Mulled Apple Cider

Every fall this is my most requested beverage for those cold windy days and nights in the Midwest. To make it really special, look for organic natural apple cider at your local health food store and create your own tussy-mussy of spices.

Servings: Serves 4

Ingredients:

•1 large navel orange
•1 lemon
•3 sticks (3 inches) cinnamon
•1 tablespoon allspice berries
•1 teaspoon whole cloves
•2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
•1 quart pure apple cider
•1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
•Orange slices, for garnish

Directions:

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the orange and lemon, then squeeze the juice and reserve. Wrap the lemon and orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and ginger in a piece of rinsed cheesecloth and tie into a packet.

Combine the apple cider, orange and lemon juice, brown sugar and spice packet in a medium nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Ladle into cups and garnish with the orange slices. Serve hot.

From Oprah.Com