Spiced Mulled Cider Food

SPICED CIDER

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium heat, add the apple cider. Stir in the brown sugar, allspice and nutmeg until the sugar is dissolved and bring to a low boil.
• Stick the pointy ends of the cloves into the orange so that just the buds of the cloves are visible. The entire orange should be covered with the cloves.
• Add the orange to the cider and reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
• Serve in warm mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish. For adults, add bourbon to the cider.

HOT MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Simmer the apple cider with orange and spices: Pour the apple cider into a 3-quart saucepan, cover, turn the heat on medium-high. While the cider is heating up, take a vegetable peeler and peel away a couple thick strips of peel from the orange. Press about half of the cloves into the peeled part of the orange. (You can also just quarter the orange and add the slices and cloves separately. I just like seeing the orange bob up and down.) Place orange, orange peel strips, the remaining cloves, and the rest of the ingredients into the sauce pan with the cider. Keep covered and heat the mulled cider mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
• Strain out the orange and spices: Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the hot mulled cider away from the orange, cloves, and other spices. If you want, you can add a touch of bourbon, brandy, or rum to spike it up a bit. Serve hot. Add a cinnamon stick to each cup if desired.

HOT MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

HOT MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Special equipment: a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker and a cheesecloth square
• Combine the apple cider, hard cider, calvados, lemon juice and honey in a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Place the cinnamon, cloves and star anise in a square of cheesecloth, tie the ends together to close and toss in the slow cooker. Heat on high to bring to a simmer. Then turn to the warm/hold setting. Serve the cider in a mug with a cinnamon stick.

HOT MULLED APPLE CIDER

Steps:

• Combine brown sugar, allspice, 1 teaspoon cloves, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and apple cider in large saucepan.
• Bring to boiling.
• Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Strain to remove spices.
• Serve in mugs with clove-studded orange wedges.