Spiced Hot Apple Cider

When I was young, I loved drinking hot apple cider from packages of apple-flavored powdered mix commonly found at convenience stores and coffee counters. It wasn't until I was in junior high that I discovered real hot apple cider was actually made with real apple cider and not a mix you add water to. I was at a friend's house and her mother offered me a mug of spiced cider with a cinnamon stick. The cider smelled incredible, and I sipped it very slowly so I could enjoy it as long as I could. Drinking the real stuff was an eye-opener. I remember thinking, "Wow, this is really, really good."

Long before I married my husband, I knew that someday I wanted to be the type of mother who shared her love of cooking and good food with her children. Although I liked those powdered apple cider packets when I was a kid, I love being able to share the real thing with my kids so they can experience and appreciate the real thing. And they do love it, especially on a cold dreary morning. Making apple cider is so simple, and a great activity the family can do together. Simply mix apple cider and a few spices and bring it to boil, and then a low simmer. This recipe also uses fresh orange slices to add a layer of citrus flavor to make it extra special. With Halloween approaching, I can't think of a better warm drink to make before the kids head out for an evening of trick or treating. Recipes like this one are what fond childhood memories are made of.