Easy Sipping

Whether you’re giving “Dry January” a try, or you just want to change things up, nonalcoholic drinks are quite the rage right now. And this array of four “mocktails” makes it easier to keep your resolutions, while quenching your thirst, too.

Pear & Apple Cider

Warm up with an easy spiced cider — a mug of this is certain to chase those cold winter nights away.

Makes 8 servings (8 cups) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 7 hours (low)

4 pears (such as Bartlett),

chopped

4 apples (such as Fuji),

chopped

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3 cinnamon sticks (3-inch) 2 tsp. whole allspice

1 tsp. whole cloves

1 knob fresh ginger (1-inch),

peeled and thinly sliced 1 vanilla bean, halved

lengthwise, seeds scraped 5 cups water

Place pears and apples in a

5- to 6-qt. slow cooker; top with brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, and vanilla bean. Add water to slow cooker; cover and cook cider on high setting 2 hours, or low setting 6 hours. Smash fruit with a potato masher, then cook cider 1 hour more. Strain cider through a fine-mesh sieve, or cheesecloth, into a pitcher or pot; serve warm.

Per serving: 143 cal; 0g total fat (0g sat); 0mg chol; 5mg sodium; 38g carb (5g fiber, 30g total sugars); 0g protein