Hot Spiced Cider

As you may already know, we're into Challenge #2 in the Falling For Crafts Series!  Yay!

I loved seeing all the centerpieces, and now I'm looking forward to all the yummy snacks and recipes you all have to share.  Of course, I want to play along myself, so today I want to share with you my most favorite fall recipe!

It's not a snack, per se, and it's not at all cute and crafty, but it's just fantastically good!
You all know I'm a lover of warm drinks; coconut mocha, peppermint mocha, pumpkin spice latte, chai, caramel latte...I'm a fan of them all.  But one of my all time favorites is this yummy hot spiced cider that we make right at home!  {It's cheaper than Starbucks, too...always a plus!}

The first time I had it was at a cookie swap at my friend Robin's house, and I knew right then it was a must-have recipe.  Since then we've made it for practically every fall and winter gathering and holiday celebration...basically anytime we have people over and it's chilly outside! :)

Here it is:

HOT SPICED CIDER

{I have absolutely no photos of the cider itself or the process, so you'll have to content yourself with a photo of me drinking it last Christmas.  It's in that fun cup, I promise!}

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 gallon apple cider

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 teaspoon whole allspice

2 cinnamon sticks

2-3 thin slices of fresh orange

Combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices in crockpot.  Place cloves and allspice in a spice ball or tie in cheesecloth and add to crockpot.  Simmer on low for 2-6 hours. 

*4 hours is about the perfection point, in my opinion.  Prior to that, the spices haven't mulled enough, and after that it can get toooo spicy.  It helps if you pull out the cinnamon sticks around the 4 hour point before they totally explode. :)  If you do that, it's still close to perfect up to the 6 hour point.  If you don't finish it all, it can be saved and reheated in the microwave.*

It's super easy and relatively inexpensive.  The spices can be a bit pricey, but they last for a long time.  We found cinnamon sticks in bulk at BJ's for a great price, and we also found that our grocery store carries spices in the Mexican food aisle that are cheaper than the standard ones but are the same exact thing.

{and here's me with the cup Little Crafter painted for me.  Pardon the Christmas morning hair and lack of makeup/personal grooming.  Mmmm, cider!}

Let me know if you give it a try!

Also sharing at Everyday Sisters.