Mamacat's-Not-So-Secret-Anymore-Hot-Cider Recipe

Mamacat's Not-So-Secret-Anymore Cider

One of the biggest hits of the Chez Terez & Friends Holiday Bazaar (which I have yet to properly tell you about!) was Mamacat's Secret Recipe Hot Apple Cider.

"What's that smell?" just about every person who walked in the door asked.
"Mamacat's hot apple cider, want some?"
"Yes, yes, YES!"

Everyone wanted to know what's in it. And so my lovelies, I'll tell you:
2 quarts apple juice
1 quart orange juice
Squeeze of one lemon
2 cups of water
1 cup of sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
4 allspice berrys
8 cloves

"Orange juice? Really?" "Really."
"Allspice? Really?" "Really."

Pour the juices in a pot bring to a boil. Meanwhile take two cups of water and add to it the cinnamon, allspice and cloves in a separate pot. Bring spices and water to a boil and then add sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved (important! or you will burn your pan!). Simmer the spices for 10 minutes--a little longer won't hurt and your home will smell great. Combine the spice liquid with the fruit juices and continue to simmer. As long as your party goes. If it cookes down too much, add some water. If you are ready for a kick, add some bourbon. (Although it is important to note Mamacat would never ever add bourbon, in one million years).

Pour, inhale, let it cool, sip, and ahhhh.

For our non-cider friends we had a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream and candy canes. I had plenty of both drinks.

Peppy Mint Cocoa

Sigh. Heaven in a mug.

And speaking of heaven, you know you have an angel of a friend when she makes an extra long commute home in the cold (20 degrees RealFeel!) to bring you this because you are sick:

Zaftig's Famous Matzo Ball Soup

KRR is truly an angel among us!

To good health, and hot liquids on a cold night--

TEREZ