Spiced Cherry Punch

An ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate is added to 7 ounces of water to make a cup of cherry juice. The apple and orange juices in Spiced Cherry Punch add natural sweetness, but you can also stir in some sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter punch.

Serves 14

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (2 quarts) apple cider or apple juice
• ½ cup tart cherry juice concentrate
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons whole allspice berries
• 1 ½ teaspoons whole cloves
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• Optional: 1 tablespoon aromatic bitters
• Optional: Cinnamon sticks for garnish
• Optional: Dark rum or other adult beverage

1. Add the apple cider or apple juice, tart cherry juice concentrate, water, and orange juice to a 4-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the allspice berries and whole cloves to a muslin spice bag or a piece of cheesecloth that has been rinsed and wrung dry; secure with a piece of kitchen twine and add to the juices in the cooker.
3. Add the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the aromatic bitters if using. Cover and cook until very hot but not boiling, or 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
4. Remove the spices in the muslin bag or cheesecloth and cinnamon sticks from the cooker. The punch can be kept at serving temperature by setting the slow cooker on low, keeping in mind that the flavors will become more concentrated the longer the punch is uncovered and on the heat. Serve in punch glasses or mugs garnished with cinnamon sticks if desired. Have dark rum or other adult beverage available for those who wish to add it to the punch.

Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

Tart cherry juice concentrate is available at most natural food stores or online through Michigan producers like Brownwood Acres Foods, Inc. (www.brownwoodacres.com) and King Orchards (www.mi-cherries.com).