Hot Spiced Cider

8 cups apple cider or apple juice
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 inches stick cinnamon
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
8 strips orange peel, optional
8 whole cloves, optional

In large pan, mix cider and brown sugar.

For spice bag, place cinnamon, allspice, the 1 teaspoon cloves and the shredded orange peel in center of double thick 6 inch square of 100 percent cotton cheesecloth. Tie closed with clean kitchen string. Add spice bag to cider mixture. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. remove and discard spice bag.

If desired, thread each orange peel strip onto a wooden pick. Insert a whole clove into each strip. Serve with cider in mugs.

Makes about 8 servings.

Cooking with Brown Sugar: 51 Recipes