Ingredients

• 8  cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2  tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 4  inches stick cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon whole allspice
• 1  teaspoon whole cloves
•   Peel from 1 lemon, cut into strips
• 2  tablespoons butter
•   Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

1. Combine cider and brown sugar in a large saucepan. For a spice bag, tie cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and lemon peel in a 6-inch square of 100 percent cotton cheesecloth. Add spice bag to cider mixture. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and discard spice bag.

2. Top each serving with 1/2 teaspoon butter and serve with a cinnamon stick stirrer, if desired. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: After discarding spice bag, chill cider and reheat to serve. Or, keep prepared cider warm in a crockery cooker on low-heat setting.