Spiced Apple Cider

Preparation

1. Use a juicer to juice all the apples and set aside.
2. Toast cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg lightly (over low heat) in a non-stick pan for 1 minute to bring out the fragrance of the spices.
2. Pour the freshly squeezed apple juice in the pan and turn up the heat to medium.
3. At boiling point, stir in brown sugar and reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Let simmer for a good 30 minutes and squeeze in juice of half a lemon right before turning off the heat.
5. Strain the cider through a sieve and serve it immediately (or let it cool before adding ice).
6. For the alcoholic version, just add 1½ shots of vodka to every glass.

Easy steps to make fancy apple cups to amuse your guests! I choose Washington apples (Red Delicious) for its gleaming red (think Snow White) and narrower bodies.

1. Slice off the top of the apple and scoop out the apple cores using a melon baller, leaving at least 1/4 inch of apple on the sides, and 1/2 inch on the bottom.
2. Slice a sliver off the bottom of each apple so that they sit up straight and don’t wobble.
3. Rub lemon juice over the apple flesh to prevent it from browning.
4. Pour in warm or chilled spiced apple cider to fill each cup and serve immediately.