Mulled Apple Cider... The Perfect Fall Trea!

Boy, has it been a rainy, chilly start to the weekend here in Atlanta! On top of that, Halloween is just days away... It could not be a more perfect time for me to share one of my favorite fall recipes with you.

Yes, it's time to get some mulled apple cider simmering on your stove!

I adapted this recipe from the amazing Ree Drummond (a.k.a. Pioneer Woman), whose recipes I just love and modify for my boys on a regular basis. While this particular recipe of hers was already allergy-safe for us, I made a few changes to cut down slightly on the sweetness and bring out a little more spice.

I serve this at cider every year at Christmastime, but it's also a perfect fall drink - ideal for trick-or-treating or just sitting around your October and November campfires. All you need is a handful of simple ingredients and about 20-30 minutes on the stove!

Mulled Apple Cider

• 6 cups of your favorite safe, store-bought apple cider or juice

• 2 cups water

• 6 whole cinnamon sticks

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 8-10 whole allspice berries

• the peel from 1 orange

• the peel from 1 lemon

Pour apple cider and water in a large saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, orange peel and lemon peel, and stir together. Bring the cider to a boil, then turn down heat to lowest setting and let cider simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Take cider off heat and let cool. Pour into mugs and garnish with non-dairy whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired.

A few additional things:

* If you are a juicer, by all means make your own juice! While I've always taken the easy route and opted for the store bought version, homemade cider would work beautifully here.

* You can always turn this drink into the "adult" variety by adding a little rum. It's a perfect addition, especially this time of year.

Happy fall, y'all... ENJOY!

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For The Pioneer Woman's original recipe, click here.