LM AspirationsLM Aspirations
Cider time of year again…
Are you ready to enjoy the taste of autumn with warm, cozy homemade apple cider? We have an easy apple cider recipe that will have your kitchen filled with wonderful aromas that’ll make you feel like you’re in an apple orchard. Making your own apple cider is not only fun but also an easy way to embrace the season! With a few simple ingredients, you can create a beverage that’s truly unique to your taste. And, it’s great for gatherings or just savoring on a chilly day or evening. Let’s get started!
Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Granny Smith Apples
1 Gala Apple
1 Honeycrisp Apple
1 Orange
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Teaspoon Allspice
1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
5 Tablespoons Sugar (Optional)
1 Lemon
4 – 5 Cups of Water
Rinse apples and orange well.
Core, peel and dice apples in to cubes. Place cubes in bowl of water with lemon juice.
Peel orange and cut out orange segments by cutting between the membranes. Add drained diced apples, orange segments, cinnamon sticks, allspice, nutmeg, and sugar to your pot. Dutch oven or stainless steel stock pot, either will do. Pour in water making sure to cover about 2 inches.
Bring to a boil. Using your cooking thermometer make sure heat reaches up to 160 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, to pasteurize and to kill any harmful bacteria.
Continue to cook on medium for an hour. Lower heat and simmer for two hours or until apples are easy to mash with a spoon. Mash apples. Strain. Some use cheesecloth to strain. Pour into mugs, or store in cleaned and sanitized air tight jars or containers in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
Allow to cool or enjoy warm. Serves 4.
Tip: Once cooled, freeze for later!
Yay, to cozy evenings with a cup of delicious and easy homemade apple cider!