Hot Apple Cider

Cold days call for warm drinks. Try this delicious apple cider that will not only warm you up, but also put you in the festive spirit.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups apple cider

• ¼ cup real maple syrup

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 6 whole cloves

• 6 whole allspice berries

• 1 orange peel, cut into strips

• 1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions:

1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.

2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the centre of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.

3. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.

4. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.

Serves: 6