Vanilla Lemon Apple Cider

Vanilla Lemon Apple Cider
Recipe by Dragon

The smell of this vanilla lemon apple cider will make your head spin. It is Christmas in a cup and it's absolutely delicious. I wish someone would capture this scent and make a perfume. Hmmm, maybe I'm on to something. Enjoy!

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:
8 cups apple cider
1/4 cup brandy (optional)
4 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
10 whole peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
5 cloves
5 cardomon pods, crushed
1/2 lemon, quartered
1/4 cup honey
1 vanilla bean
Lemon slices and cinnamon sticks to garnish

Directions:

1. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, combine apple cider, brandy, cinnamon sticks, star anise, peppercorns, nutmeg, cloves, cardomon pods, lemon and honey.

2. Split the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the bean to the apple cider mixture.

3. Bring the cider to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the apple cider and keep it warm.

4. Serve immediately with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick.