Spiced Hot Apple Cider

Paleo spiced hot apple cider with more than a hint of orange, star anise and allspice… sounds marvelous, right? Plus it only takes 4 hours – in the slow cooker that is, leaving you plenty of time to prepare your home and a feast for a winter-warming party, as no stirring is required either. This also means that you have bountiful moments for shopping, wrapping gifts and creating some luxurious chocolate covered almond butter stuffed dates. Tis the season to indulge, just a little bit, so make sure you fill your belly with all the best ingredients.

Since you are using the entire orange – pulp, peel and all -, make sure to choose an organic one. Though few of us take the chance to eat it, the peel is the healthiest part of the orange. Orange peels are rich in flavonoids, which in turn help to prevent chronic diseases, a sure sign that beaming health is near. Organic apple juice in its purest form is inherently sweet, yet even that depends on the apples it is made from. If you desire a slight hint of sweetness, to go along with the tartness in your hot apple cider, then simply stir in a teaspoon of raw honey right before serving. Of course, if there are no kids around, you can always slip in a wee bit of your favorite rum.

Another dairy-free, bite-size festive treat to serve with hot apple cider is a sampler of chocolate-coconut bites, melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 quarts fresh pressed apple juice
• 6 whole star anise
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 10 allspice berries
• 1 orange, sliced

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker pot. Cook on low for 4 hours.
2. Strain prior to serving.
3. Keep sealed and refrigerated for up to two weeks.