Tis the season of having your home filled with the cozy aroma of warm apple cider on a crisp fall day. Let us walk you through a simple and delightful recipe to create your very own homemade apple cider. Gather your sweetest apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla, and select your favorite optional additions for a warm, comforting drink that will have everyone coming back for more.
Recipe for approximately 6 servings depending on cup size
Ingredients:
6 Apples (sweeter varieties recommended)
3 Cinnamon sticks
5-10 Cloves
1 Vanilla pod (split in half)
Optional: Half an Orange, grated or sliced fresh ginger to your liking
Optional sweeteners: Maple syrup or raw honey to taste
Brewing on Stove:
In a pot, place the apples, spices, and sweeteners, covering with an inch or two of water.
Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours until the apples are soft and tender.
Mash the apples to release their natural juices. After mashing, cover your pot and simmer another hour.
Strain the cider to remove solid particles with a mesh strainer or cheese cloth and adjust sweetness to taste with maple syrup or honey. Set the solids aside for applesauce, compost, or discard.
Serve warm and cozy up with a cup of fresh cider, or store in the fridge overnight for cold cider .
Brewing in Crockpot:
Place all the ingredients in the crockpot.
Cook on low heat for about 4 hours until the apples are tender.
Mashing the apples for added flavor. After mashing, cover, and cook another hour on high or 2 hours on low.
Strain the cider into a bowl or jar with a mesh strainer or cheese cloth and sweeten to taste. Set the solids aside for applesauce, compost, or discard.
Enjoy the convenience of a crockpot-brewed warm cider, or store in the fridge overnight for a cold cider.
Apples: Packed with vitamins and natural sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Cloves: Bring a hint of spicy sweetness.
Vanilla: Enhances the aroma and taste.
Ginger: Warms and soothes the tummy and the body
Serving and Storage:
Enjoy your cider warm or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing cold drink.
Store the cider in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
To reheat cold apple cider, warm on the stove in a pot over low heat or in the microwave in a mug to the desired temperature.
Compost the Ingredients:
After your brew scraps cool, compost the used fruits, herbs, and spices. They will break down and nourish your garden, reducing waste and creating rich, organic material for plants.
Crafting your own apple cider not only fills your space with the wonderful scents of the season but also allows you to customize the flavors exactly to your liking. Invite your friends and family over for a delightful gathering, and impress them with your homemade, heartwarming apple cider. Happy brewing!
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