Hot Apple Cider

I had a request at the Market yesterday for a spice mixture for Hot Apple Cider.  Why did I not think of this?  It would have been a hit at the Market!  Next year.

I came up with these little bouquet garni.  Simmer with 8 - 10 cups of apple cider or unrefined apple juice.  Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar or maple syrup and serve.

Hot Apple Cider Bouquet Garni

Cut a double thickness of fine cheesecloth into 3 - 4 inch squares.  Use pinking shears if you have them for a nice finish.  Fill each with the following mixture -

1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon dried orange zest

I broke the cinnamon stick in half and tied one half outside the bag for decoration.  I broke the other half into little pieces and put them inside the bag.  A trick to dry orange zest is to use the microwave oven.  I used finely grated orange zest and microwaved for about 50 seconds.  Do check it often because it can burn easily.