Chatter has been asking for Apple Cider since the first chilly morning in October. After seeing how high apple cider was-I bought a gallon of apple juice and decided I'd make my own version of apple cider to please Chatter.
I had completely forgotten about the killing frost that took out much of the Apple crop until a few of you reminded me-that is the reason for highly priced apples/apple products.
I got out my Foxfire Appalachian Cookery book and found a recipe for Merry Brew. The recipe is simple-but I didn't have all the ingredients on hand-so I went with what I had.
I poured 2 quarts of apple juice in a pot-and added 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 sticks of cinnamon,
and 1 tablespoon of whole cloves-which I tied up in a piece of cheese cloth. I brought the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
The mixture I created filled Chatter's longing for apple cider-but to tell you the truth-I think it tasted more like Russian Tea than apple cider. In yesterday's comments-I noticed several of you said you put whole apples in your homemade apple cider-I'm definitely going to try that next time.
If you have your own recipe for homemade apple cider-me and Chatter hope you'll leave a comment and share it with us!
Tipper
Here is my recipe for apple cider. It really warms you with the ginger. :-)
Apple Cider
3- 46 oz cans of apple juice
1 T. whole cloves
6 sticks cinnamon
1/2 cups red hot candies
1 tsp. ginger
Combine and heat on low in crock pot, stirring about once an hour. When you are ready to serve ladle into mugs and enjoy!
Posted by: Michelle | October 25, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Oh, yum, Russian tea! Winter is coming-
Posted by: Suzi Phillips | October 24, 2012 at 09:47 PM
This looks so delicious I swear I can smell it through the computer!!
Posted by: MissFifi | October 24, 2012 at 09:22 PM
It's the same spices as Russian Tea, I guess that's why it seems similar to you.
I can't help any with information on cider. It's not something I had growing up.
I do love fresh raw apple juice. I make some occasionally using my juicer.
It always has such a soothing flavor.
Posted by: Miss Cindy | October 24, 2012 at 05:06 PM
That sounds delicious! Here's to making-do and making good!
Posted by: Ethel | October 24, 2012 at 12:52 PM
That sounds so easy; come to think of it, I haven't had Russian tea for a very long time. I like that, too. I am thinking that if you use a whole apple, is it good to peal it or to just put it in whole, skin and all? Thanks for sharing an easy recipe.
Posted by: dolores barton | October 24, 2012 at 09:04 AM
We love apple cider too, but yes, the prices are astronomical this year! Our neighbors pressed some of their own apples, and got 30+ gallons. They shared some with us, and froze the rest. It was delicious!!
Posted by: Alica | October 24, 2012 at 08:41 AM
My recipe that is exactly like yours except I don't need to add the sugar. I just have to stir it with my finger!
Posted by: Iva Rash | October 24, 2012 at 08:04 AM
Nothing like hot apple cider or hot chocolate with marshmellows on a cold winter morning. I am not a coffee drinker, so these re my "morning drinks" of choice on these cold mornings!
Posted by: Liz Petty | October 24, 2012 at 07:14 AM
Tipper,
Have you ever been to Carvers Apple Orchard and Restuarant in or just outside of Cosby? Yummm, and double yummmm! Great food and apples to die for...beautiful...We haven't been there this Fall..and I am not sure of the condition of the crop. One could call I suppose..but we go there for other things as well as the apples.
I checked up on all this apple cider talk and thought how could one get in the cider business without too much expense...The cheapest apple press I found was a large metal contraption for $199 dollars...some run in the hundreds of dollars. Years ago I passed up an old wooden press (antique) because of the problem with storage..wish I had it now..Then I got to thinking about my sons spiffy, spanking new juicer...Why woundn't that work..He grinds up carrots, other veggies and I think apples for a concoction of vitamins..all organic...
I really think to get the old time cider taste..one has to use
dropped or culled apples, that has a little protein in them, like one commentor said yesterday.
The long cooking period with the correct amount of spices, and the straining...probably add much to the flavor.
I remember Moms cider was not clear like the store bought variety...and had pulp in it..which she loved..Maybe that is why she lived to 93...She used to say she tried her best not to think about the tiny worms in those old dropped apples they scoured for...
Thanks Tipper,
Hoping for some good recipes for cider posted today..with or without store bought apple juice...In the meantime, it has warmed up here again and lemon ice tea is on the menu right now until the cold front this weekend...
Posted by: B. ruth | October 24, 2012 at 06:57 AM
This is a must try for that 1/4 cup I need now and then for a recipe. Don't really drink it myself.
Posted by: Sheryl Paul | October 24, 2012 at 06:52 AM
I don't have a recipe, but you sure are making me want some.
Posted by: Lonnie Dockery | October 24, 2012 at 04:42 AM