Spiced Apple Cider

The Brew

After a festive meal is prepared, this is a wonderful brew to put on the stove to fill your home with the aroma of apples, oranges and spices. Have it hot on a cold wintry or rainy day, or chilled on a hot and humid day. 

Spiced Apple Cider

The recipe contains 5 simple ingredients, all of which are available in any supermarket. If oranges are not in season, replace them with slices of one lemon or lime. And make sure to set the spiced orange segments aside after draining the cider for dessert, topped with ice cream or brandy.

Spiced Orange Segments

The remnants after straining the cider can be simmered with water to serve as a potpouri to welcome your guests.

Potpouri 

Ingredients:

1/2 gallon apple cider

6 cinnamon sticks

1/2 cup brown or coconut sugar

1 tsp. whole cloves

1 navel or 2 mandarin oranges, sliced

Directions:

1.  Place all ingredients in a large stainless steel saucepan.
2.  Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves.
3.  Lower heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
4.  Strain spiced cider and serve hot or chilled overnight in the refrigerator.