While in Seattle this past fall, Veronica and I stumbled upon the yummiest hot apple cider at the Public Market. It warmed us up on that chilly morning as we walked around the city. I just couldn't get the delicious taste out of my mind so for the holidays, I've been doing my research trying to find a few different recipes to try from home.
There are a few different methods that would get you great results for you and your family. Depending on your appliances...of course! If you have a juicer, there is a recipe for you! If you don't, trust me there is a stovetop recipe that will work smashingly for you!
Making Fresh Apple Cider with Your Juicer
For this recipe you will need:
5 Apples
1/2 Peeled Orange
3 Cinnamon Sticks
1 whole nutmeg
1 Tb whole cloves
1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
To give you a little perspective, this recipe will create about 24 oz of cider. If you need more, you can double or triple this recipe depending on how glasses you are serving. This recipe prep and cook time is fast and easy! On another note, don't be afraid to get creative with your flavors! Opt for granny smith apples, honeycrisp, pink lady, or any other varieties that capture your tastebuds. Follow these directions for your very own delicious (gluten-free and vegan) hot apple cider:
Wash all of the fruit
Run the produce through your juicer
Mix in the spices and sugar
Place the mixture on the stove top to heat and then serve!
Don't have a juicer? Don't fret!
Making Fresh Apple Cider on Your Stovetop
For this recipe you will need:
5 Apples
1/2 Orange
3 Cinnamon Sticks
1 whole nutmeg
1 Tb whole cloves
1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
This recipe is the same as the previous one, but if you are looking to create about 64 oz, up the recipe to use ten apples. To make this recipe, you are going to need to carve out about 3.5 hours out of your schedule to create this mixture. First things first, grab a large stockpot and let's get cooking! Here are the directions for the perfect hot apple cider made on the stovetop:
Wash all of the fruit and cut the 1/2 orange into halves.
Over medium heat, combine the apples, orange halves, spices, and brown sugar. Then you'll cover the mixture with water by at least 2”. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours.
Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for another hour.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.
Grab your ladle and it's ready to serve!
I just can't wait to finally debut this hot apple cider recipe for my family on Christmas day! I hooe this recipe makes it to your kitchen sometime soon. And if you need a little music to jam out to while your cooking in the kitchen, check out my Sounds of the Season blog post for some great holiday tunes.
