After braving the cold outdoors, I always can’t wait to come in, have a hot drink, and thaw out a little. Last week, we had a huge snowstorm, which is pretty unusual for here. The white stuff actually stuck around for a few days too! My daughter’s school called in a snow day, so she and my son had a blast playing outside in it, watching tons of Christmas movies, and just enjoying a day at home. My husband even got to come home early from work because of the weather conditions! It was the best day ever!
The kids talked me into playing with them outside. I had the ingredients on-hand for this delicious Hot Cider Punch, so I put a batch of it on the stove top to warm while we were out. Then I bundled everyone up, including my very excited baby, and took one for the team. Long after our toes and hands were frozen stiff, the kids finally agreed (to appease their mom) to go inside for a bit. 🙂
Needless to say, this drink was a very welcome sight after our, more than, hour of playtime in the cold!
Are you a fan of cider? If so, this drink is for you! The pineapple and orange juice give it a unique, yet delicious spin on the traditional hot cider that you may be accustomed to.
It’s sure to warm you right through!
The clove-infused orange slices lend a wonderful spice to the sweet punch base.
{HOT CIDER PUNCH}
Recipe originally from Taste of Home
3 1/2 cups apple cider or juice
2 T. sugar
1 cinnamon stick (3 in.)
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1 t. whole cloves
1 medium orange, cut into wedges
3 cups orange juice
3 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
In a large saucepan, combine the cider, sugar, cinnamon stick and nutmeg; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, insert cloves into orange wedges; add to cider mixture. Stir in orange and pineapple juices; heat through. Discard cinnamon stick. Serve warm.
While it’s simmering, the house is filled with the wonderful aroma of the magical scents of the season. Its gorgeous color is perfectly offset by a festive red and white-striped straw…Christmas in a cup!
Put on some cozy slippers and pajamas and enjoy!
http://futureexpat.com/2013/12/required-ingredient-sugar/
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