As autumn settles in and the temperatures turn crisp, create a pot of delicious spiced mulled cider. As it simmers, fragrant spices and fruit fill the air with a delightful aroma.  

 

Ingredients:

1 quart (4 cups) apple cider (cloudy, freshly pressed)

1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces  

3-4 whole cloves

3-4 slides of fresh ginger (or caramelized ginger if preferred) 

3-4 whole allspice berries

2 bay leaves (strain out of cider before serving)

1 navel orange, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 small apple, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 small pear, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds

Vanilla bean (optional) for a depth of flavor in the cider

Optional: honey or brown sugar to taste if you prefer your cider to be sweeter

 

For Garnish:

Handful of whole cranberries

Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Star of anise (optional, for those who don’t favor a licorice taste)

 

How to Prepare:

Add all of the main ingredients (except garnishes) in a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. (Tip: if you prefer to use ground spices, feel free to do so, just stir thoroughly to ensure that the mix doesn’t become gritty.)

Once simmering, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat and let the spices sit in the hot cider for 10-15 minutes. 

(Tip: simmer at as low a temperature as your cooktop will allow to keep your cider from evaporating yet to keep warm and release the aroma.)

Pour into mugs and garnish with orange or apple slices or a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Enjoy!