November 6th, 2013
The weather is growing chillier by the day which means we need to huddle together (virtually) by sharing recipes that will help us outlast the cold. One thing I have been making every fall for as long as I was allowed in the kitchen is this spiced apple cider. This cider will not only tantalize your taste buds, the smell alone will make guests think you are burning apple cinnamon candles all over your house!
My Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients:
1 Gallon of Apple Cider (preferably organic)
2 ripe oranges (cut into fourths)
2 Cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons of whole cloves
1 (unbleached) coffee filter
1 string
Brandy (optional)
Method:
-Pour the apple cider into a large pot and set stove to a medium heat setting.
-Once the cider is warm, lightly squeeze a few of the oranges allowing some (but not all) of the juice into the cider, then add the rest of the oranges.
-Shave the cinnamon sticks a few times with a knife to release some specs of cinnamon into the cider, then add the sticks.
-Add the allspice
-Stir well for about 5 minutes
-Wrap the cloves in the coffee filter and tie it at the top with a string to make a little baggie. Put the bag of cloves into the pot and try to leave the string hanging out so you can easily remove it.
-Stir again for a few minutes.
-Leave on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Set the heat to low and leave the cider to sit for an hour or more if you would like.
-Stir occasionally.
Once an hour has passed, an incredible smell will be wafting from your kitchen which will indicate that you must now grab your favorite mug and pour yourself some.
At this point, you can add a few drops of a high quality brandy (or more than a few drops depending on what kind of day it was). I also like to top it off with a bit more cinnamon for extra spice.
I have discovered that this cider goes best with a classic movie, a fuzzy blanket, and a fireplace.
Enjoy!
-Monica Bologna
Photo Credit: Flickr/kthread, trophygeek
