Crockpot Apple Cider

Sooooo, today I have a multi-tasking recipe for you just in time for all these happy holidays that are on their way!

Not only is this recipe delicious, incredibly easy, and accidentally pink (!!!!), it will make your home smell AMAZING! Who doesn't want a holiday home that smells like delicious homemade cider and spices? I don't want to meet whoever that person is.

Now, I know these next few months are going to be bonkers insane for you with all the shopping and hosting and traveling, but all the effort this recipe requires is a few minutes cutting fruit into quarters and a little patience straining the cider once it's done. Between those two tasks all you have to do is let the fruits do their thing and fill your home with the best scent of all time! Truly, it's so good. 

The other really wonderful thing about this recipe is, next to the sugars in the fruit, we aren't adding any extra sugar. Personally, I love a tangy cider, but if you want a little extra sweetness the original recipe calls for a few tablespoons of maple syrup. Additionally, if you want to make any other changes DO IT! Add the fruits you like. Omit the fruits you don't. It's really that easy. 

My apples came from Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA. The orchard is a pick-your-own fruit place right off I-64 with sweeping views of the city. It's gorgeous and I'm obsessed. While I picked my apples I sipped on an apple cider slushy (OBSESSED) and bought two dozen apple cider donuts that were still warm despite being in their container. I was a happy gal. 

Crockpot Apple Cider

very slightly adapted from Half Baked Harvest

11 apples, quartered (I used Jonagold & Honeycrisp apples freshly picked from Carter Mountain Orchard)

1 pomegranate, quartered 

1 navel orange, quartered 

3 cinnamon sticks

Add all ingredients to your crockpot with 5 - 6 cups of filtered water. Cover with lid and let cook on high for 4-5 hours. Intermittently during cooking time, mash softened fruit to help it break down. 

Strain liquid into a pitcher (I strained mine 3 times and used cheesecloth during the final strain to remove most of the pulp) and discard pulp, fruit, and cinnamon sticks. 

Notes

• Add in 2 - 6 tablespoons of maple syrup, depending on your preference, during cooking for a sweeter cider. Taste cider at the end and add more, if desired. 
• Alternatively, you can simmer this on your stovetop until the apples begin to break down. 
• This recipe would be perfect for my Caramel Apple Pie Floats. Do it friends!

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