One of the recipes I’m always asked to make during the holidays is my signature mulled cider. It’s one of those recipes that is so easy to put together but looks and tastes like you put a lot of effort into it! Plus, your entire house smells fantastic while it’s simmering away!
My Signature Mulled Cider
Compliments of It’s a Keeper
www.itisakeeper.com
1 gallon apple cider
1 orange, cut into slices
30 (or so) whole cloves
3-4 cinnamon sticks
5-6 star anise pods
1/8 tsp grated fresh nutmeg
Slice orange into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Stud each orange slice with 5-6 cloves each. Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker. Set to low and allow to simmer. Serve warm in mugs.
Is It a Keeper?
This cider is so delicious! Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, I like to use the best that I can find. We usually buy our cider from a local cider mill — their cider is absolutely the best! And, I love that I can watch it being made!
I know that some of you may not know what star anise is. It’s a great spice that I like to keep around — especially since I’m always making this cider! I usually get mine from a spice vendor at the Pennsylvania Farm Show (he sells bulk spices and dried herbs dirt cheap!). You may also be able to find it at a specialty food store or upscale grocery store. Or, of course, you could always cruise the interwebs! If you don’t have it, don’t sweat it. You can definitely leave it out without compromising the cider. But, if you can find it, definitely add it!
Also, I love to kick this cider up a notch (for the adults) by adding 1/4 cup of dark rum to 4 cups of the prepared cider. It warms you from the inside out!  Yum!
Do you have a signature drink or dish that you’re always asked to bring? Please share!
Cheers!
