After a fun day of winter play, take the chill off with a mug of this spirited cranberry mulled cider.

Cranberry Mulled Cider

24 whole cloves

1 orange

8 cups apple cider

4 cups cranberry juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon Angostura bitters

24 whole allspice

1 cup dark rum (optional)

1. Press cloves into orange and place it in a heavy saucepan. Add water, cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon, bitters and allspice. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
2. Strain into punch bowl or crockpot. and add the rum, if desired.

Makes 12 servings.