With so much outdoor entertaining happening this holiday season thanks to Covid, we are going to need something to keep our hands (and spirits) extra warm. So break out that fire pit, get an extension cord for the slow cooker, grab a wool blanket and join me in the backyard.
HOLIDAY HOT CIDER
serves 6-8
64 oz unfiltered apple juice (the cloudy-looking kind)
juice from 3 clementines
5 cinnamon sticks
a pinch of ground cloves (about 1/8 t)
Stir then simmer the above ingredients in a slow cooker on low for at least 3 hours. (If doing this in a pot on the stovetop, simmer on low for at least 30 minutes).
When you are ready to serve it, float these on top of the pot:
3 additional clementines, sliced in rounds with peel on
1 c fresh cranberries
6 star anise (optional)
Serve hot, ladled into (copper) mugs. Leave a bottle of rum out and let those who’d like it spiked (like me) to stir in a shot before enjoying. Happy (and safe) holidays!
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