Crockpot mulled apple cider

I learned something Sunday at the big 6th birthday blowout. There are two great ingredients to add to your next New England cold-weather party: a propane deck heater (about $130-$150 at your local big box hardware store) and hot mulled apple cider. Both give a lovely sense of warmth and comfort, perfect for extending the outdoor entertaining season.

The hot apple cider, especially prepared in a crockpot, is very easy and proved to be very popular. Place a bottle of Calvados or other brandy by the cider when serving so folks can add a splash if they wish.

Crockpot mulled apple cider
1 gallon of apple cider
4 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
12 allspice berries
3 pieces of crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons maple syrup
peel from 1 orange, cut into strips
peel from 1/4 lemon, cut into strips

Pour apple cider into crockpot. Add cinnamon sticks, maple syrup, orange peel, and lemon peel. Put cloves, allspice, and ginger into a teaball or cheesecloth bag, and place teaball or bag into the cider. Cook covered on high for 2 hours. After 20 minutes, skim out the lemon peel. After 1 hour, skim out the orange peel. After 2 hours, remove spices. Set temperature to low. Prior to serving, set temperature to keep warm.