Why did I never think to make apple cider before?  I use to use those individual packages for cider until I thought about what was in it.... 

I'd rather make the real deal.  It's so easy, just juice it (or buy organic apple juice) you just put a few spices and the juice in the crock pot and there you go.  I've made this for Thanksgiving for a few years and it's been a hit. This is also great for a Halloween or Christmas party or just a treat for a cold snowy day.

What is the Difference From Apple Juice and Cider?

Fresh cider is raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process to remove coarse particles of pulp or sediment. Apple juice is juice that has been filtered to remove solids and pasteurized so that it will stay fresh longer.  So do note that the cider you buy at the grocery store will not look the same as home made from scratch.  It will be frothy and cloudy. 


Hot Spied Apple Cider (adapted from Real Mom Kitchen) 

(Makes about 10 cups)

• 10 lbs of organic apples (makes 10 cups you can sub with store bought organic cider but it won't be from scratch anymore and make sure it's organic since apples are one of the dirty dozen)
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 Tbsp whole cloves
• 1 Tsp whole allspice
• rind of 1/2 an organic orange (optional)

Cut apples in halfs and place in juicer.  Pour apple cider into crockpot. Add the cinnamon sticks to the cider. In a square of cheesecloth, place cloves, allspice, and orange rind and tie closed. Cook on low for 1 hour.  Remove cheese cloth and cinnamon sticks.   Ladle cider into mugs or leave on warm to drink as you want.

For stove top, place in a large pot and heat over medium until the cider  just starts to boil.  Reduce to simmer and cook for 15 minutes to. Stir occasionally.

*NOTE As stated above real apple cider made from scratch will look very different from store bought cider.  It will be frothy and cloudy.  You can pour through a fine metal strainer if you do not like this to minimize this.

Real Mom Kitchen had a fantastic idea.  Make a apple cider bar.  You could use
caramel syrup, whipped cream, ice cream and more. Also A Spicy Perspective has a caramel sea salt version.  They added caramel flavoured syrup and a pinch of sea salt.  if you do decide this option I would not use as much syurp as they recommend because that's a lot of sugar!  I think 1/4-1/2 cup of syrup to a gallon should be just fine!
  
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