Hot Spiced Cider

(Courtesy of Heart Healthy Living)

Ingredients:

8 c. apple cider or apple juice

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

6 inches stick cinnamon

1 tsp. whole allspice

1 tsp. whole cloves

2 strips (3 inches by 3/4 inch) orange peel

Thin orange wedges and/or cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions:

In a large saucepan combine cinder and brown sugar.  For spice bag, place cinnamon, allspice, cloves and the orange peel in center of a double-thick, 6 inch square of 100% cotton cheesecloth.  Bring corners of the cheesecloth together and tie with a clean string.  Add spice bag to the saucepan with cider mixture.

Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.  Remove spice bag and discard.  If desired, garnish with orange wedges and/or cinnamon sticks.