VMBurns: I keep the thermostat in my house about two degrees above the morgue (menopause is no joke). So, when its cold outside (Mother Nature has been a bit schizophrenic with the weather lately), I like a hot beverage to warm my insides. Normally, a good cup of coffee or tea are my jam when it comes to hot beverages. However, I have to limit both if I want to sleep (getting old is no joke either). During the Christmas holiday, I decided to try my hand at apple cider. That's a great choice because its super easy and can be consumed warm or cold. Plus, there's the added benefit that when you make it, your house will smell heavenly.
The types of apples you use will determine how tart or sweet your cider is. My favorite apples are Honey Crisp, which are sweet. However, you can use whatever type of apples you have on hand. If you use a tart apple, like a granny smith, then you may want to increase the amount of sugar. Or not. It's completely up to you. I also have combined Honey Crisp with Red Delicious apples. Both were sweet, so I didn't notice a big difference in the taste. This is an easy recipe to play around with and tweak. You can add oranges, star anise, cloves, cranberries, etc. You can also make this in a crock pot. It's so easy and versatile, but the taste is awesome.
APPLE CIDER
- Cut the apples into quarters and put into a large stock pot and cover with water. The apples will float, so add enough water so that there's at least 2 inches of water over the apples, if you were to push down.
- Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg and bring to a boil for one hour.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Strain through a cheesecloth or mesh sieve (I used both). Discard the solids and strain once more. Although, I don't mind a few apple bits in my cider.
- Serve warm. Or refrigerator and serve cold. It's yummy either way.
- READERS: What's your favorite hot beverage? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Or, something else. Let me know in the comments.
- Mystery Series by Valerie (V. M.) Burns
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I do love a mug of hot apple cider, but hadn't ever made it. Thanks for the recipe. I'll have to adapt it because I've never owned a slow cooker. I also love a mug of homemade cocoa at times too.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
You can use a slow cooker, but you don't have to. I made this on the stove. I just turned the burner to simmer and worked on other things. And, yum to hot cocoa.
DeleteI like hot chocolate but rarely drink it. Menopause hot flashes have me drinking iced tea in snowstorms while wearing a long sleeve shirt outside.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand the hot flashes. That's the reason my house is about the same temperature as the morgue. The cider was good cold, too.
DeleteLove hot apple cider anytime of the year. I usually make my own, just like your recipe. I love cold cider in the summer. Yum!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
Its 81 in Georgia today so I was just considering iced Apple cider. Yes to cold cider in the summer!
DeleteWow! Homemade apple cider without a press. I'm impressed (!).
ReplyDeleteBet this would go well with a shot of rum or Grand Marnier.
Libby, I like the way your mind works. I might have to give it a shot! LOL - See what I did there? ROFL. Sometimes, I crack myself up.
DeleteMy favorite hot beverage is coffee with flavored whipped cream. I also like hot apple cider during the Fall.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Yes! Yes! and YESSS!!!!
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