Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 10-12 apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Gala works well)
• 1 orange, peeled and sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole nutmeg 6-8 whole cloves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
• Water
• Nut Milk Bag 

Directions:

1. Wash the apples thoroughly and cut them into quarters, including the cores and peels. You don't need to worry about removing seeds or stems.
2. Place the apple quarters, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and cloves in a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
3. Add enough water to the pot to cover the ingredients completely. It's okay if the apples float a bit; they will soften as they cook.
4. Stir in the brown sugar or your chosen sweetener to taste. The amount you use will depend on your preference and the sweetness of the apples.
5. Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it to prevent it from boiling over.
7. As the mixture simmers, your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful aroma of apple cider. The apples will become soft and mushy.
8. After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
9. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the apples and oranges to extract as much flavor as possible.
10. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth into another pot or large bowl, discarding the solids. You may need to strain it a few times to remove all the solids.
11. Taste the cider and adjust the sweetness and flavor with more sugar or spices if desired.
12. Serve your homemade apple cider warm. You can garnish it with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if you like.

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple cider, perfect for sipping by the fireplace or serving at your next gathering. It's a comforting and seasonal treat that's sure to please!