Apple Cider

Nothing says "Fall" like apple cider (except maybe pumpkin pie!). My fiance and I went to a local apple orchard to get in the spirit of the season and came home with some great wine sap apples. As much as I wanted to I just couldn't eat all of the apples so I decided to try to make apple cider for the first time. It sounds so intimidating at first but it is incredibly simple! Granted, I did not go for any of the fermentation, so this is not a true "cider", however this was so simple I don't think I would make it any other way. I made a large pot just before Halloween and shared with my family while we passed out candy to the trick or treaters. I think I found a new fall tradition!

Homemade Apple Cider

8- 10 Apples (the choice is yours depending on your preference of sweetness)

1/2 - 1 cup Sugar (to taste)

4 tbs Cinnamon

4 tbs Allspice

1. Cut apples in to quarters (no need to peel)

2. Place apple in large pot and cover with water

3. Add Sugar

4. Wrap spices in either a double layer of cheesecloth or coffee filter. Tie shut with string or twist tie. Place into the pot with the apples.

5. Boil on high for 1 hour (uncovered). Be sure to stir periodically and make sure spices are not leaking. If they do, add another layer of cheesecloth or coffee filter.

6. Turn down heat (low/ med) and simmer for another 2 hours.

7. Turn off heat and let mixture cool

8. Remove spices and mash the apples to a pulp consistency (you can use a potato masher)

9. Strain mixture into a bowl. You can use more cheesecloth if you don't have a small weave strainer

10. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You can just sip the cider plain or top with whipped cream, a little cinnamon and/ or caramel sauce. Enjoy!

We enjoyed ours with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake