Yummy Mulled Apple Cider

I am not a huge fan of warm drinks. Every so often they sound good, and this was one of those occasions. I loved the idea of putting all these wonderful spices together to make a heavenly flavor. It turned out fantastic! It adds a wonderful aroma to your home as well. There are great health benefits with this combination of spices too. :)

Ingredients: Serves about 10
1/2 nutmeg (smashed into pieces)
Zest from 1 orange (dry out about 24 hours on a paper towel)
4 cinnamon sticks
12 allspice berries (crush the berries)
1 star anise (crushed) or 1/2 tsp of dried anise seeds
4 to 5 cardamom (crush the pods)
20 whole cloves (crush the berries)
cheese cloth bag or cheese cloth and twine
1/2 to 1 orange sliced
1/2 to 1 lemon sliced
1/2 gallon of apple cider

Directions:

1. Prepare all the spices as directed. Then put all the spices in a cheese cloth bag or make your on bag with cheese cloth and tie with twine on the top.

2. Pour the apple cider in a big pot. Then put the bag with spices into the cider. Then add the sliced lemon and oranges. Turn to med high heat and let it get very hot. Then turn down to low and let it simmer. Prepare at least 25 min ahead of time so all the flavors can combine. Store leftovers in fridge. I love spices. Happy Holidays! :)

*I am going to save the left over cheese cloth bag with the spices still in it. I think it would be great in water to add a nice aroma to your home. I also think it would be great to drink the water hot or cold and enjoy the benefits of the spices.