Hot Apple Cider

Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 15 Minutes Yields: 6 servings

"Nothing beats a mug of hot cider on a cold winter day. This recipe is great as it calls for fresh apple cider and pure maple syrup. Start with only 6 strips each of the orange and lemon peel, and adjust to taste."

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups apple cider 1/4 cup real maple syrup 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves

6 whole allspice berries 1 orange peel, cut into strips 1 lemon peel, cut into strips

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.
2.	Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
3.	Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.
4.	Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.