Old School Apple Cider - Homemade!!!

One of my favorite childhood memories of autumn was apple cider. There are few things that complete a cool fall day like a nice warm cup of apple cider.

After you consider what it takes to make apple cider you might think twice about purchasing it at the store.

It is super simple to make and is a great activity to do with the kids after an afternoon of picking apples at the local orchard.

Another benefit to making your own cider is that you are in control of how sweet you want your cider. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your tastes and to the sweetness of the apples.

Ingredients

• 10-12 medium apples
• 1/2-1 cup sugar
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole nutmeg

Process

1. Wash and quarter the apples - don't worry about peeling or removing the seeds from the apples
   
   
2. Toss the apples into a large stock pot
   
   
3. Add the sugar and spices and then enough water to cover
   
   
4. Bring to a boil and boil uncovered for one hour
   
   
5. Turn down the heat, cover and simmer for at least two hours
   
   
6. Using a potato masher, mash the contents of the pot
   
   
7. After mashing allow the apples to cool
   
   
8. Once cooled, strain over a pitcher or pot
   
   
9. If desired, you can put the pulp into cheesecloth and squeeze to remove even more of the juice
   
   
10. Store the cider in the refrigerator and reheat before serving