Mulled Apple Cider

A fall wind is whipping through the dark, crowded streets of Manhattan this evening. The chill makes me want to seek shelter under my puffy down comforter and stay huddled there for the remainder of the day.

But it is even more comforting to mull some apple cider on the stove top, allowing the spices to fill the apartment with their familiar, homey scent. Twenty minutes later, I can wrap my hands around the mug containing the fragrant, warm liquid.

One sip and I am warmed down to my tippy toes.

Mulled Apple Cider

from Dolcetto Confections | Allison M. Veinote

makes 8 cups

Ingredients

Half-gallon apple cider

2 whole cinnamon sticks

1 tablespoon whole all-spice

1 tablespoon whole cloves

2 strips orange peel

Preparation Instructions

Pour apple cider into medium saucepan and warm over medium heat.

Place cinnamon sticks, all-spice, cloves, and orange peel in mulling spice ball (alternatively, place spices in square of cheesecloth). Place spice ball or cheesecloth in the apple cider.

Cover cider and reduce heat to low. Allow spices to mull for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.