We makes gallons of Apple Cider every fall for 2 reasons:
- We have tons of apples and this is a great way to use them, no matter what kind they are. Actually, I think mixing different kinds of apples makes the best cider.
- Because we LOVE it! On cold fall and winter nights, curling up with a mug of hot cider with a cinnamon stick, in front of the fire with your family, is the absolute best. There’s just something about that warm cinnamon smell that makes for great memories.
Below you will find 2 recipes; one using a juicer and one using a crock-pot. I love using our juicer, but I think any way you get to a hot cup of cider is a good way! I like my cider to have some natural cloudiness and pulp. If you do not want any pulp, strain juice through a few layers of cheesecloth. Also, most apples are so crisp and refreshing that you likely will not need to add any sugar. If you are using lots of green apples you may choose to add a couple spoons of brown sugar while heating.
Homemade Apple Cider- using a juicer
Ingredients
- Apples (1- 5 gallon bucket makes roughly 2 gallons of cider)
- Brown Sugar to taste (I only add this if the apples were all very tart)
- Cinnamon Sticks
Directions
- Wash and cut up apples into slices that will fit into your juicer.
- Juice all apple pieces (I even juice the cores). Put juice in a large stainless steel pot on the stove. Skim off any “foam” from juicing.
- Add cinnamon sticks and heat, but do not boil, for approximately 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Taste. Add a little bit of brown sugar, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Directions for Canning
- Prepare waterbath canner and sanitize jars.
- Pour hot cider into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Add 1-2 cinnamon sticks to jar, if desired.
- Process pints and quarts for 5 minutes and half gallons for 10 minutes.
* I use this Hurom Juicer from about 6 years ago. It was definitely a bit of an investment, but I love it. I’m sure they have newer, better models by now though!
Homemade Apple Cider- using a Crockpot
– This recipe is from totsfamily.com- click for more pictures.
Ingredients
- 8-10 apples (I prefer gala for the earthier taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 5 cinnamon sticks, or more if you prefer a stronger taste of cinnamon!
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 whole allspice or 1 tsp ground allspice
- 10 cups of water
Directions
- Cut your apples into quarters. Don’t bother removing the seeds as you will be straining it out later on.
- Place apples, spices, sugar and water into the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours use an immersion blender or a potato masher to mash the apples as much as you can. Again, don’t worry about the apple pieces floating around as you will be straining it out.
- Cook for another 1-3 hours or until desired flavor has been reached. I prefer the longer wait as the flavor comes out so much more.
- Strain the liquids with a strainer covered with cheese cloth to remove any fine apple pieces.
- Finally, place in air tight container in fridge for up to one week or you can freeze to keep and use at a later date.
