It's that time of year folks.
It's getting cold out.
The time of year when we like to hold really hot cups in our hands, scrunch our shoulders, purse our lips and complain about how cold we are. :)
I have something to help you tolerate those cold days a bit more.
HOT APPLE CIDER.
A fall staple.
Also great for a gathering or holiday.
& could absolutely be spiked with your choice of booze.
INGREDIENTS
10 apples, quartered (i like to use a variety of granny smith, honeycrisp and fuji)
1 orange, peeled and quartered
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 whole nutmeg pod
16 cups water
1/2 cup sweetener (maple syrup or brown sugar)
optional spices (star anise, fresh ginger, cardamom)
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine all ingredients into a stockpot and cover with water.
2. Heat the cider over high heat until it reaches a simmer then reduce to a simmer for ~2 hours.
3. Mash your apples and oranges using a wooden spoon (or potato masher). For me the spoon works just
fine smashing the fruits against the side of the stockpot.
4. Simmer for another hour.
5. Strain the cider using a fine mesh strainer followed by a cheesecloth (or thin, clean kitchen towel) to
remove all the solid ingredients left.
6. Add in your sweetener. I personally did not sweeten mine as the apples made things sweet enough.
Depending on the apples you use, you may find it will already be sweet enough for your liking. If not,
add anywhere from 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup sweetener to taste.
7. SERVE! Transfer leftovers to a sealed glass jar and keep in refrigerator for 5 days.
NOTES
- If you are not into spices, skip them. It is just as delicious.
- I find that using a mesh strainer isn't enough to make the cider super smooth. Go the extra step and
use a cheesecloth too.
- This is great cold too. I've been known to cruise by the fridge for a swallow or two.
- PRO TIP - use this as the liquid in your oatmeal the next morning. You are welcome. :)