Something about not having the specter of back to school on Monday hanging over my head made me more productive, I guess. Or maybe it's just that prepping everything for a seamless week at school takes so much time that I don't seem to get much else done.
So, this week I am on vacation!!! An entire week! I can't just completely ignore schoolwork, of course, but I am definitely spacing it out with other activities so that it isn't overwhelming. Last night Melissa and her crew came over and we sat by the fire and crocheted and chatted, and had mulled wine and cider. She is going to post later this week about all the work she got done this weekend, and has promised pictures. Her short scarves are adorable, and wait 'til you see the fingerless gloves!
In the meantime, here's a recipe for mulled cider that was a big hit with the younger crew:
Mulled Cider
2 quarts apple cider
1/2 c brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamom
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 whole orange
1 whole apple
Wash fruit and slice. Pour apple cider into a large pot. Add brown sugar, spices and fruit, squeezing juice from the orange into the pot before placing the orange slices in. Heat just to boiling and then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve warm - you may need to turn the cider off for several minutes to allow it to cool before serving.
I made the mulled wine with the exact same recipe, substituting wine for the cider. I let the wine boil for a minute or so (by accident) but the taste was fine. This probably reduced the alcohol content somewhat but, to me, that would be a good thing. Both made great drinks for a cold evening!
My teenagers loved the cider - they gave it two thumbs up and said it's definitely a drink they'd like to have again. Even the picky eater loved it. Success! Have a great Monday, everybody!
Terri
5 comments:
Hi Terri, I'm the lucky winner of Melissa's hat giveaway. After reading thru her blog over the weekend, I found your blog. I loved your post today. I love cooking with soup and appreciate the link and also thanks for your recipe. I love your blog and will be back. Stay tuned to see my in my beautiful new hat!
Mildred,
Thanks so much for stopping in! I have seen your beautiful hat - at least, part of it :) Melissa and I live on two adjoining plots of land that make up the same farm - we joke that Clay Hill (my house) is a "tiny division of Thistledew" - which is the name of the combined farm.
Melissa does fabulous work and I have hat envy already based on the partially finished hat I've seen - I really hope you like it as much as I do!
Terri
Terri, thanks so much for visiting me and following my blog. I am adding you as one of my favs so I can get updates on your posts as well. I'm envious that you have gotten a sneak peak at the hat! Your blog is great - I am reading past posts on each of my favorites to become better acquainted with everyone. Hope you and your family are having a good week!
I hope you have a wonderful restful vacation, Terri. Everybody could use a break now and again. Thank you for the cider recipe too. It sounds delicious. :)
Oh, that sounds delicious ... just the thing for a cold night, too ;)
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