Prepare this mulled cider in your slow cooker and forget it if you can.
INGREDIENTS
1 gallon apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
1 medium orange
1 piece fresh ginger, 1.5 inches
5 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
4 star anise, optional
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, optional
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice, optional
Orange slices, garnish
Cinnamon sticks, garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a 5-quart slow cooker, pour in the cider or juice. Cut the orange and the ginger into 1/4 inch thick slices and add to the slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves to the slow cooker. If you are adding the optional spices, you can do that now as well. TIP: Add all spices to a muslin spice bag, tie them up in layers of cheesecloth, a coffee filter sachet, or a large tea ball for easy removal. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Skim off any spices floating on the surface or run the cider through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. You can keep the cider in the slow cooker on the warm setting or transfer it to an urn or thermal pitcher to keep warm. Serve in mugs and garnish as desired.