Caramel Apple Cider

1 (64-ounce) bottle of apple juice or cider
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed or a high-quality brand such as Simply Orange
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 orange
8 cloves
1/3 cup bottled caramel sauce (plus more to tast if desired)
Sweetened whipped cream (p.252 or from a can)
Ground cinnamon

1. Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot on the stove. Set heat to medium-high. Add orange juice, cinnamon sticks & allspice.

2. Thoughly wash your orange & then gently stab the while cloves into it. If you find it hard to do that with out destroying the cloves, use a toothpick to poke little holes first and then insert the cloves.

3. Gently drop the whole orange into the pot. Bring the cider to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer on low for 60 minutes or longer if you wish. If at any time the orange splits open, remove it from the pot.

4. After the cider has simmered for an hour, add caramel sauce & stir to combind and dissolve. Add more caramel to tast if needed.

5. When ready to serve, ladle the cider into mugs, top with whipped cream, and give it a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Serves 8-10 ~Our Best Bites~ page 27