Warm spiced apple cider

Ingredients:

• 4 large Bramley apples
• 1 orange, peeled and sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 8 cups water

Method:

1. Begin by washing and roughly chopping the apples, including the peels and cores. You don't need to worry about removing seeds or stems; they will add flavour.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, brown sugar, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.
3. Pour in 8 cups of water and place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. The apples should become very soft, and the mixture will take on a rich, aromatic aroma.
5. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
6. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the softened apple mixture in the saucepan. This will help release even more flavour.
7. Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Carefully pour the apple cider mixture through the strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
8. Discard the solids, and you'll be left with smooth, spiced apple cider.
9. Serve your warm spiced apple cider in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired.

Enjoy your comforting and seasonal Warm Spiced Apple Cider!