Hot Mulled Apple Cider

It's Christmas time again, so that means some classic seasonal foods will be breaking out onto the scene and filling our bellies. A nice traditional New England drink to warm up with on a snowy night (or any night!) is mulled apple cider. I used to just warm up apple cider from the grocery store jug in the microwave when I was a kid and think it was the same thing, but a few years ago I experienced mulled apple cider for the first time (and what a shame it took so long) and now I love to make it. The house always smells lovely when it's cooking and it tastes great, of course. There are many variations on this recipe, but I like the citrus twist in my drink, so please enjoy.

2 quarts cider
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
2 sticks cinnamon
Orange slices (optional)
Apple slices (optional)

Put all the ingredients into a pan on the stove top. The spices can be left loose or wrapped in cheesecloth. Bring near boiling, then allow to simmer for 20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the stronger the flavors become and the more the smell will float through your home. You can also add lemons or lemon juice, and of course add a little rum (or a lot!) Also, you can substitute wine for the apple cider, such as a sherry or port. Have a delicious holiday!