2 Tree Trimming

MULLED COUNTY CIDER

Gathering around the tree marks the start of the holiday season. And there’s no better way to set the mood than with your favourite Christmas tunes and wafts of baking spices and apple pie coming from a pot of cider mulling on the stove or slow cooker. Our recipe mixes Prince Edward County’s flagship tipple, County Apple Cider (LCBO 470898, 500 mL, $5.95) with a classic combination of cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and star anise—but you can riff off this recipe with a custom mix from your spice cupboard to suit your tastes. And don’t forget to make a non-alcoholic version with fresh-pressed juice for the little ones.

1 Pour three 500-mL bottles of County Apple Cider into a large pot or slow cooker on low heat and gently stir to blow off the carbonation.

2 Place 1½ tbsp (22 mL) cardamom pods, 1 tbsp (15 mL) allspice seeds, 1 tbsp (15 mL) whole cloves, 1 whole star anise and 1 cinnamon stick in cheesecloth or a loose-leaf tea bag and tie off securely. Place sachet in the pot or slow cooker and heat up until it just begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the spices are infused. Add 1 sliced orange and ½ cup (125 mL) whole cranberries. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Serves 6