Orange Spiced Cider

Prep: 10 min., Cook: 30 min. Omit rum for a kid-friendly treat.

Yield: Makes 8 cups

Ingredients

• 1  (64-oz.) bottle apple cider
• 1/4  cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 1  orange, cut into wedges
• 2  (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1  teaspoon  whole cloves
• 1  teaspoon  whole allspice
• Dash ground nutmeg
• 1/2  cup  dark rum (optional)
• Garnishes: cinnamon sticks, dried persimmon slices

Preparation

1. Bring first 7 ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer into a container, discarding solids. Stir in rum, if desired. Garnish, if desired, and serve warm.