The first fall snow has fallen and the cold weather appears to be here to stay.  On these cold nights a glass of hot apple cider is the perfect beverage to keep you cozy and warm.  Add some dark rum and you have a real treat on your hands.  I have made this recipe on the stove top letting it simmer at least 30 minutes, or in the crock pot on low for a few hours.  I find that the cider turns out better if you start with a good quality and fresh apple cider.  The spices can be expensive to purchase, but the jars will typically last you for several rounds of cider.

Ingredients:

2 quarts apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole allspice berries
10 whole cloves
2 anise stars
1 orange thinly sliced
1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
Dark Rum

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil.  Simmer for at least 30 minutes on low.  If you want to make this in the crock pot, place all ingredients in the crock pot and place on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

2. Ladle out of pot being careful to not spoon the loose spices into mugs.

3. Add 1 shot of dark rum if desired and garnish with cinnamon stick.

Enjoy!