Guest Post :: Elizabeth with Hot Spiced Cider ::

Monday I wrote about the lack of photos for my recipes since my husband is out of the country with the computer. Well, Miss Elizabeth read my post and decided to help a sista out. She's back with a delicious Hot Spiced Cider recipe. YUM! Just reading this warms my insides. Enjoy!

Here it is December, and you're probably feeling all eggnog-y. I get it; I feel eggnog-y about 437 days out of the year, and it
takes a supreme effort not to cave to this craving. Eggnog in July? Little weird, but I'd do it.

Before you go getting all nuts for the 'nog, consider this: a super easy, super tasty hot spiced cider. Just as yummy as
eggnog (Trust me! It really is!) and way easier and cheaper to make. And definitely as equally compatible as eggnog for the
welcome addition of hooch.

Hot Spiced Cider, adapted from the 2000 edition "Better Homes & Gardens"

8 cups apple cider or apple juice (I usually use Mott’s 100% natural apple juice)
1/3 cup of packed dark brown sugar
6 inches stick cinnamon (two sticks)
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
8 thin orange wedges (optional)
8 whole cloves (optional)



In saucepan, combine cider and brown sugar. Break that sugar up! To make the spice bag, place cinnamon, allspice berries,
and 1 teaspoon whole cloves on a double thick, 6 inch square piece of kitchen cheesecloth. Don't skimp on the size of the
cheesecloth! Bundle up the corners and tie with a clean string.



Toss the spice bag into the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for ten minutes.



After ten minutes, remove and discard the spice bag. BH & G gets all jazzy and throws out the idea of studding orange
wedges with cloves and sticking them on your mugs. I've never done this. What I have done, is add alcohol.



This will make eight 8 ounce servings. Enjoy, and then go get 'noggin'. Get it? 'Noggin'? Ha! Happy holidays!

Tags: cider, elizabeth, guest post, homemade cider, hot cider, spiced hot cider