Nothing says Fall more than a cup of Homemade Apple Cider. When the days start getting chilly, I love opening the windows and letting in the fresh cool air, curling up with a blanket and a cup of this hot Apple Cider recipe. This recipe is super easy, and your house will smell so good while it’s cooking. The recipe is customizable, so if there is a spice you’re not a fan of or too much sugar, adjust to your own preference.
Choosing Apples for Apple Cider Recipe
I have mentioned how we love to go apple picking, so I make my desserts based on what the farm is offering. If you can be selective, a variety of apples that are both sweet and tart work best. I love Granny Smith and Honeycrisp; they are my go-to blend. I also love Gala, Empire, Fuji, and Winesap, which I used for this recipe.
The crockpot will be doing most of the work for you, and the prep for this recipe couldn’t be any simpler. Leaving the skins on, just cut the apples into rough big slices. Add in half of the lemon, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Fill the crockpot with all but 1 cup of water. Use the remaining cup to dissolve the sugar, allspice, and nutmeg, then add to the crockpot.
At this point, it might be hard to stir, so cover and simmer on low for 4-5 hours or high for 3. Midway through, as the apples start to soften, give a stir to incorporate all the flavors.
You know it’s ready when a potato masher easily breaks through the apples. Before you go to town smashing, remove the half of lemon. It has done its job giving off a nice citrus flavor during cooking, and no more is needed during the mashing stage.
Smooth or Pulpy?
After mashing, next comes the straining. If you want a smooth Apple Cider, two passes through a mesh strainer might be needed, or once through a fine cheesecloth. If you like pulp, one pass will be fine. I have double strained to be smooth and left some pulp, and both are very delicious
Leave a pot on the stove simmering, and your whole house will smell cozy as the warm apples, cinnamon, and cloves fill the air.
What something a little harder? Check out my Apple Cider Sangria Recipe. It has apples, spice and is a perfect signature drink for Thanksgiving.
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