Holiday Grog

This is one of the most delicious beverages for cold weather and the holidays found on the Internet! You can keep it on a pot on the back of the stove for ladling out - or use a crock pot to keep it warm for parties or throughout the day. Leave out the alcohol if you want a non-alcoholic beverage. The added bonus is that it will fill your house with a wonderful holiday fragrance!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider or apple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dark rum (like Meyers)
• 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
• 2 teaspoons Grand Marnier or Cointreau
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• salt to taste (a pinch or so is all that is needed to bring out the flavors)
• 1 orange, sliced thin
• 1/2 lemon, sliced thin
• Garnish (whipped cream and nutmeg if desired)

Directions:

• In a non-reactive pot (stainless steel, ceramic or enamel-coated metal) bring the cider just to a boil; immediately reduce heat, add the brown sugar and cook, stirring, over low heat until the sugar is dissolved without boiling.
• Remove from heat; add all remaining ingredients
• Float sliced orange and lemon on top. Allow flavors to infuse for a half hour ro more, if time is available. May be made ahead and allowed to stand a cool room temperature fo rup to four hours. Refrigerate for longer storage.
• To serve, reheat the grog (if it has cooled) over low heat and keep warm for serving, but do NOT allow the grog to boil.
• Ladle hot grog into cups or mugs. Garnish with whipped cream or nutmeg if desired.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

Source: http://HomeChef.blogspot.com

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