Apple Cider Recipe

Apple cider is one of the most popular beverages throughout the world. It is generally served during the late autumn and is associated with the harvest season. Apple cider is considered a traditional beverage for Thanksgiving or Halloween holidays. It is typically a non-alcoholic, unfiltered beverage made from a combination of different types of apples. Traditionally, it is prepared from late-harvest and windfall apples. It is one of the most popular apple recipes. It is tart, more tangy and cloudier than conventional apple juice.

Apple cider can be served hot or cold, sometimes heated and mulled. Hot or mulled apple cider is a favorite autumn and winter beverage. It is made by heating the apple cider to a temperature just below boiling point. It is flavored by adding various spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, etc. So why don't you try this refreshing drink for a wonderful holiday party? Following are some easy-to-make apple cider recipes for you.

Hot Apple Cider

Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
¼ cup real maple syrup
6 whole allspice berries
6 whole cloves
1 lemon peel, cut into strips
1 orange peel, cut into strips

Preparation
In a large saucepan, pour maple syrup and apple cider. Place allspice berries, cloves, cinnamon sticks, lemon peel and orange peel in the center of a cheesecloth. Fold up its sides to enclose the bundle. Then tie it up using a kitchen string. Add this spice bundle into the cider mixture. Allow the cider mixture to heat over moderate heat for about 5-10 minutes. Take care that the cider is very hot, but not boiling. Then, remove the cider from heat and discard the spice bundle. Pour the hot cider into serving mugs and add fresh cinnamon sticks for additional flavor.

Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

Ingredients
1 half-gallon of apple cider
1 tsp nutmeg
2 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp light brown sugar
Zest of one orange

Preparation
In a medium heavy saucepan, place apple cider and heat it over medium heat. Then add nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, cloves, brown sugar and zest of orange. Bring the cider to simmer. Then reduce the heat and let the cider to cook for about 20 minutes. Strain it through a fine mesh strainer and then serve hot.

Green Beans with Apple Cider

Ingredients
2 (16-ounce) bags whole frozen green beans
¾ cup apple cider
1 small yellow skinned onion, finely chopped
Extra-virgin olive oil
Pepper and salt

Preparation
Place the beans in a large microwave bowl, cover it with plastic food storage wrap and keep the bowl in microwave on high for about 5 minutes. Uncover the bowl and stir the beans. Then cover the bowl and again microwave it on high for about 4-7 minutes. In a small skillet, which is heated over medium-low heat, add a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil. Add finely chopped onion and cook it for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring frequently. Then add cider and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook it for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced and a syrup is formed. Remove the beans from the microwave and season them with pepper and salt. Add the beans to the mixture of cider and onion. Toss evenly, until it is mixed well and serve it hot.