Cardamom Pear Cider
Serves 8 // Ingredients
10 bosc pears1/2 cup honey, or sweetener of choice10 cardamom pods, crushed3 cinnamon sticks2 star anise2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced1 vanilla pod, sliced lengthwise1 teaspoon whole cloves1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
Method:
Wash then cut pears in half, remove core and seeds. Stems and peel ok.
In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients and fill with water until just covered.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour uncovered.
The pears should be very soft and starting to turn to a pulp, but mash if needed. Continue simmering for 1 more hour.
At this stage, the cider should be a lovely amber color with a sweet and spicy flavor. Add more sweetener to taste or more water if too concentrated.
Strain cider through fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth. Repeat if desired. Some sediment adds body. Discard pulp and spices.
Serve hot with cinnamon sticks and fresh pear slices.
Apple Cider
Serves 8 // Ingredients
10 apples, we used Pink Ladies2 whole oranges, sliced1/2 cup honey, or sweetener of choice3 cinnamon sticks2 star anise2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced1 vanilla pod, sliced lengthwise1 teaspoon whole cloves1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
Method:
Wash and core the apples, then roughly chop.
In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients and fill with water until just covered.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to a gentle boil and cook for 1 hour uncovered.
Apples are hardy, and take a while to break down. Cover with lid, and continue simmering for 2 more hours.
At this stage, the cider should be turning a lovely amber color with a sweet and spicy flavor. Add more sweetener to taste or more water if too concentrated.
Strain cider through fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth. Repeat if desired. Some sediment adds body. Discard fruit pulp and spices.
Serve hot with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple or orange slices.
