Moms Mulled Cider Recipes

MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Place the cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice and bay leaf on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with kitchen string to form a bag. , In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, juices, orange zest, brown sugar, salt and spice bag. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture for 30 minutes to blend flavors. Discard spice bag. Strain cider mixture and stir in brandy if desired. Serve immediately.

MOM'S MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• 1. Pour cider into pot. I use a party-sized coffee maker, but you could use a large dutch oven or stock pot.
• 2. Mix the remaining ingredients together and place them in the basket of the coffee maker. If you're using a pot on the stove, you can stir in the sugar, then tie up the spices in a piece of cheesecloth. Or just let them float, and strain as you serve.
• 3. Plug it in, and let it perk until it's done. The perking time varies from about 20-45 minutes, depending on the pot. Or heat to almost boiling, then reduce heat to simmer 30-60 min. Then reduce heat just to keep warm. It's ready to enjoy. The flavors get richer and deeper as it stays warm in the pot.
• 4. NOTES: You can use either light or dark brown sugar, as you like -- the results are surprisingly different. Try it both ways! The recipe is easy to halve or multiply, to fit your needs. I make several spice recipes at once and just measure the ingredients right into zip-top sandwich bags. Then I just pop them into the deep freeze for quick prep later during the busy holiday season. The mix also makes wonderful home-made gifts -- for a teacher or colleague, for example -- in a decorative cello bag with a festive ribbon!

MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Put the cider in a large saucepan. Strip the peel from the orange in long strips with a vegetable peeler, taking care not to take off the bitter white pith. Add to the pan. Then squeeze the orange juice into the cider (straining out the seeds). Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
• Heat cider over medium heat, then simmer very gently until fragrant, about 15 minutes. Serve.
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MULLED CIDER

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Bring to simmer. Strain and serve.