Fall is here…well as “here” as fall can be in Texas. I’m not sure 85 degree days is what most people think of when they think of cool fall weather. Soon enough, however, we’ll be breaking out the hoodies and jackets and eventually dealing with some fairly cold days. Stash this recipe away for when those days come!
Apple cider is an essential Fall treat, and while you can buy it at pretty much any grocery store it is much better when you make it fresh at home. And, making your own delicious cider is as easy as throwing a bunch of ingredients in a pot and letting them simmer for a few hours. Here’s how to do it!
Cider Ingredients:
- 6 apples, any type you like
- 6 cups of spring water or filtered water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 fresh vanilla bean, or 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 orange peels slices that are 1 inch wide on each side
The Process:
- Wash and quarter the apples.
- Add them to a pot of water with your 6 cups of water, and heat.
- Once it starts to heat, add the cinnamon, vanilla bean or extract, orange peel and some of the sugar.
- Leave the pot uncovered and bring it to a boil. Once it boils allow it to boil for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, cover the pot and simmer it on low heat for 2 more hours.
- Once it’s done cooking, remove for the heat and let it cool completely.
- Then take a potato masher and completely mash the apples in the pot.
- Pour the cider through a strainer to remove all of the solid apple pieces. A cheesecloth is the nest way to strain out everything.
That’s it, eight steps to your own delicious cider. Serve it warm! You can store leftovers in the fridge for about 5 days before it starts to go bad, but I bet it won’t last that long.