TRIM-THE-TREE CIDER PUNCH
1 gallon apple cider
12 whole cloves
2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Rome Beauty), peeled, left whole
2 cinnamon sticks
Ground nutmeg
Rum
Pour apple cider into large pot. Insert 6 cloves into each apple. Add apples and cinnamon sticks to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and barely simmer over very low heat 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.) Ladle hot cider punch into mugs. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve. Add rum to taste.
1 gallon apple cider
12 whole cloves
2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Rome Beauty), peeled, left whole
2 cinnamon sticks
Ground nutmeg
Rum
Pour apple cider into large pot. Insert 6 cloves into each apple. Add apples and cinnamon sticks to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and barely simmer over very low heat 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.) Ladle hot cider punch into mugs. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve. Add rum to taste.
