Sweet Sunday: Hot apple cider

November 8, 4:19 PMBoston Party Planning ExaminerDanielle E. Brown

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 Hot apple cider.  Image courtesy of Flickr user Sholeh.

The air is getting chilly, leaves are on the ground...  Why not have a few friends over for an impromptu fall gathering? 

Keep it simple with basic snacks and hors d'œuvre, but sweeten the deal with hot apple cider.  Not only will your guests have something delicious and seasonal to sip, but your house will smell wonderful!  Hot apple cider is also a great treat for Thanksgiving, since it's easy to make and won't take up much space, but will wow guests as the more sophisticated sister to plain ol' apple cider.

Here's what you'll need to make hot apple cider at home:

• One jug apple cider (buy local!)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (you can probably find some at the farm stand where you found the cider!)
• 2-4 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• All-spice seasoning or 6 whole all-spice berries
• 1 orange peel, cut into strips
• The zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

• Pour the apple cider and syrup in a large pot on the stove.
• Put the cinnamon sticks, cloves, all-spice, orange peel and lemon zest in the cider.  You can do this one of two ways: 1) Put all the ingredients in the center of clean cheesecloth.  Make a bundle with the ingredients and cheesecloth, tie it closed, and drop it right in the mix.  (You'll pull the bundle out before serving.)  2) Put all the ingredients right in the cider.  (This way you'll have to strain out the cloves and such as you serve.)
• Heat for 5-10 minutes, but do not bring to a boil.
• Serve in mugs!  Garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
• Invite the Boston Party Planning Page over to enjoy some hot cider with you.  *wink wink*

Happy Sweet Sunday!