Ingredients

• 11  cups apple cider or apple juice
• 1  16-ounce package frozen, unsweetened, pitted tart red cherries
• 1  cup cherry or apple brandy (optional)
• 1/4  cup honey or packed brown sugar
• 6  inches stick cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon whole cloves
•   Cinnamon sticks (optional)
• 2  medium apples, cut into wedges (optional)

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven combine the apple cider or juice, cherries, cherry or apple brandy (if desired), honey or brown sugar, the 6 inches stick cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve lined with 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth.

2. To serve, pour the cider into heatproof glasses or cups. If desired, garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and an apple wedge. Makes about 12 (8-ounce) servings.