Okay, so you went out for a run on a cold, rainy day. Got your miles in and you are back home and looking for something warm, without any additives or added sugar? Homemade apple cider to the rescue! I made this for the Thanksgiving cookout a few days ago and made it again on a work day. If you’ve got a crockpot, this is less than 10 minutes of prep time and you can leave it simmering most of the day.

Homemade Apple Cider

Here’s the short list of ingredients. Fuji or Honey Crisp apples work best for this recipe:

• 6 medium-sized Honey Crisp apples
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 1 tsp powdered cardamom
• 1/2 tsp of ground pepper (optional)

Slice the apples into wedges and then cut them in half. In a large pot, drop the apples in, fully immerse in water, add all of the spices and bring to a boil. Transfer all of it to a crockpot and slow cook for 4 to 5 hours. Serve warm. If it’s not sweet enough, add a splash of Agave nectar. Optionally you can strain the apple cider through a cheesecloth. Don’t want to waste the apples? Use them when you make oatmeal for breakfast the next day.

Have you made homemade apple cider? What recipe do you use?