Chai Cider

Read this recipe and had to make it!  When my youngest asked to go apple picking I was excited to go so that I could get the green, tart apples and the apple cider needed to make this recipe.  Then I needed to find some friends to drink it and I did just that Saturday night.  Chai Cider is a keeper for cool fall evenings and parties.
 

Chai Cider
from Masala Farm by Suvir Saran
 
Printable Version
 
1-2 small or medium Pippin or Granny Smith Apple
2 quarts apple cider or apple juice
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ t ground ginger
1-2 small or medium Oranges
2 Cinnamon sticks
1 t whole cloves
½ black peppercorns
2 Darjeeling tea bags or Trader Joe’s Ruby Red Chai tea bags
Fresh Cranberries or Craisins (optional)
 
Thinly slice apples and cut crosswise into bite size pieces.
 
Combine cider, brown sugar, ginger, apples, and oranges in a slow cooker.  Wrap cinnamon sticks, cloves, and peppercorns in a cheese cloth.  Tie to prevent from opening.  Add the cheese cloth package to the slow cooker.  Cook on low for 2 ½ - 3 hours until apples are tender.
 
Add tea bags and Craisins.  Steep tea bags for 10 minutes.  Remove tea bags and cheese cloth package.  Serve and Enjoy!
 
Note: The original recipe also suggests kumquats to be added with the apples and oranges.