Hot Spice Cider

Take a sip of cider and close your eyes. Surely there is no taste that is more evocative then on a clear, crisp, golden autumn day.

This week I will be expermenting with drinks that have apples in the.  There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

When I think of the fall I think of warm apple cider this is one of favorit drinks through out the Holiday season.

Hot Spice Cider
6 cups fresh apple cider

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (more or less, to taste)

2 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

6 whole allspice berries

6 strips orange peel

6 strips lemon peel

Directions
Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.

Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.

Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving, if you like.