Homemade Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 8–10 medium apples, quartered (a mix of sweet + tart is best)
• 12 cups water
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 orange, peeled & quartered
• 1–2 tbsp pure maple syrup, optional — only if you want it sweeter
• Small pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Add everything except the maple syrup to a large stockpot. Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer.
2. Cover partially and simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring and gently mashing the apples occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and more concentrated it will be.
3. Mash the apples well, then strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the apples to get out as much liquid as possible. Stir in the maple syrup if needed, plus a tiny pinch of salt to bring out the sweetness.
4. Keep it on very low/warm until you’re ready to serve or transfer to glass jars and store in the fridge

P.S — you can save the pomace (aka the pulp from the apples) for applesauce!! Just add 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup and remove the cinnamon sticks & cloves.

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Recipe Created By: Lindsey Walden