Friday, October 28, 2011

Hot Caramel Apple Spiced Cider

Hot spiced cider has always been an Autumnal favorite of the Kitchen Witch. When I was a kid we used those apple cider packets, tasty yes, but really, how hard is it to heat up cider and spice it?? Turns out not hard at all!! And its SO much better than the packets. The flavor of cider really shines when its heated, the crisp apple just begs for some cinnamon to compliment it.

Nothing goes better with the fresh fall flavor of apple then sweet buttery caramel. I made a batch of my favorite caramels, salted of course, and dipped a few apples into it. Oh boy were those good!! It seemed only natural to add some of that luscious caramel to the hot cider, allowing it to melt into the drink, adding a different layer of sweet, salty and rich to the mix. You can use store bought caramels if you don't want to make your own, but I promise, its a lot easier than you think and oh so much tastier! Caramel sauce (like for ice cream) would work in a pinch, too.

Finally I topped off each mug with a splash of heavy cream. You could use whipped cream instead, but honestly, I was too lazy to whip up the cream when it was going to just melt into the drink anyway. Whip the cream or not, the choice is yours. Regardless, you'll be very happy with the resulting drink, sweet, tart, salty and creamy. Hot Caramel Apple Spiced Cider is the perfect ending to a busy fall day! Enjoy!

Hot Caramel Apple Spiced Cider
makes 4 servings
4 cups apple cider
1 t cinnamon
1/4 c heavy cream
4 pieces of caramel (homemade is AWESOME but store bought will work too)

In a microwave safe bowl OR a sauce pan heat the cider and cinnamon until it simmers. Add caramels and stir until they melt into the drink. If you're in a hurry you can microwave the caramels until they just start to melt before adding to the hot cider. Once caramels are melted ladle hot cider into your favorite mugs and top with cream, whipped or not.

Isn't that Witch awesome?? She was the cake topper on my 6th birthday cake. I love her!

Nutrition Facts calculated by SparkPeople Recipe Calculator
Amount Per Serving
Calories 165.8
Total Fat 3.6 g
Saturated Fat 2.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.9 g
Cholesterol 10.9 mg
Sodium 27.7 mg
Potassium 30.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 8.4 g
Dietary Fiber 0.4 g
Sugars 6.6 g
Protein 0.6 g

15 comments:

Alicia Foodycat said...

This sounds divine! I really love hot spiced cider but it never occurred to me to add cream. And why not, since apple pie with cream is the best thing in the world!

Kat said...

Apple cider with cream. Yummy!

Lea Ann said...

With cream? This sounds fabulous! Have to try this soon.

Yenta Mary said...

This is my nightly treat - I adore it! Of course, I'm extra lazy and microwave the cider, spoon in some Smucker's caramel sauce, and spritz it with a can of whipped cream ... not the fabulous treat you offered, but as close as I'm going to get anytime soon ... :)

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

awesome photo
its my favorite holiday, bet its your too?

Unknown said...

Apple cider is so very good.. but the addition of the caramels AND heavy cream... oh yea, this is da bomb, I just know it!!

(P.S... happy birthday!!!)

Laurie {Simply Scratch} said...

I love hot apple cider, but the fact you added caramel... holy deliciousness! I'm trying this in the morning! Printing your salted caramel recipe now!

Erin said...

Oh this sounds delicious! Who doesn't love caramel and apple together, plus it is in a drink!
Send me your email address
dinnersdishesanddesserts at gmail dot com and I will send you an Pinterest invite!

Tonya said...

I'm have an autumn open house in two weeks. This will most definitely be served. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Love this Andrea! I would love a mug of this right now!!! I love how it smells too, you're right...perfect way to end the day! Love the witch too, she's super cool!

Lorraine said...

I love warm apple cider. Adding caramel sounds like a great idea:)

Miss Meat and Potatoes said...

That is a genius twist on apple cider. And I adore your witchie cake topper. Too cute! I mean horrid;)

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

I must make this RIGHT.THIS.SECOND!!!!

Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Unknown said...

Yum! I would love a cup of this right now to chase away the chill in the air. Pinned this to try soon.

Sam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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