Hello, Y'all!
It has been freezing in Birmingham the last couple of days, well at least freezing by Alabama standards. The cooler temperatures have made me start desiring a warm mug of apple cider. What is better than crisp temperatures and fresh apple cider? They make an amazing pair, the mix of apple and spices is perfect.
When we went up to Tennessee a couple weekends ago we brought back a HUGE bag of apples. So that Sunday while I was cleaning the apartment and blogging away, I had the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg as the apple cider simmered in the crockpot. The smell was heavenly! And to make it even better the recipe is super easy!
I love when I have the chance to use my crockpot and have hands free cooking. Honestly, for making this apple cider the hardest part is de-coring the apples. Basically, dump the ingredients listed below and walk away for several hours. Enjoy the aroma of baked apples and spices all day, then strain. The bonus for this recipe is that the mashed apple pulp makes a great applesauce! Two for one deal over here!!
Crockpot Apple Cider
8 apples 10 cups of water (may need more or less depending on crockpot) 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon 1/2 Tablespoon Nutmeg 1/2 Tablespoon Allspice 1/2 cup Honey
(Honey and spices are to taste. Modify amounts to suit your tastebuds.)
De-core and cut the apples into quarters. Place cut apples into the crock pot and fill with water. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and honey. Stir until mixed. Set crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for ~4 hours.
Once apples are very soft and "mush" easily the cider is ready. Using a fine strainer, strain the apple pulp from the liquid. Drain the liquid into the pitcher and place the apple pulp aside.
Taste the cider, if it is too concentrated add some more water and stir. Serve hot or cold.
Blessings from Birmingham!
