Old Fashioned Apple Cider

It's Autumn and nothing says Autumn like apple cider....  I found this recipe for a delicious old fashioned apple cider.... Very easy to do & the house will smell amazing!!

12 or so small/medium apples ~ I used 6 Gala & 6 Cortlands

1 small Orange

1/2 C - 1C brown sugar

3-4 Cinnamon sticks

1 whole nutmeg

1T whole cloves

water to cover

**Wash & roughly chop apples & orange ( no need to peel, seed or stem)

Toss into a large stock pot (use a big one -- you get more cider that way)

Add sugar (I started with 1/2C)

Add spices & cover with water

Bring to a boil & boil uncovered 1 hour ~ then reduce the heat, cover & simmer for 2 hours *do not stir while simmering*

When done uncover & using a potato masher roughly mash the contents

*To further reduce you can leave simmering until cider is dark & tastes sweet & spicy

When cider is cooled completely strain apples & spices into a clear pitcher or pot *you could also strain further by putting apples into a piece of cheesecloth & just squeeze out juice*

Serve hot for the best apple cider ever!