Easy & Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a college student in a dorm should be in want of the comforts of home. One of these comforts, at least for me, is spiced apple cider in the fall. It is something that my Grandmother taught me to make when I was younger and something that I have missed very much since going to college. Luckily for me, I am living in an apartment-style building this year and have easy access to the stove. (Which is fantastic because being unable to cook last year was killing me.) The cool are is certainly starting to settle in which makes it a fantastic time to enjoy a nice cup of spiced apple cider! Luckily for you, this delicious beverage couldn't be simpler to make!

Ingredients:

1 gallon Apple Cider (I bought mine at Walmart, but if you live near an apple house, even better!)

1 box of Red Hots

 (Yep. That's it.)

Equipment:

1 large pot

1 stirring spoon

1 funnel

1 set of measuring cups

Instructions:

1. Place your pot on the stove and pour in your apple cider. If your pot is too full and is at risk of bubbling over, ladle out a few cups of cider and store them in a separate container.
2. Heat the stove eye to a just-below-medium setting. Making great cider takes time. You don't want the stove eye so hot that your cider burns!
3. With your measuring cups, add Red Hots for desired taste. This is all up to you. I added a little less than 1/2 a cup for cider with a little more of a kick. If you want spiced cider with a bite, add more. If you want a more subdued flavor, add less.
4. Let the mixture sit on the stove for around 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Depending on your stove, this may take more or less time. You'll know it's done when the cider is red, all Red Hots are melted, it lets off a little steam, and your kitchen smells delicious!
5. Turn eye off and let the cider cool a bit before you enjoy!

Warm and sweet spiced cider in a Bahamas mug!
Thinking warm thoughts!

 Once cider has cooled, it can be returned to its original container and stored in the fridge. Spiced cider is yummy warm of even cold! Be sure to drop 3 or 4 Red Hots in the cup before you microwave your cider if you are choosing to do so. Some of the good, spiced taste can get lost if you don't.

It's so yummy that there wasn't much left to store!

And there you have it! With few ingredients and very little effort, you can make a fall favorite in the comfort of your own home!

Enjoy some awesome apple cider and stay warm! Be sure to follow me for more tasty recipes!