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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider

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A comforting, aromatic autumn beverage made in a slow cooker with fresh apples, warming spices, and citrus zest. This easy ‘set it and forget it’ recipe creates a complex, festive drink perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (8 cups) 100% pure apple juice or unfiltered cider
  • 3 to 4 large apples (mix of tart and sweet, e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into wedges
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 to 4 large cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 or 2 star anise
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into coins
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash apples and remove cores. Slice apples into half-inch thick wedges. Peel and slice ginger into thin coins. Use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of orange zest, avoiding the white pith.
  2. Place apple wedges, ginger slices, and orange zest into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in the water first, then add the apple juice or cider. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if short on time).
  6. Once cooked, strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids, or leave solids in for a rustic presentation.
  7. Taste the cider and stir in maple syrup or brown sugar if additional sweetness is desired.
  8. Stir in vanilla extract. Keep on the WARM setting until ready to serve.

Notes

Avoid the white pith of the orange as it becomes bitter when cooked. Do not over-sweeten; taste before adding extra sugar. For a spiked version, add bourbon or rum to individual mugs before serving. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen (strained) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, spiced apple cider, holiday drinks, autumn recipes, cozy beverages, gluten-free drinks, vegan cider

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-apple-cider-easy-holiday-recipe/