Spiced Apple-Pomegranate Cider

Keep this crimson-hued beverage warm in a slow cooker on the kitchen counter, and set out a stack of paper cups and a ladle for guests to help themselves. Substitute cranberry juice for pomegranate juice, if you prefer.

Yield: 16 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Ingredients

• 1  gallon apple cider
• 6  whole cloves
• 5  star anise
• 3  (2-inch-long) strips lemon rind
• 2  cinnamon sticks
• 1/2  vanilla bean
• 2  cups  pomegranate juice

Preparation

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large stockpot over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Add the vanilla bean; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Discard solids. Stir in pomegranate juice. Reheat over medium heat until warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

158 (0.0% from fat)

Fat:

0.0g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.0g)

Protein:

1.1g

Carbohydrate:

39.4g

Fiber:

0.0g

Cholesterol:

0.0mg

Iron:

0.0mg

Sodium:

4mg

Calcium:

5mg

Charity Ferreira, Ice Cream Treats: Easy Ways to Transform Your Favorite Ice Cream into Spectacular Desserts, Cooking Light, OCTOBER 2006