Warm Fall Cider With Spices

In 'Sunday Brunch' by Betty Rosbottom

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 2  quarts  fresh apple cider
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 cup  firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 10  thin slices oranges, cut in half
• 1⁄2 apple, cored but not peeled, cut into thin slices
• 3  cinnamon sticks, broken in half (2-3 inch length per stick)
• 10  cinnamon sticks, for garnish
• 4  whole cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  grated fresh nutmeg
• 1⁄2 cup dark rum (optional)

Directions

1. Place the cider in a large saucepan set over medium heat and heat until it is warmed through.
2. While the cider is heating, melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan set over medium heat.
3. When the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir for about 1 minute (the sugar will not be completely dissolved).
4. Add the warm cider and stir until all the sugar has dissolved into the liquid.
5. Add half of the orange slices, the apple slices, the halved cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and rum.
6. Stir and cook at a simmer, until the flavors have melded well, 8-10 minutes.
7. Ladle the warm cider into mugs or cups.
8. Garnish each mug with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick and serve.