Cider is something that should probably be around for the holidays anyway, but I find it so comforting and soothing when I feel sick. After having a barfalicious weekend, the idea of eating anything made me kind of nervous. So I sipped some hot, delicious cider, and the effect was instantaneous: I felt better, my stomach was less rocky.
Apple Cider
8 cups apple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 orange
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Stir juice, sugar and spices. Slice orange in half and quarter those halves. Place in juice. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I let mine simmer almost all day. I've been sick, and it has been so heavenly to pour myself a mug of flavorful cider. It's not the fanciest, but it's just as satisfying for my craving as any cider would be.
To fancy it up a notch, use real cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, and add some whole cloves. Consider adding honey, lemon, or mint for some experimental fun. You might even use some storebought apple cider in place of the apple juice to pump it up (but I think that's silly).
PS: This can be made in tea-form by putting all the non-juice items (especially if using cinnamon STICKS and WHOLE allspice/cloves) in a cheesecloth. The benefit? Um....you won't have "dregs" in your mug?
