SPICED APPLE CIDER
Spiced apple cider is a favorite fall treat, and it has the added benefit of being an easy drink to make at home. It’s also a great way to help keep your immune system healthy during the colder months, as well as being wonderfully tasty on those chilly fall days when you don’t want anything heavy on your stomach.
INGREDIENTS
1 orange
10 medium apples
3 cinnamon sticks (or 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon)
teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup maple syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
DIRECTIONS
- Peel the orange and cut the apples into large chunks, removing the core. Place fruit into a crockpot on the lowest setting.
- Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and maple syrup, then add just enough water to cover the fruit entirely.
- Cook on low heat for 6 hours, then mash all of the fruit to release the flavors and cook another hour.
- Use a mesh strainer to strain all the solids and discard them. Repeat the straining process if necessary.
- Serve hot and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice.
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
Hot chocolate has been enjoyed by many cultures around the world, but Mexico lays claim to have created the drink as far back as 500 BC. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool autumn day or sipping it next to the fireplace on a chilly evening, this homemade hot chocolate is an easy way to warm up your body and satisfy your sweet tooth, free of additives.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups of whole milk*
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar*
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
mini marshmallows (optional)
DIRECTIONS
- Pour milk and vanilla into a medium saucepan and bring to a slow boil.
- Add cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved.
- Gradually stir in chocolate chips until completely melted.
- Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows and a dash of cocoa powder.
*NOTES
Skim or non-dairy milk may be substituted for whole milk.
Sugar may be replaced with honey, maple syrup, or an additional sweetener of choice.
