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VOLTAIRE'S MULLED CIDER
COOK TIME:  50 minutes
surge@doubleincision.com

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this recipe comes from Voltaire, my goth dad :) it's delicious, makes a great fall party drink, and also makes your house smell UNBELIEVABLY amazing.

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{ INGREDIENTS }

this recipe is easy to make in larger batches; simply increase the amount of cider and add-ins. it's hard to add "too much" of any ingredient in this recipe :)

- 1/2 gallon apple cider
- 1 large navel orange, unpeeled
- 1 gala or fuji apple, unpeeled
- spices: you can use whole or ground/powdered for any of the spices below, and you can also adjust the amounts to your liking.
	+ cloves
	+ cardamom seeds
	+ allspice berries
	+ star anise
	+ ground nutmeg
	+ cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp brown sugar 

{DIRECTIONS}

1. pour apple cider into a large pot.

2. if using whole cloves, poke them into the skin of your orange. do not peel the orange, simply poke cloves into the skin, evenly spaced all around the surface. add orange directly to the pot.

3. slice apple as you would for snacking. if using whole cloves, again, poke one or two cloves into the flesh of each apple slice. add apple slices to the pot.

4. add spices to the pot. if using ground, add at least 1/2 teaspoon of each. if using whole, start with the combination below, adjusting if you prefer a stronger flavor:
	+ 6 cardamom seeds
	+ 13 allspice berries
	+ 3 cinnamon sticks
	+ 1/2 tsp nutmeg
	+ 3 pieces star anise

5. add brown sugar to the pot.

6. bring the pot to a gentle boil on medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

7. once the cider has finished simmering, transfer to a serving bowl. you can scoop out the solid ingredients if you prefer, or leave them in for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. the apple slices and orange can also be eaten! serve hot, preferably in a mug garnished with an extra cinnamon stick :)