BUTTERED CITRUS CIDER

6 cups apple cider

1/2 medium unpeeled orange, sliced
8 whole allspice
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange peel strip
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

In a large saucepan, combine the cider and orange slices. Place the allspice and cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange peel on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Pull cheesecloth up to form a bag and tie with kitchen string; add to the cider. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. Discard the spice bag from the cider saucepan. Pour cider into mugs and dot with the butter mixture. Use extra cinnamon sticks as stirrers, if desired.

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