Oh, the weather outside is frightful! Well, that’s a matter of opinion. I love the chilly weather, and during this hustle and bustle time of year, I welcome the chance to snuggle up under a lap blanket with a book. I’ll be honest, it’s more like my laptop to get some writing done, but I’d swap it for a book if my priorities were in order. Book or laptop, I know what will be in my free hand: a Ginger Spiced Hot Apple Cider.
I wanted to share a rousing recipe for a cocktail, but it’s just too chilly to think of anything other than a warm drink. I’m sharing a simple Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend that’s more than a mulling spice. The term mulling spice is so 14th century, so I’m going with spice blend.
This blend makes the ideal holiday gift.
- Pre-prepare either of the mulled cider recipes (below) and package it in a mason jar with instructions to warm and enjoy. Consider giving the spice blend with a quart of local cider, writing the cider recipe on the gift tag.
- Fill a mason jar with 1/3 cup raw sugar and one batch of the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend. Write the instructions for the Bourbon Spiced Wine (recipe below) and gift with either bourbon or local wine.
- Simmer the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend with 12 ounces of maple syrup for 5 minutes. Allow to cool and refrigerate overnight. Strain. Wow your French toast or boring pancakes. (I totally just called your breakfast food boring.)
- Before guests arrive, simmer 4 cups of water with the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend for one hour. The scent is warm and welcoming.
- Infuse apple cider by adding the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend to 8 ounces of simmering apple cider. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 2-4 hours. Strain and gift the infused cider to a food lover.
- Infuse a simple syrup with the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend. Bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of raw sugar to a low boil, add the spices, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool and refrigerate overnight. Strain into a glass bottle. Serve as a holiday cocktail with Prosecco. If you are feeling extra festive, add a splash of Art of the Age’s Snap to taste.
Serving ideas for my Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend include a Spiced Hot Apple Cider and Bourbon Spiced Wine. If you like, heat the cider in a slow cooker on a low setting for 2 hours versus the stove method. Josh Nagle, local cicerone in training and 2 Weird Hungry Girls podcast guest, says his mother slow cooks a similar blend overnight for maximum flavor infusion. You can simmer the spice blend in a cheesecloth sack or be sure to strain before serving.
Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Gently simmer, while covered, the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend recipe with 4 cups local apple cider for 1 hour. Strain and serve as is.
Ginger Spiced Hot Apple Cider Vinegar: Gently simmer, while covered, the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend recipe with 4 cups local apple cider for 1 hour. Add 3 Tablespoons of Art of the Age’s Snap (Organic neutral spirits with blackstrap molasses, ginger and North American spices).
Bourbon Spiced Wine : Combine 1 bottle of wine with the Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend, 1/3 cup raw sugar, 1/4 cup water and 1/4 bourbon. Heat in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low heat.
Vanilla Citrus Spice Blend
Recipe and photos by Phoebe Canakis, PhoebesPureFood.com
This recipe will make one batch of spice blend, adequate for 4 cups of cider or a bottle of wine. Find recipes above. Each batch of the spice blend requires 1/4 of an orange’s peel. Make 4 batches at a time.
Ingredients
- Peel of 1/4 orange, organic if available
- 10 cloves buds
- 1, 4-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- 4 cardamom pods
- 10 all spice berries
- 1/4 teaspoon lavender buds, optional
Instructions
- Using a sharp paring knife, peel the orange, leaving as much of the pith on the orange as you are able.
- Slice the orange peel into strips. Spread the strips on a plate and dry overnight.
- Combine all the ingredients and place in a jar or small pouch.
