Fall into Warm Apple Cider

It's been chilly here in New York City for the past week, leading me to believe that fall has officially started strutting her stuff. I welcome her with open arms and now I can finally start cooking for these colder seasons. First things first: Homemade Apple Cider. I'm sure many of you are like me and get overly excited about the idea of apple picking. Next thing you know, you are stuck with dozens of apples. 

Unless you are like Diane Keaton's character in the movie Baby Boom and planning on starting a baby food applesauce company, I suggest you make this easy Apple Cider. The smell of the steeping apples and spices alone are about as fall as it gets. 

Homemade Apple Cider
prep 5 min, cook time 2.5 hours
12 small-medium apples

1 orange

1/2 cup brown sugar

3-4 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tbsp whole cloves

water to cover

1. Wash and roughly chop apples and orange-do not worry about removing peels, seeds, or stems. Toss into a large stock pot.

2. Add sugar, spices, and pour in water until apple mix is just covered.

3. Leave uncovered and bring to a boil for an hour.

4. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for at least 1.5 hours.

5. Uncover and use a wooden spoon to roughly mash content of pot. Let cool slightly. 

6. Strain apple pieces and whole spices into a clean pitcher or pot. If you have one, use a cheesecloth and twist and squeeze to get every last drop. Keep cinnamon sticks to use as garnish. 

7. Serve warm. Store in the fridge and reheat as desired. (You will have about a 1/2 gallon of apple cider).