Boilo Tradition Lives on in the Coal Region by
December 18, 2020 • Comments
LEHIGHTON, Pa. (WLVT) - The smells of cinnamon, citrus, and whiskey are common in a coal cracker s kitchen this time of year.
Boilo, also known as the coal miner s cure, is shared between family and friends during the holidays. Sean Cantwell, who grew up in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, makes it in his kitchen. He says everyone in Schuylkill County knows about boilo.
“Oh absolutely, and they will either tell you that their recipe is the best, or they will tell you about their cousin Joe’s, says Cantwell.
Everyone has their own recipe, and some guard theirs closely. One ingredient all boilo makers insist on is Four Queens whiskey- it’s 101 proof- and they use it because it’s got the most bang for the buck. Cantwell says that’s what coal miners in the region always valued.