Spicy Apple Tea

Ideal for a chilly spring morning, this comforting beverage is one of my slow-cooker staples.

—KAREN LARA KAMLOOPS, BC



PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 2 HOURS • MAKES: 21 SERVINGS (3/4 CUP EACH)


2 quarts water

2 quarts unsweetened apple juice

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 individual black tea bags

4 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot

1 tablespoon whole allspice

1 tablespoon whole cloves

1. In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine the water, apple juice, brown sugar and tea bags. Place the cinnamon sticks, ginger, allspice and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Place in slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Discard tea bags and spice bag. Serve warm in mugs.