There is something so comforting about the smell of hot mulled cider dancing its way throughout the house and warming our spirits. Marry this with the magical dark time of the year when it's cold outside and you get to snuggle under fluffy sweaters and soft blankets with the people and pets you love.

Now, I have to admit that I don't love the traditional mulled spice recipes so I came up with my own! I omitted the cloves and the cardamom that are often found in traditional recipes because they are just not my favorite spices.  These are just my personal preferences of course, but I just know that you're going to love this recipe as much as I do. Plus... there's alcohol so how can one go wrong?  ;)  Just make a separate batch for the kiddos.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (or two 16oz cans) of your favorite Hard Apple Cider
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract or one vanilla bean 
• 4 Orange Slices
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 Star Anise pods
• 1/3 cup of Cranberries
• One small piece of Ginger 
•  A dash of Tumeric
• 4 teaspoons of raw honey

Place all ingredients except the honey into a pan or crockpot and simmer for at least 25 minutes, be careful not to let it boil or the alcohol fairies will fly away. The flavors will evolve and strengthen if you choose to let it hang out on low heat for a few hours.

You may choose to put all of the spices into some cheesecloth or not, I love to see them all floating around because it looks so beautiful and festive! 

Pour into a fancy glass and use a strainer or slotted spoon to remove some of the goodies from the cup.  Garnish with an orange slice, cinnamon stick and star anise if you please. Add a teaspoon of raw, local honey to sweeten it and to give to give your immune system an extra boost. 

Cheers!