Caramel apple cider

I love apple cider around the holidays.  Last year, Heather made a caramel apple cider for our Christmas party, and it has changed my life!!! Holy cow! MmM!!! I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it is! So I won't.  I will just give you the recipe.  Try it. Love it! 

It is from the cookbook, Our Best Bites (my favorite cookbook ever!)

1-64 ounce bottle apple juice or cider

1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed or a high quality brand such as Simply Orange

2 cinnamon sticks

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1 orange

8 cloves

1/3 cup bottled caramel sauce (plus more to taste if desired)

Sweetened whipped cream 

Ground cinnamon

Directions

*Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot on the stove.  Set heat to medium-high.  Add orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and allspice.

*Thoroughly wash your orange and then gently stab the whole cloves into it.  If you find it hard to do that without destroying the cloves, use a toothpick to poke little holes first and then insert the cloves.

*Gently drop the whole orange into the pot.  Bring the cider to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer.  Simmer on low for 60 minutes or longer if you wish.  If at any time the orange splits open, remove it from the pot.  

*After the cider has simmered for an hour, add caramel sauce and stir to combine and dissolve.  Add more caramel to taste if needed.

* When ready to serve, ladle the cider into mugs, top with whipped cream, and give it a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Hope you enjoy it!! I am positive you will!!

-Melanie