Orange-Spiced Hot Cider

My first request for a recipe from a reader!  How exciting!  O.K., so it was my brother–Thank you Jay, for being supportive.  Hopefully you are only the first of many more to come.  I think that you speak for many people with you question regarding how to make homemade hot cider, and I think that you will be surprised at how quick and easy this recipe is to make.  You can make a double or triple batch, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat as needed.  This would be great to have on hand for visitors over the holidays along with the Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Doughnuts (recipe from November 2).  A few tips:

• If you have time, you can put all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and heat the mixture over low for 3-4 hours.  The longer the cider simmers, the deeper the flavor will be, and your home will smell wonderful.
• For the orange rind, the best tool to use is a carrot or vegetable peeler.  Firmly grasp the orange and peel towards yourself to get the 2-inch pieces.
• Serve with a cinnamon stick for presentation.

Orange-Spiced Hot Cider

Makes 2 quarts (6-8 servings)

2 quarts apple cider

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

1/2 teaspoon allspice berries or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Pinch of ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 two-inch strips of orange rind (about 1 inch wide)

In a heavy saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes.  Strain the mixture and serve hot.