Toast to the cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and shorter days with a comforting glass of hot cider.  Growing up, we did this every year to inaugurate the changing seasons but it’s also a delicious brew for the holidays and it’s simple to make.  Add these ingredients to your shopping list:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 quarts cider
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 inch stick cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• cinnamon sticks for each cup, optional

Mix spices in a tea ball.  Combine the brown sugar, salt, and cinder in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium low heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.  Finish it off by placing a stick of cinnamon in each cup.  Cheers!