Spiced Apple Cider with Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Cream

Pictured: Hot Spiced Apple Cider topped with Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Cream

I have always been spoiled and lucky enough to grab some Apple Cider at the local orchard or farm stand, especially when we were living in New England. But this year, after my step son started texting me about "tips on making cider at home", I admittedly realized- I have never made my own! And honestly, after trying it out this past weekend, I don't know that I will ever go back to buying it.

1.IT IS SO DELICIOUS. Simple ingredients, marry into this autumnal elixir that hits every fall note you're looking for in a cider- cold or hot!

2. ITS SO EASY. By throwing a few seasonal items, that you most likely have already, into your slow cooker or dutch oven on the stove, and Voila! Hours later you have cider!

3. IT MAKES THE HOUSE SMELL SOOOO WONDERFUL. The sweetness from the apples and brown sugar mixed with warming spices make an intoxicating aroma in your home.

Pictured: The beginning of Slow Cooked Apple Cider Ingredients

Spiced Apple Cider

This recipe yielded me about 1 Quart of Cider.

Ingredients:

5 Apples; Cut into large chunks. I used Gala, however Honeycrisp or any other crisp, sweet apple would work great.

1 Orange; Sliced

2-3 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Tbsp. Whole Cloves

1-2" Ginger Root Chunk; Cut into pieces

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

Water **This depends on the pot you use. You want enough water to just cover the ingredient.

1. Place all of your ingredients into a cast iron dutch oven or Slow Cooker Crock Pot.

2. Fill with enough water to cover ingredients; This will reduce down.

3. Cover. Cook on a low simmer for 2-3 hours or until everything softens enough to mash with a spoon.

4. Using a potato masher or fork, mash all of your ingredients together and simmer for another 1-2 hours, Covered.

5. Strain through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer and enjoy!

This can be served hot or cold. Following is my recipe for Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Cream that pairs so beautifully with the spicy flavors. Other fun ideas for the Cider: Using it to make a brine for Pork or making it into an Herby Rosemary Cider Gravy for a chicken or vegetable dish. More recipes on how to utilize the cider to come!!

Pictured: Chilled Spiced Apple Cider

Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

2 tsp. Real Vanilla Extract

1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1-2 Tbsp. Confectionary Sugar

Pinch of Salt

1. In a standing mixer or a large bowl with hand mixer, add the Heavy Cream, cinnamon, salt and vanilla and mix on medium until begins to thicken.

2. Sprinkle half of the confectionary sugar and mix. Taste to see if it is to your liking and if you prefer it sweeter; add the other half of the sugar.

3. Mix until stiff peaks form and fluffy.

Pictured: Heavy Whipped Cream with Cinnamon and Vanilla

Pictured: Hot Spiced Apple Cider Topped With Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Cream

I hope you all enjoy this as much as we did!! Please let me know how it comes out for you and please comment and share pictures with #alliesfeast on social media!! I know that this has quickly become a fall staple in our house. I can't wait to try it out in some of my savory fall dishes and even a few cocktails!

-Alexandra