Desserts For Fall: Hot Butter-Spice Apple Cider (and spike it if you like it!)

One of my favorite things about Halloween, once the pumpkins are lit & the costumes are fastened, is ladling up a nice steaming mug of hot spiced apple cider to take along with me on my trick-or-treat journey, or even just to enjoy on the front porch while passing out the candy.

So today I thought I would share with you my recipe that gets rave reviews year in and year out and warms you to the core as you venture out into the chilly autumn air!

HOT SPICED APPLE CIDER


Ingredients:


~ One gallon of apple cider (I prefer the fresh, dark kind from the orchards!)
~ Rind of one orange
~ 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
~ 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves
~ 3 cinnamon sticks
~ 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter (you can omit this if you are going for a lighter option-but it is sooo good)
~ 1 cup of brown sugar
~ Captain Morgan (or other favorite brand) Spiced Rum (Optional:)

1.) Pour cider into a large stock pot and bring to a boil, adding in brown sugar & butter.  Tie up (orange rind, cloves, & cinnamon sticks in a cheese cloth with cooking string (you can leave them free floating if you prefer, you will just have to ladle around them)

2.) Add nutmeg and bring all to a boil.

3.) Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  If you would like to spike it, add rum right before serving, as not to cook off the alcohol.  Ladle into mugs and ENJOY!!!!!!! Happy Halloween Weekend everyone!