The Joys of Cider

by Heather C.

Apple cider is starting to appear in the stores of the local orchards.  It is estimated that in the United States over 12,000,000 gallons of apple cider are made each year by small orchards.  That doesn't even  include the larger amount made by national companies. 

With so much cider available people have become very inventive in using it.  Beside just drinking it cold there are many versions of hot mulled ciders.  Here is just one version to get you started.

1. Pour one gallon of fresh cider into a large pot and a dd a half cup of brown sugar.
2. Place 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, 1 teaspoon of whole allspice, and 3 cinnamon sticks in a square of cheesecloth and tie up. Add to the pot.
3. Heat the cider to a boil, stirring regularly. 
4. After it boils, simmer for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the spice bag before serving.

Cider isn't limited to drinks.  You can use it for foods as diverse as doughnuts, sweet potatoes, and meats.

So far the best sounding recipe I've found is this one for a wonderful frosty treat.

1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 quart apple cider

 

In a medium bowl cream together the ice cream, butter, sugar, and spices.

Re-freeze mixture

In a medium pot heat apple cider to just hot.

Scoop equal amounts of ice cream mixture into each of 6 tall glasses.

Pour hot cider on top and serve.

Heather C. lives in Ohio near a place where Johnny Appleseed lived so there are lots of orchards producing lots of apples to be used for cider.