Last Minute Crock Pot Hot Apple Cider -And Frozen Orange Juice Tip

I'm calling this Last Minute Hot Apple Cider because comes together with just a few pantry ingredients. The key is keeping a can of frozen condensed orange juice in the freezer. While fresh orange slices are pretty, they may not always be in the house, but I do always have a can of frozen OJ. Add a couple cinnamon sticks and cloves, a dash of sugar and you're good to go. It's also nice that folks can casually ladle warm refills from your slow cooker as desired. Oh and, even if you're not rushing around getting ready for unexpected guests, you might want to set the Crock Pot to low so this tasty, mildly spiced treat will be waiting to warm you after a couple hours of shopping or chores:@)

You can find my Spritz Cookie Pinterest Board here.

Tips:

• If really pressed for time the cider can be heated quickly on the stove then poured into the slow cooker on low or warm for serving.
• This could be set up as a little self-serve bar area, allowing guests to make themselves a hot toddy if they'd like.
• I prefer to keep orange juice concentrate in the freezer because I just don't drink a whole bottle of OJ. I spoon about a Tblsp or so (to taste) for each glass of juice or drink I make. Then push plastic wrap down into the container and press it against the top of the concentrate. This keeps ice crystals out and helps keep it fresh for a very long time. Once I get about half way through the container I simply cut through the cardboard container, make it shorter and add the plastic wrap again.

Crock Pot Hot Apple Cider
For every:
4 C apple cider
2 Tblsp frozen orange juice concentrate
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves-they get spooned out right before serving
2 Tblsp brown sugar

1. Add everything to slow cooker. Cover and turn to high for one-two hours. Reduce to low or warm setting (if you have it). Alternately, set to low for 3-4 hours. I used my 2 quart Crock Pot and it cooks hot. It was nice and warm after one hour on high, hot and nicely spiced by two hours.
2. Remove cloves before serving.
3. Ladle into mugs or tea cups and enjoy.
4. Optional-allow guests to add rum, brandy, bourbon, Grand Marnier, schnapps or liquor of choice to their cup.

Enjoy a seasonal beverage and have a happy day:@)

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