Test Kitchen Approved

Homemade Apple Cider

Name: Homemade Apple Cider
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 10 large apples, quartered; 1 orange, halved; 4 cinnamon sticks, plus more, to taste, for garnish; 1 teaspoon cloves; 1 teaspoon whole allspice; 1 whole nutmeg; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; water, to taste

Fall Holiday Thanksgiving

Time: 3 hours

Yield: 12 servings

About

The great debate: what's better about fall — pumpkin everything or apple cider everything? There are merits to both arguments, but the crisp, vibrant, woodsy spices and tart sweetness of apple cider certainly offer a classic autumnal taste. However, Homemade Apple Cider might just close the book on this dilemma: it's warm, delightfully spiced, and fantastically fruity! It's perfect for enjoying around the fire or while bundled up on the couch. You'll fall head over heels for it!

Ingredients

10 large apples, quartered
1 orange, halved
4 cinnamon sticks, plus more, to taste, for garnish
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
water, to taste

Directions

Step 1 -In a large stockpot over medium heat, add the apples, the orange halves, 4 of the cinnamon sticks, the cloves, the allspice, the nutmeg, and the brown sugar.

Step 2 -Cover with the water by at least 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.

Step 3 -Simmer, covered, for 2 hours.

Step 4 -Remove the orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the apples.

Step 5 -Return the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer uncovered for 1 hour more.

Step 6 -Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard the solids.

Step 7 -Serve warm with the extra cinnamon sticks.

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