Ingredients
- 2 quarts local apple cider
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 one-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into V-inch disks
- 1 orange (unpeeled)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- Black Star Farms Spirit of Apple Brandy (optional)
Directions
Toast the dry spices over medium low heat in a dry pan for about two minutes, let cool and place in a spice bag or cheese cloth pouch.
Combine the cider, orange, ginger, brown sugar and spice bag in a 4-quart heavy-bottomed pot or crock pot, bring to a low simmer and simmer for one to two hours, making sure not to boil. Serve in mugs with 1 K ounces of apple brandy (if desired). Serves eight to 10.