to snatch the raisins out of the fire and pop them into your mouth before the flames did too much damage. Danger and daring make a great sauce, and Snapdragon was popular for many years before dying out in our own practical century.

The practice has not died out completely however, as Jeffrey and I were treated to a round of Snapdragon on Christmas Eve at the home of our friends Richard and Virginia Cross. Native Brits, this game is a Christmas Eve tradition in their home. As reluctant as I was to participate, I did finally summon the courage to try my hand at it and found it a good deal of fun!