Mulled Apple Cider

Photo: flickr user thedabble

Ingredients

2 quarts apple cider

1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 (8-inch square) piece of Cheesecloth (double-thickness)

8 allspice berries

4 cinnamon sticks

12 whole cloves

1 large orange

extra cinnamon sticks (optional)

Preparation

Blend together the apple cider and brown sugar in a slow cooker.

Rinse the cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess water. Wrap the allspice berries and cinnamon sticks in the cheesecloth, then tie with string and place in the crock pot. Stick the whole cloves into the orange in a random pattern and quarter the orange. Place the pieces in the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours. Once mulled, the cider may be reduced to a low setting for up to 3 more hours.

To serve, discard the spice bag and the orange pieces, and ladle the cider into mugs. If desired, add a cinnamon stick for garnish.