Apple cider, steeped in sweet spices and slices of citrus fruit, is served hot in mugs with cinnamon stick stirrers.

Mulled Cider

2 quarts apple cider

1 orange, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

4 (3 to 4-inch) cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Orange and lemon slices

Cinnamon sticks

1. Combine the apple cider, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger in a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Strain into mugs.
2. Garnish servings with additional orange or lemon slices, and a cinnamon stick stirrer.

Makes 16 servings.