Mulled Cider

[Scott]

In ancient Ireland, apple trees were one of three things ( the others being a hazel bush, and the other, an oak grove ) that could only be paid for with other living objects-money could not exchange hands. In Tir-na-n?g, the Celtic land of the ever young, apple trees bore both fruit and flowers at the same time. In Christian myth of paradise, no specific fruit is ever mentioned for the Tree of Life, but most everyone interprets it to mean an apple. Three of the finest apple specimens should be left as an offering to the Goddess and to the faeries who tend the grove.

8 cups of apple cider
1/2 cup of brown sugar
Pinch of ground nutmeg
6 inches of stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon of whole allspice
1 teaspoon plus 8 whole cloves
8 orange wedges, rind attached
Cheesecloth

In a large saucepan, combine cider, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Place cinnamon, allspice, and 1 teaspoon of whole cloves in cheesecloth and tie with string. Add spice bag to cider mixture; bring to boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Remove spice bag and discard. Serve cider in mugs with a clove studded orange wedge in each.Reserve the cinnamon sticks for a decorative touch.
_________________
May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a song in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles
of the people you love.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------