Jack Frost was in the garden,
I saw him there at dawn.
He was dancing around the bushes
And prancing on the lawn.
He had a cloak of silver,
A hat shimm'ring white,
A wand of glittering stardust,
And shoes of sunbeam light.
~J. Smeeton
Spiced Winter Cider
(serves about 16)
1 gal. apple cider
5 cinnamon sticks, plus a few extra for garnish
2 oranges, sliced into wheels
1 red and 1 green apple, cored and sliced
1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves
1/4 c. dried cranberries
1-2 oz of spiced rum or brandy (i.e. Tuaca, or Capt. Morgan) per serving (optional)
In a large pot, combine all the fruit, spices, and cider (everything but the booze) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Ladle cider (without fruit or spices) into mugs and serve hot. If desired, add a shot of rum or Tuaca and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
