This is a great drink to have waiting for you when you come home with your Christmas tree. It appeals to everyone in the gathering, young and old, and can be easily “decorated” with personal favorites, just like the tree!
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Two 32-ounce cartons apple cider
2 oranges, cut into eighths, peel on
2 lemons, cut into thin slices
4 cinnamon sticks
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups fresh apples, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh cranberries
2 cups fresh pears, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
1. Pour cider into slow cooker. Add orange and lemon pieces, and stir. Add cinnamon sticks. Cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.
2. While cider brews, in a small bowl combine softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined, and put in the refrigerator to harden.
3. When ready to serve, remove orange pieces, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks. Ladle into mugs, and let everyone gathered add desired fruits. Top with a small spoonful of cinnamon-sugar butter, and stir.