DESSERT APPLE CIDER

I set out to make a homemade, healthier, run-of-the-mill hot apple cider, but this concoction is anything but run-of-the-mill and anything but healthy. I set out to flavor it naturally with apples and honey, but partway through decided that, in the name of thanksgiving, this hot apple cider needed something a little more festive. an occasion like this calls for sugar! in fact, I don't mean to brag or anything, but this libation turned out something akin to starbucks' hot caramel apple cider. totally by accident. and being about 1000 miles from the nearest red cup, I am definitely in need of one (or five) of these. however, I will say this is really more of a decadent dessert option than it is a variation of apple juice. I think the thing that shocked me the most about this recipe is how much water boiled off. I am guessing that this is what allows the substance to taste caramelly without actually containing caramel. drizzle it with creamer or whipped cream and you've pretty much solved the 1000-miles-away-from-the-nearest-starbucks problem.

ingredients

4 mix-and-match apples 

(I used 2 fuji and 2 braeburn)

6 cups of water

1/2 medium orange

(about 5 slices)

1/3 white sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

3 cinnamon sticks

1/4 tsp ground allspice

creamer as desired

method

one :: to create the sachet, take a coffee filter and fill it with cinnamon sticks and allspice. for a stronger flavor, use a square of cheesecloth.

two :: wash apples and cut into quarters. place in large saucepan and cover with water. add orange slices, sugar, and vanilla extract. tie the sachet to the handle of the saucepan keeping it upright.

three :: stir and set onto boil. let it be for about 30 minutes.

four :: then, reduce heat and let simmer for 30 more minutes. when finished, remove from heat.

five :: remove sachet and discard. with a potato masher, mash up apples and oranges until it looks something like applesauce.

six :: strain liquid thoroughly into a bowl squishing all of the liquid out of the fruit with a wooden spoon. discard extra fruit pieces.

seven :: top with creamer or whipped cream and enjoy! 

warm, this beverage tastes seriously so similar to starbucks' caramel hot apple cider. chilled, this tastes remarkably like a cool slice of apple pie. perfect for this holiday season! if you try this at home, I'd love to see how yours pans out or if you think like I do--that this tastes like a red cup concoction. use the hashtag #bakewithelegance because I would love to see!

yesterday evening, mitch officially passed his third set of blocks, which is extremely impressive since the third block seems to be the toughest of every semester. we are spending the day getting reacquainted since it is as though we haven't seen each other in forever and this afternoon, we are welcoming his parents to our beautiful, little island. it's always so wonderful when family comes to town. it feels more like a vacation than it does the humdrum of every day life. I hope all of you are keeping warm with many a hot beverage and that you're all having a wonderful tuesday!

love, arielle