Apple Cider

Here's an easy hot apple cider recipe.  It's yummy and makes the whole house smell delicious!

4 qts. (1 gallon) apple juice or apple cider

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. whole allspice

1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

2 orange slices

cheesecloth

caramel ice cream topping

whip cream

cinnamon to sprinkle

Pour apple juice or cider into a 4-5 quart crock pot.  You can add the brown sugar at this point, but I never do.  I think it makes it too sweet.  Tie whole allspice, whole cloves and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth.  Place your cheesecloth spice packet in the crock pot.  Put orange slices in.  They will float on top.  Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.  Remove orange slices.  Remove cheesecloth spice packet.  Ladle apple cider into mugs.  Top with caramel ice cream topping, whip cream and cinnamon.