MULLED APPLE CIDER

5 cups apple cider

2 cinnamon sticks, cracked

8 allspice berries

6 whole cloves

1 strip orange peel, about 2-inches

4 thin orange slices, optional

4 cinnamon sticks, optional

In a small heavy non-metallic saucepan, place cider, 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves and orange peel; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Adjust heat so mixture barely bubbles, cover and simmer 15 minutes.

Strain cider into 4 mugs. Garnish each with an orange slice and/or a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

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