Homemade Apple Cider

Where in the world has this year gone? I must have asked myself that a thousand times this week, and now here it is, nearly December. It's funny when you're younger and people older then you talk about how quickly the time will pass, and you laugh and think they are nuts, well guess what.. they were all right. With Christmas just around the corner and not a lightbulb hung or a gift bought, I have some catching up to do. I need some ideas, so what's under your Christmas tree this year?

Homemade Apple Cider  (Print Me)

~ 1/2 gallon

Ingredients:
12 or so small-medium apples, assorted types
1 small orange
1/2 - 1 cup brown sugar
3 - 4 cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg
1 Tablespoon whole cloves
Water to cover

Directions:
Wash and roughly chop apples and orange (don't worry about removing peels, seeds, or stems). Toss into a large stock pot.
Add sugar (start with 1/2 cup, you can always add more later) and spices, cover with water.
Bring to a boil and continue boiling uncovered for at least an hour.
Cover and reduce to a simmer, allowing juice to simmer for at least two hours.
Uncover and roughly mash fruit. Continue to reduce by simmering until cider is dark and tastes sweet and spicy.
When cider is ready allow to cool then strain fruit pieces and spices into a clean pitcher or pot.
Serve hot, store leftovers in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Source: Chaos in The Kitchen