Homemade Apple Cider

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"Local apples were on sale at the grocery store and there's a slight chill in the air so I am making homemade hot apple cider (recipe in the archives)!!! Apples, whole spices, brown sugar, and water is all you need, plus a heck of a lot of patience while it cooks for two hours. The smell is just unreal and is better than any candle you could ever have. I can't wait!"
-- @meganleevoigt
Ingredients:
 
10 large apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.
1 L water
1 vanilla bean
3 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
 
 
Quarter the apples and removes the core and stems. Place into a large pot and add the water, vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sweeteners if desired. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 30 minutes. 
 
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so.
 
Turn off the heat and let cool. Remove the spices and vanilla bean. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the apple mix until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Recipe