Grandma's Apple Cider Recipe

 Apple Cider

* 12 or so small-medium apples (I prefer Gala apples for their taste)
* 1 small orange
* 1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar (white if you prefer or  1/4 cup whole Stevia leaf for a sugar substitute)
* 3-4 cinnamon sticks
* 1 tbsp. nutmeg
* 1 tbsp whole cloves
* water to cover apples

1.) Wash and roughly chop apples and orange-do not worry about removing peels, seeds, or stems. Toss into a large stock pot.

2.) Add sugar (I start with 1/2 cup, you can always add more later or  1/4 cup whole  Stevia leaf).

3.) Add spices and cover with water.

4.) Bring to a boil and boil uncovered for at least an hour.

5.) Cover and reduce to a simmer. Allow juice to simmer for at least two hours.

6.) Uncover and use a potato masher to roughly mash content of pot. To further reduce: continue simmering until cider is dark and tastes sweet and spicy.

7.)When cider is ready allow to cool then strain apple pieces and whole spices into a clean pitcher or pot.  ( my grandmother's trick was to use a brand new, clean knee high nylon over a large mouth  funnel.)

8.) Serve hot. Store in the fridge and reheat as desired. I have found it makes about a 1/2 gallon.