'Tis the Season for Hot Apple Cider

Actually, the season is almost over. That’s why we have to enjoy every second left of apple season, and with it, apple cider both cold and hot. Here in Pennsylvania the leaves have already fallen, and the frost has killed off everything in the garden except for the kale, garlic, and celery (which, honestly, I did not plant—I think my husband snuck it in—but it’s looking really good).

Looking to stretch your food budget? A surprising grain beats out even blueberries when comparing antioxidant content.

All my kids (and my niece Shelbi, too!) love my hot cider. And it’s so easy to make. The key is starting with real cider, preferably organic. Here is the recipe:

Maria’s Hot Apple Cider

Ingredients:

4 cups apple cider
6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 organic orange or tangerine

Directions:

1. Put the cider in a pot on the stove.

2. Throw in the cloves and cinnamon stick.

3. Slice the orange in half. Squeeze the juice of one half into the cider. Then slice up the other half and throw it in the pot, skin and all (which is why it’s so important to use an organic orange).

4. Heat and serve!

And here is one other thing I like to do with apple cider—add it to a vinaigrette salad dressing

Easy homemade salad dressing recipes, such as Tomato-Ginger Vinaigrette or Low-Fat Blue Cheese Dressing, are packed with taste and nutrition.

Maria’s Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons fresh apple cider
1 giant pinch of salt
3 Tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Mix the vinegar, cider, and salt.

2. Add the olive oil and stir with a fork (the way you would scramble eggs).

3. Toss into a salad, preferably one that contains some toasted walnuts, and maybe some sort of cheese. Yum!

Apple cider is one of those things that softens the blow of the upcoming winter. But alas, winter is on its way.

Check out 5 Delicious Apple Recipes for Apple Season

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Carole R.

11:00PM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Thanks for the recipe.

send a green star

Penny C.

6:51PM PDT on Nov 1, 2011

This will be great for xmas thank you.

May H.

12:01PM PDT on Oct 29, 2011

Tis the season for traditional ginger wine,its great when its hot and you have just came in from the snow and cold,warms the cockles of your heart lol

Michele W.

7:11AM PDT on Oct 29, 2011

Thank you

Past Member .

6:59AM PDT on Oct 16, 2011

thanks

Jennifer C.

10:22PM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

Love the recipes. Thanks.

Jessica S.

9:42AM PST on Dec 10, 2010

thank you!